Arsenal head into the return leg of their Champions League tie with Monaco as clear underdogs to advance after being defeated 3-1 at the Emirates back in February. As it stands Arsenal will travel to Monaco needing to score at least 3 goals and win by at least two. This feat, while not impossible, is certainly highly improbable. If Arsenal supporters are looking for a glimmer of hope prior to the match, then look no further than Arsenal’s top 5 comebacks under Arsene Wenger.
5. Arsenal vs. Middlesborough (5-3) 2004
The “Invincibles” were looking to make history when Middlesbrough visited Highbury early in the 2004-2005 season. Arsenal were attempting to equal Nottingham Forest’s record of 42 league matches unbeaten.
With the pressure of history weighing heavily, Arsenal found themselves down 3-1 early in the second half. But it was Arsenal’s talisman Dennis Bergkamp who started the revival. With the match hanging in the balance Arsenal produced an incredible 65th minute.
Both Robert Pires and Jose Antonio Reyes, scored just moments apart to give Arsenal the lead. Thierry Henry finished the scoring in the 90th minute to mark an incredible display and place Arsenal in the history books.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7Cxcuv4Tt4
4. Arsenal vs. Bolton (3-2) 2008
In the spring of 2008 Arsenal were desperately attempting to cling to their title challenge when they visited Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.
As the second half kicked off, Arsenal were not only down 2-0, but down to 10 men after Abu Diaby’s 1st half red card. As the rain lashed down, Arsenal stormed back to tie the match.
First, from a corner William Gallas stole in at the back post for Arsenal’s, followed by a Robin Van Persie penalty. Arsenal completed the comeback in the 90th minute when Cesc Fabregas’ effort caromed off of two Bolton defenders before finding its way into the net.
3. Arsenal vs. Hull City (3-2) 2014
The 2014 FA Cup Final started in the worst possible manner for Arsenal. With 10 minutes on the clock, Arsenal were already down 2-0. The Gunners were looking to win their first piece of silverware for 9 years and it was a stunning Santi Cazorla free kick which gave them hope.
Halfway through the second half Arsenal equalized. From a corner, Laurent Koscielny located a loose ball and bundled it home to tie the match at 2-2. Tensions remained high as the game went to extra time.
Arsenal were desperate to avoid penalties and it was not until the 2nd half of extra time that the Gunners were finally in the lead. A clever back heel from Oliver Giroud found Aaron Ramsey whose half-volley nestled in the bottom corner. Ramsey’s late goal ensured Arsenal would end their trophy drought in dramatic fashion.
2. Arsenal vs. Reading (7-5) 2012
Arsenal’s League Cup visit to Reading produced one of the most outrageous games in recent memory. After 35 minutes, Arsenal were behind by a staggering 4-0 score line. A Theo Walcott hat trick would eventually inspire the Gunners to victory. Walcott scored on the stroke of halftime to provide some hope, before Giroud was able to cut the deficient in half from a corner.
But as full time approached Arsenal still trailed by 2. In the 89th minute, Koscielny atoned for an earlier own goal with Arsenal’s 3rd, which set up a grandstand finale. Deep into stoppage time, Walcott rescued Arsenal with his 2nd of the match and forced extra time. Arsenal had the momentum and ran away from Reading in the extra time, scoring 3 goals.
1. Arsenal vs. Chelsea (3-2) 1999
Arsenal traveled to Stamford Bridge early in the 1999-2000 season. Goals either side of halftime provided the hosts with a comfortable 2 goal lead. Up until that point, Chelsea had not conceded a home league goal. As the 75th minute approached, Arsenal’s chances of gaining anything from the match looked bleak.
But Kanu answered Arsenal’s prayers with incredible hat trick in the last 15 minutes. He capped his remarkable performance with a stoppage time goal which will live long in the memory of Arsenal supporters.
The Nigerian side stepped Chelsea keeper Ed De Goey along the end line, which was followed by an audacious attempt that found the far post side netting. The goal provided a moment of pure ecstasy for the traveling Arsenal support and gave Arsenal an important away victory in a classic London Derby.
