The noughties has been one of the most significant decades in Arsenal s history. It ushered in a new home, it saw the Invincibles conquer all, and it brought Arsenal their first ever Champions League final. Jem Maidment looks back on an eventful ten years

The noughties has been one of the most significant decades in Arsenal's history. It ushered in a new home, it saw the Invincibles conquer all, and it brought Arsenal their first ever Champions League final.

Jem Maidment looks back on an eventful ten years.

2001:

A humbling 6-1 defeat at Manchester United in February ended interest in the title. A month later the club was in mourning after legend David Rocastle lost his battle with cancer, aged 33.

The Gunners, in front of an emotional Highbury crowd, responded with a 2-0 win over Tottenham, and beat their north London rivals eight days later 2-1 at Old Trafford in the FA Cup semi final.

In the Champions League, Arsenal drew 2-2 on aggregate with Valencia in an even quarter final but crashed out on away goals. It was harsh on the Gunners who had excelled in the home leg, which finished 2-1, but John Carew's solitary goal in the return was enough to send the Spanish through.

Arsenal dominated the FA Cup final against Liverpool, taking the lead through Fredrik Ljungberg, but Michael Owen's late double sent the cup to Merseyside.

"We missed so many chances," moaned Thierry Henry.

In the summer, Spurs skipper Sol Campbell arrived on a free. "I felt this was the place to be," he smiled. Meanwhile, Arsenal retained the FA Youth Cup, 6-3 aggregate winners over Blackburn.