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Invincible: Inside Arsenal's Unbeaten 2003-2004 Season
A gripping insider's account of how Bergkamp, Henry, Vieira and Pires became the first team in 100 years to go the entire season undefeated.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2014
92 people are currently reading
1206 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lawrence
9 books21 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Amy Lawrence has watched football avidly since her first trip to Highbury at the age of six. She has written two acclaimed books about Arsenal, Proud to Say That Name and Invincible.
Amy Lawrence has watched football avidly since her first trip to Highbury at the age of six. She has written two acclaimed books about Arsenal, Proud to Say That Name and Invincible.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
July 4, 2015
I'm biased because I'm predisposed towards the subject matter but I can't help but feel that Amy Lawrence has crafted a wonderfully engrossing account of a legendary, record breaking year in English football and the attributes required to bring it to fruition.
Team building being such a buzz concept in the business world I'm sure the insight these world class athletes provide through their interviews with Lawrence could be invaluable to those wanting to put together motivational power point presentations at $250 per head.
It's wonderful to know that this is MY team, that MY recent memories are the envy of the world of sports fans, that MY connection wasn't all one way traffic and all of that makes this a special read for Arsenal fans but I feel like this story can exist as an example of all that can be GREAT and MAGICAL about sporting events and Lawrence has done it justice.
She throws you right in to the middle of a tense moment, the time it seemed most likely that the previously unimaginable feat of going an entire football league season undefeated would fail to materialise, a controversial event full of personalities who hate to lose, especially to each other, and she lets the key players tell the story in their own words. It's gripping stuff and these candid reflections are what the book is all about.
Invincible is filled with recollections that have the ability to cause uncontrollable laughter and the heart to race in excitement, and it is a celebration of something remarkable so why shouldn't it?
Team building being such a buzz concept in the business world I'm sure the insight these world class athletes provide through their interviews with Lawrence could be invaluable to those wanting to put together motivational power point presentations at $250 per head.
It's wonderful to know that this is MY team, that MY recent memories are the envy of the world of sports fans, that MY connection wasn't all one way traffic and all of that makes this a special read for Arsenal fans but I feel like this story can exist as an example of all that can be GREAT and MAGICAL about sporting events and Lawrence has done it justice.
She throws you right in to the middle of a tense moment, the time it seemed most likely that the previously unimaginable feat of going an entire football league season undefeated would fail to materialise, a controversial event full of personalities who hate to lose, especially to each other, and she lets the key players tell the story in their own words. It's gripping stuff and these candid reflections are what the book is all about.
Invincible is filled with recollections that have the ability to cause uncontrollable laughter and the heart to race in excitement, and it is a celebration of something remarkable so why shouldn't it?
February 25, 2016
This must have been a real labour of love for Amy Lawrence, journalist and like me a fan of the mighty Arsenal. I found it a joy to read - brilliantly written and compelling reading. Everyone behind the 2003/4 success contributes to the story. As well as bringing back happy memories I learnt so much from this.
A tear jerker in the happiest of senses, which I didn't want to end.
A tear jerker in the happiest of senses, which I didn't want to end.
October 6, 2020
"Please don't put your life in the hands of a rock 'n' roll band who'll throw it all away" cantavano gli Oasis ma l'assunto, ve lo posso garantire, è valido anche sostituendo al gruppo rock una squadra di calcio. Chiunque mi conosca almeno un po' sa perfettamente che oltre ai libri, il cinema e l'arte c'è un altro interesse fondamentale nella mia vita: una squadra di calcio. Si, undici uomini sudaticci che inseguono un pallone sono la mia fonte primaria di gioia, dolore, divertimento, frustrazione, felicità inesprimibile e tristezza profonda. L'Arsenal FC, squadra inglese che milita in Premier League, è da undici anni quella che mi piace definire come la mia "coperta di Linus", ci siamo incontrate per caso e da quella lontana estate del 2004 non ci siamo più lasciate, il libro di cui mi accingo a parlare però si concentra esclusivamente sulla stagione precedente alla mia prima da tifosa; ma la reputo ugualmente importante perché sono state le repliche in tv delle partite di quel campionato a farmi capitolare. La letteratura sull'Arsenal è vasta, si è scritto praticamente di tutto, ma testo fondamentale resta sempre e comunque Fever Pitch (Febbre a '90) di Nick Hornby (da cui hanno tratto anche un bel film con Colin Firth), tuttavia fermandosi ai primissimi anni novanta non si fa nessuna menzione alla rinascita del club sotto la guida di Arsène Wenger, manager francese che ormai guida la squadra da quasi vent'anni, e soprattutto alla meravigliosa stagione 2003-04 in cui il club è riuscito a vincere il campionato senza perdere nessuna delle trentotto partite. A colmare il gap, sebbene analizzando la vicenda da un punto di vista più sportivo che personale come accade nel romanzo di Hornby, ci ha pensato Amy Lawrence, giornalista sportiva che scrive per diversi quotidiani inglesi, che con il suo libro rende omaggio ad una grande squadra composta da grandi campioni e contemporaneamente analizza nel dettaglio come si è concretizzato questo grande successo.
Il titolo, Invincible cioè "Invincibile", fa riferimento al nickname che il team si è guadagnato al termine della stagione e con il quale sono entrati di diritto nella hall of fame del club e del calcio europeo in generale, tuttavia il libro non si lancia nel racconto asettico e cronologico della stagione 03-04, ma non disdegna scarti avanti e indietro nel tempo, evidenziando tutti quei passaggi che hanno consentito al club di costruire quella che può essere definita come la stagione perfetta. Dal campionato del 1989 vinto all'ultima giornata con un rocambolesco 2-1 sul campo dei diretti rivali del Liverpool da una squadra che ha mostrato una tenacia invidiabile, si passa alla rivoluzione stilistica operata da Wenger nel 1996, quando il boring Arsenal che vinceva sempre e solo per 1-0 ha lasciato il campo ad un gioco veloce, stilisticamente impeccabile e prodigo di gol. fino ad arrivare al racconto delle tappe fondamentali che hanno portato al trionfo degli invincibili.
Punto forte del libro non è solo l'evidente passione per i Gunners dell'autrice ma anche i ricordi , le sensazioni, le gioie e i dolori narrati direttamente dai protagonisti, dagli eroi che fecero l'impresa, la pluralità di voci consente di focalizzare l'attenzione su vari aspetti di quella stagione incredibile: il senso di solidarietà tra i compagni di squadra che emerge come elemento imprescindibile per raggiungere grandi risultati e che ancora unisce in un legame indissolubile i protagonisti di quella stagione, anche se molti di loro hanno ormai appeso gli scarpini al chiodo, l'impegno dentro e fuori dal campo, la quasi ossessiva concentrazione sui più minimi particolari, la paura di veder scivolare via tutto per una serie di banali errori e infine la gioia di conquistare il titolo sul campo degli odiati rivali del Tottenham e la definitiva consacrazione avvenuta in casa, nel mai dimenticato impianto di Highbury, contro il Leicester. Dai racconti dei veterani, come Martin Keown e Ray Parlour, destinati a giocare poco ma a fornire un importante contributo in termini di esperienza, si passa alle giovani stelle dell'Arsenal di quel periodo: Thierry Henry, che a tutt'oggi detiene il record di marcature del club, Gilberto Silva e Patrick Vieira, coloro che tenevano ben salde le chiavi del centrocampo, Robert Pires e Freddie Ljungberg, le due ali terribili sempre pronti a veloci scorribande nelle aree avversarie per imbeccare i compagni con splendidi cross precisi al millimetro, oppure Mr. Class Dennis Bergkamp, ogni suo tocco al pallone era praticamente una lezione di calcio, fino ad arrivare al recente passato del club con un sofferto cambio generazionale, presunte nuove legende che hanno tradito le aspettative (non solo sportivamente parlando) e lo spiraglio di una rinascita confermato dalla vittoria della FA Cup del 2014 dopo ben nove anni di digiuno (successo bissato l'anno successivo ma di cui nel libro non si parla perché dato alle stampe diverso tempo prima) e un doloroso trasloco dall'amato Highbury al modernissimo Emirates Stadium.
Ogni parola, ogni racconto, legati insieme dal commento sempre preciso della Lawrence, agisce come lente d'ingrandimento dando così la possibilità di approfondire la storia da più punti di vista e costruire un racconto corale che guadagna in profondità ed emozione, perché per quanto possa sembrare assurdo, anche se si parla di una palla che rotola da una parte all'altra di un rettangolo d'erba ciò che traspare con assoluta chiarezza sono i mille sacrifici, le difficoltà affrontate, la voglia di portare a conclusione qualcosa di grande, di fregiarsi non solo di un prestigioso titolo sportivo ma di farlo nel modo migliore e più stupefacente possibile, con le preoccupazioni e i dolori che solo le grandi imprese sportive sanno instillare negli uomini di sport e nei semplici tifosi. Inoltre ripercorrere la galleria di nomi di vere e proprie leggende del club non può che far sgorgare una lacrimuccia negli occhi di ogni Gooner che si rispetti, vecchio appassionato o nuovo che sia; ma oltre al lato più emozionale non si lesina certo in accurate descrizioni di partite, tecniche di allenamento e le svariate novità, anche in campo medico e nutrizionale, introdotte da Wenger e dalla dirigenza del club e che hanno permesso all'Arsenal di affermarsi non solo in Inghilterra ma anche a livello europeo come esempio di un bel gioco fluido e spettacolare.
È un libro che non nega niente, che esalta i meriti e non nasconde i difetti, gli sbagli, come una Champions League ingenuamente buttata via o certi cali di rendimento che hanno portato, ad esempio, ad un'eliminazione in semi-finale di FA Cup (la Coppa d'Inghilterra) ad opera dei rivali di sempre del Manchester United, coloro che solo un anno più tardi interromperanno la striscia strabiliante di partite giocate senza subire nessuna sconfitta all'ironico e quasi beffardo numero di 49, episodio che sembra simbolizzare al meglio l'anima e la storia di una squadra capace di realizzare imprese impossibili, rimonte assurde, per poi perdere tutto, o quasi, in pochi e deliranti momenti di follia; ma essere un tifoso dell'Arsenal probabilmente significa accettare insieme allo spettacolo e all'euforia anche cocenti delusioni, o, per chiosare il già citato Nick Hornby, scendere a patti con il fatto di "amare ciò che il resto del mondo considera fondamentalmente indegno d'amore". È lo stile Arsenal, nel bene e nel male, dentro e fuori dal campo, che viene sintetizzato alla perfezione dallo stesso manager Arsène Wenger nelle battute finali del libro:
Ovviamente Invincible deve essere considerato come un libro di settore, rivolto principalmente agli appassionati di calcio e soprattutto dell'Arsenal perché è difficile per chi non apprezzi il calcio o magari non abbia un'infarinatura sulla Premier League e, ancora meglio, sulla storia dell'Arsenal trovare godibile questo libro, ma è comunque possibile soddisfare quel lettore che non disdegni fare qualche ricerca per i fatti propri e che apprezzi le buone storie di sport, di quelle che coinvolgono e mostrano, nonostante i tantissimi detrattori e coloro che si prodigano per sottolinearne esclusivamente le storture, quanto il calcio possa significare per tutti gli appassionati di uno sport certamente capace di veicolare grandi e soprattutto sane emozioni.
MIA RECENSIONE: http://afoxamongthebooks.blogspot.it/...
Il titolo, Invincible cioè "Invincibile", fa riferimento al nickname che il team si è guadagnato al termine della stagione e con il quale sono entrati di diritto nella hall of fame del club e del calcio europeo in generale, tuttavia il libro non si lancia nel racconto asettico e cronologico della stagione 03-04, ma non disdegna scarti avanti e indietro nel tempo, evidenziando tutti quei passaggi che hanno consentito al club di costruire quella che può essere definita come la stagione perfetta. Dal campionato del 1989 vinto all'ultima giornata con un rocambolesco 2-1 sul campo dei diretti rivali del Liverpool da una squadra che ha mostrato una tenacia invidiabile, si passa alla rivoluzione stilistica operata da Wenger nel 1996, quando il boring Arsenal che vinceva sempre e solo per 1-0 ha lasciato il campo ad un gioco veloce, stilisticamente impeccabile e prodigo di gol. fino ad arrivare al racconto delle tappe fondamentali che hanno portato al trionfo degli invincibili.
Punto forte del libro non è solo l'evidente passione per i Gunners dell'autrice ma anche i ricordi , le sensazioni, le gioie e i dolori narrati direttamente dai protagonisti, dagli eroi che fecero l'impresa, la pluralità di voci consente di focalizzare l'attenzione su vari aspetti di quella stagione incredibile: il senso di solidarietà tra i compagni di squadra che emerge come elemento imprescindibile per raggiungere grandi risultati e che ancora unisce in un legame indissolubile i protagonisti di quella stagione, anche se molti di loro hanno ormai appeso gli scarpini al chiodo, l'impegno dentro e fuori dal campo, la quasi ossessiva concentrazione sui più minimi particolari, la paura di veder scivolare via tutto per una serie di banali errori e infine la gioia di conquistare il titolo sul campo degli odiati rivali del Tottenham e la definitiva consacrazione avvenuta in casa, nel mai dimenticato impianto di Highbury, contro il Leicester. Dai racconti dei veterani, come Martin Keown e Ray Parlour, destinati a giocare poco ma a fornire un importante contributo in termini di esperienza, si passa alle giovani stelle dell'Arsenal di quel periodo: Thierry Henry, che a tutt'oggi detiene il record di marcature del club, Gilberto Silva e Patrick Vieira, coloro che tenevano ben salde le chiavi del centrocampo, Robert Pires e Freddie Ljungberg, le due ali terribili sempre pronti a veloci scorribande nelle aree avversarie per imbeccare i compagni con splendidi cross precisi al millimetro, oppure Mr. Class Dennis Bergkamp, ogni suo tocco al pallone era praticamente una lezione di calcio, fino ad arrivare al recente passato del club con un sofferto cambio generazionale, presunte nuove legende che hanno tradito le aspettative (non solo sportivamente parlando) e lo spiraglio di una rinascita confermato dalla vittoria della FA Cup del 2014 dopo ben nove anni di digiuno (successo bissato l'anno successivo ma di cui nel libro non si parla perché dato alle stampe diverso tempo prima) e un doloroso trasloco dall'amato Highbury al modernissimo Emirates Stadium.
Ogni parola, ogni racconto, legati insieme dal commento sempre preciso della Lawrence, agisce come lente d'ingrandimento dando così la possibilità di approfondire la storia da più punti di vista e costruire un racconto corale che guadagna in profondità ed emozione, perché per quanto possa sembrare assurdo, anche se si parla di una palla che rotola da una parte all'altra di un rettangolo d'erba ciò che traspare con assoluta chiarezza sono i mille sacrifici, le difficoltà affrontate, la voglia di portare a conclusione qualcosa di grande, di fregiarsi non solo di un prestigioso titolo sportivo ma di farlo nel modo migliore e più stupefacente possibile, con le preoccupazioni e i dolori che solo le grandi imprese sportive sanno instillare negli uomini di sport e nei semplici tifosi. Inoltre ripercorrere la galleria di nomi di vere e proprie leggende del club non può che far sgorgare una lacrimuccia negli occhi di ogni Gooner che si rispetti, vecchio appassionato o nuovo che sia; ma oltre al lato più emozionale non si lesina certo in accurate descrizioni di partite, tecniche di allenamento e le svariate novità, anche in campo medico e nutrizionale, introdotte da Wenger e dalla dirigenza del club e che hanno permesso all'Arsenal di affermarsi non solo in Inghilterra ma anche a livello europeo come esempio di un bel gioco fluido e spettacolare.
È un libro che non nega niente, che esalta i meriti e non nasconde i difetti, gli sbagli, come una Champions League ingenuamente buttata via o certi cali di rendimento che hanno portato, ad esempio, ad un'eliminazione in semi-finale di FA Cup (la Coppa d'Inghilterra) ad opera dei rivali di sempre del Manchester United, coloro che solo un anno più tardi interromperanno la striscia strabiliante di partite giocate senza subire nessuna sconfitta all'ironico e quasi beffardo numero di 49, episodio che sembra simbolizzare al meglio l'anima e la storia di una squadra capace di realizzare imprese impossibili, rimonte assurde, per poi perdere tutto, o quasi, in pochi e deliranti momenti di follia; ma essere un tifoso dell'Arsenal probabilmente significa accettare insieme allo spettacolo e all'euforia anche cocenti delusioni, o, per chiosare il già citato Nick Hornby, scendere a patti con il fatto di "amare ciò che il resto del mondo considera fondamentalmente indegno d'amore". È lo stile Arsenal, nel bene e nel male, dentro e fuori dal campo, che viene sintetizzato alla perfezione dallo stesso manager Arsène Wenger nelle battute finali del libro:
"There is something special here that coincides with how I feel a football club shoudl behave. I still believe, even if we have frustrated our fans in recent years by not winning the Championship or the Champions League or the FA Cup, that somewhere people respect that deeply [...] It's about a trophy but also about history and values."
Ovviamente Invincible deve essere considerato come un libro di settore, rivolto principalmente agli appassionati di calcio e soprattutto dell'Arsenal perché è difficile per chi non apprezzi il calcio o magari non abbia un'infarinatura sulla Premier League e, ancora meglio, sulla storia dell'Arsenal trovare godibile questo libro, ma è comunque possibile soddisfare quel lettore che non disdegni fare qualche ricerca per i fatti propri e che apprezzi le buone storie di sport, di quelle che coinvolgono e mostrano, nonostante i tantissimi detrattori e coloro che si prodigano per sottolinearne esclusivamente le storture, quanto il calcio possa significare per tutti gli appassionati di uno sport certamente capace di veicolare grandi e soprattutto sane emozioni.
MIA RECENSIONE: http://afoxamongthebooks.blogspot.it/...
January 24, 2025
Felt like I relived the entire season, thank you Eddie 😁
April 7, 2020
Amy does a wonderful job capturing not only day-to-day interactions between players, Wenger, staff, and fans but the emotional (and sometimes ethereal) connection that the 2003-2004 Invincible season will have for every Arsenal fan. Having firsthand accounts of players’ perspective was incredibly insightful and gave a glimpse into their mentality through the ups and downs of this special season. This accomplishment was something special and this book does a respectful and thoroughly narration of the Invincibles: even if it is an escape of nostalgia during gloomy times, this was a fantastic read.
October 7, 2015
Thoroughly insightful and goes much beyond what happened on the 49 glorious match days. Full of anecdotes, interviews and news excerpts bringing out the emotional highs and lows the players and the manager underwent to make this happen. From the romanticism associated with Highbury to the rational move to the Emirates, Amy Lawrence has brought it all out really well. At times, highly reverential of Wenger and Arsenal, but that's expected of course!
November 12, 2014
Tremendous insight into a spectacular team that cannot be replicated. Their hunger for nothing but the best from each other is incredible. The only down side of this book is that it makes current iterations of Arsenal so much more unpalatable.
January 3, 2015
This was my guilty pleasure read for the Read Harder challenge. I loved this, it's about my favourite team and some of my favourite players. Reading it I think Amy Lawrence feels the same.
January 26, 2023
I will preface this by saying I don’t know yet if Arsenal FC will win the Premier League title yet. There’s so much season left to play but so far so good.
What I will say is, in my short time as a supporter (5 full seasons at the end of May), I’ve witnessed this club hit ‘rock bottom’ and respond by repositioning themselves to return to life amongst the giants of English Football.
As an experienced sports fan, I will say the best time to jump on a bandwagon is when there is no hope. 😉
To paraphrase an old cliche, you can’t understand the present and future unless you understand the past. For me, a large part of this process has been diving head first into the history of the club with the help of those who followed it the closest.
Thanks to podcasts, video clips on YouTube, documentaries on Netflix, and articles on various publications, I’ve been introduced to a great ‘guide’ in Amy Lawrence.
Amy, as a sports journalist and Arsenal superfan, has been an immeasurable ambassador to the beautiful sport through her coverage of our shared favorite team. With this work, she has told a wonderful story about one of the most impressive teams to have ever lined up to compete for sporting glory. Shout out to her and to The Arsenal. Ya Gunners Ya.
What I will say is, in my short time as a supporter (5 full seasons at the end of May), I’ve witnessed this club hit ‘rock bottom’ and respond by repositioning themselves to return to life amongst the giants of English Football.
As an experienced sports fan, I will say the best time to jump on a bandwagon is when there is no hope. 😉
To paraphrase an old cliche, you can’t understand the present and future unless you understand the past. For me, a large part of this process has been diving head first into the history of the club with the help of those who followed it the closest.
Thanks to podcasts, video clips on YouTube, documentaries on Netflix, and articles on various publications, I’ve been introduced to a great ‘guide’ in Amy Lawrence.
Amy, as a sports journalist and Arsenal superfan, has been an immeasurable ambassador to the beautiful sport through her coverage of our shared favorite team. With this work, she has told a wonderful story about one of the most impressive teams to have ever lined up to compete for sporting glory. Shout out to her and to The Arsenal. Ya Gunners Ya.
August 17, 2022
As a huge Arsenal hater, I was reluctant to pick up this book for a read. But as an avid football fan, I couldn't help it.
And boy was it justified.
This book serves as an incredible time capsule of the 2003/04 season. You read names and stories that are synonymous with that time that really brings you back. Amy Lawrence did a brilliant job at writing the many, many anecdotes that led to Arsenal going invincible. And by interviewing the entire first eleven of that side (plus some important bench players), I felt the full, genuine experience that must have been felt during Arsenal's legendary run to the title.
And boy was it justified.
This book serves as an incredible time capsule of the 2003/04 season. You read names and stories that are synonymous with that time that really brings you back. Amy Lawrence did a brilliant job at writing the many, many anecdotes that led to Arsenal going invincible. And by interviewing the entire first eleven of that side (plus some important bench players), I felt the full, genuine experience that must have been felt during Arsenal's legendary run to the title.
January 5, 2021
Unbeatable insight into the ultimate team mentality. A genuine pleasure to read.
April 25, 2024
I love this club and I loved this book
November 26, 2017
Despite being a Villa fan, I have read a lot about Arsenal and their recent greats, so do have a little emotional pull to the club. This was not just a book about The Invincibles, but an impressive collection of thoughts from most of the players in the famous side of 2003-4. Perhaps more suited for Arsenal fans than for a generic football fan due to its completely uncritical stance (assuming the 'Membership edition' I picked up only has a different cover), it has some rather simplistic comments about some of the wider issues, which is a shame for a serious journalist in Amy Lawrence.
The main strengths of this book are its structure and depth of first-hand accounts. Rather than list the games, Lawrence seems to have gathered as many interviews as possible on the subject, and fitted them into the book in the most appropriate way. First, a background to the side, followed by key points in the season and then the title run-in. Although written by a fan, the story itself is told through the Invincibles themselves, and only Ashley Cole and Henry are lacking in terms of major contributions. This lends credibility to the claims this was a close-knit side, as the story isn't driven by one or two players, even if most of the praise appears to be for their teammates' ability and strength and not their personalities. However the appreciation for the team's style and identity really comes through, and fits with the idea this was a special side, and not just a successful one.
The unbeaten element doesn't tell the whole story though, as this team lost in the FA Cup semi-final to Man Utd and in the Champions League to Chelsea, and as the team dropped points on 12 occasions in the league, three titles winners have scored more points in a season. Naturally, the book was going to focus on the league, but it is also about a great team, and the losses against Man Utd and Chelsea are largely excused and used in terms of motivation for the league, while an FA Cup tie against Portsmouth is presented as proof of how good the team is, which seems inconsistent. There is little in the way of critical analysis of why a team that was so good still ended up losing to English opposition at crunch times, although Wenger's mention of losing a bit of 'mental strength' in the last chapter hinted at why whilst inadvertently providing a comic touch.
More insight was gained from other figures at the club, from Pat Rice at Wenger's side to David Dein at board level and Nick Hornby and Alan Davies from the terraces, and Lawrence's use of her contacts book definitely added some nice touches, especially the sense that this Arsenal side was uniquely powerful. The decline afterwards is presented as inevitable due to the new stadium and new money in the Premier League, but again this absolves Wenger of criticism. Manchester United and Liverpool have both won the Champions League since 2004, and neither have had an oligarch funding their silverware. Conversely, Arsenal benefited from being one of the top teams when the Premier League started and there was an influx of money to English football, which has enabled them to outspend clubs other than United since 1990.
Provided you were following football in 2004, you will probably like this book as a piece of nostalgia for such an aesthetically pleasing side. Without her ties to Arsenal, the book would probably be lacking in emotion, however there is no doubt Lawrence is a fan, and Invincible is just too fawning in tone to be brilliant.
The main strengths of this book are its structure and depth of first-hand accounts. Rather than list the games, Lawrence seems to have gathered as many interviews as possible on the subject, and fitted them into the book in the most appropriate way. First, a background to the side, followed by key points in the season and then the title run-in. Although written by a fan, the story itself is told through the Invincibles themselves, and only Ashley Cole and Henry are lacking in terms of major contributions. This lends credibility to the claims this was a close-knit side, as the story isn't driven by one or two players, even if most of the praise appears to be for their teammates' ability and strength and not their personalities. However the appreciation for the team's style and identity really comes through, and fits with the idea this was a special side, and not just a successful one.
The unbeaten element doesn't tell the whole story though, as this team lost in the FA Cup semi-final to Man Utd and in the Champions League to Chelsea, and as the team dropped points on 12 occasions in the league, three titles winners have scored more points in a season. Naturally, the book was going to focus on the league, but it is also about a great team, and the losses against Man Utd and Chelsea are largely excused and used in terms of motivation for the league, while an FA Cup tie against Portsmouth is presented as proof of how good the team is, which seems inconsistent. There is little in the way of critical analysis of why a team that was so good still ended up losing to English opposition at crunch times, although Wenger's mention of losing a bit of 'mental strength' in the last chapter hinted at why whilst inadvertently providing a comic touch.
More insight was gained from other figures at the club, from Pat Rice at Wenger's side to David Dein at board level and Nick Hornby and Alan Davies from the terraces, and Lawrence's use of her contacts book definitely added some nice touches, especially the sense that this Arsenal side was uniquely powerful. The decline afterwards is presented as inevitable due to the new stadium and new money in the Premier League, but again this absolves Wenger of criticism. Manchester United and Liverpool have both won the Champions League since 2004, and neither have had an oligarch funding their silverware. Conversely, Arsenal benefited from being one of the top teams when the Premier League started and there was an influx of money to English football, which has enabled them to outspend clubs other than United since 1990.
Provided you were following football in 2004, you will probably like this book as a piece of nostalgia for such an aesthetically pleasing side. Without her ties to Arsenal, the book would probably be lacking in emotion, however there is no doubt Lawrence is a fan, and Invincible is just too fawning in tone to be brilliant.
November 2, 2016
Already over ten years ago... Crumbs! This is an easy to read sprint through the Invincibles season where Amy Lawrence has managed to get first hand input from most of those involved. It does have a whiff of a bygone age, foreshadowing the onrush of "new money" that started in May 2003 with Abramovich and sadly moved the goalposts probably forever. Memories that stand out are mixed - being in line with Wayne Bridge's shot and knowing it was heading in with no time left to knock us out of the CL; being furious with Lehman for losing it at Spurs in injury time at the very moment of triumph, through to inevitably Van Nistelrooy's penalty, the second half against Liverpool and the perfection of that last afternoon in the sunshine against Leicester. As a fan who was there for some of this live there's not much new here ( a few of the Wenger tales are particularly insightful though). There is that pang of disappointment and regret - that a unique team this good didn't win more and were all gone far too soon after. The real judge of the book really needs to be non-Arsenal fans. For us the height of that summit emphasises how far below that we have been in the decade since... But just maybe this year.....
June 30, 2019
Kanu was a bit part member of the Arsenal team that won the Premier League title undefeated. At the start of his career he won the Dutch league and the Champions League undefeated in 1994/95. This doesn't get mentioned in the book because it takes away from what fans of the Premier League generally, and Lawrence specifically in this case wants to believe, which is that what this team did was unprecedented. It wasn't. Many teams have won top flight domestic leagues undefeated and though the number of games may vary it's always a an incredible achievement. This doesn't take away from the great achievement of the Arsenal 2003/04 team but it highlights the mindset of exceptionalism that exists in the psyche of many in the UK. There are many examples of this mentality throughout and the book suffers for it.
February 18, 2015
This book is really only suited for Arsenal fans. It doesn't follow a chronological sequence through the season in question, and unless you have a good understanding of how that season went you could feel like you're missing out on parts of the story. For an Arsenal fan, it's an excellent retelling of the unbeaten season through the eyes of those involved, and delves into the Arsenal story both before and after 03/04 to give a more rounded view of the club and its position in football. At times a little to reverential to Arsenal and Arsene Wenger in particular, but still a thoroughly enjoyable read
February 10, 2018
Really more of a collection of interviews with the players and a couple of original match reports from the author--this means that a lot of the text is that rather bland brand of interviewese when the players say how wonderful it was to be part of that team, and how awesome their teammates were, and so forth. I don't want to suggest that they were being insincere, simply that what the writer really wanted to capture were inexpressable thoughts and feelings you'll never get unless you can quite literally get into their brain and their memories. Still, I enjoyed a nice meander through a great season (a lot better than the kind of seasons we are having nowadays!).
June 3, 2016
Lawrence's reverence for the subject matter is obvious, but in the context of this remarkable achievement it's a totally appropriate tone for this book. This is not a game by game break down, but rather a look at the relationships, personalities, philosophies, and talents that made it possible. She does highlight some key games and their importance to the eventual whole, but as a way of giving them perspective rather than simply capturing or reporting. Excellently written and a fascinating read.
January 25, 2016
Fun and quick read for a fan, but was missing any voices from opponents. Would have been good to hear Van Neistelroy or Roy Kean's take on the invincibles 10 years later.
Nearly all the main Gunners from the squad were interviewed (many said overlapping words of praise and cohesion ..."we're still a family" etc) ex Ashley Cole who refused to participate.
what is cole's issue with arsenal? more should have been explored.
all in all a decent read, and a nice complementary treat in the season ticket holder gift parcel (how I came across it).
Nearly all the main Gunners from the squad were interviewed (many said overlapping words of praise and cohesion ..."we're still a family" etc) ex Ashley Cole who refused to participate.
what is cole's issue with arsenal? more should have been explored.
all in all a decent read, and a nice complementary treat in the season ticket holder gift parcel (how I came across it).
June 7, 2016
Brilliant book and a must read for each and every Gooner to see the depth of Wenger's work for the club. But more importantly, it gives a good insight into the Invincible year, how it came into being, the relationship that those players still have with the club, despite now being thousands of miles away, and the groundwork laid down by the tag team of David Dein and Arsene Wenger to bring about what was a title challenge and a Championship for the ages.
Played 38, won 26, drawn 12, lost exactly none.
Invincible. We were Invincible.
Played 38, won 26, drawn 12, lost exactly none.
Invincible. We were Invincible.
April 15, 2017
Looking through the reviews, I add my name to the list of Arsenal fans who have warmly welcomed this account of the invincible season. Winning the league at White Hart Lane, the beautiful balance of defence, midfield and attack crafted by Wenger, before the creation of Chelsea (est. 2003) and Man City came and spoiled it all
January 3, 2019
Amy is a life long Arsenal fan (attending matches since the 70's with her fam) and a writer for the Observer and London's Guardian among others. Her style is clear and she is well informed. This story of Arsenal's unbeaten 2003-04 season is A great read for any Arsenal or football fan.
Played 38 - Won 26 - Drawn 12 - Lost exactly... none!
Played 38 - Won 26 - Drawn 12 - Lost exactly... none!
February 23, 2022
Very much enjoyable and great description. With that being said it’s also a bit to much description at time which can feel very repetitive and overly patriotic. The chronological order wasn’t great and I felt Amy may have skipped over the majority of the beginning of the season.
Very educational though and enjoyable.
Very educational though and enjoyable.
January 4, 2015
Must read for any Arsenal fan, but a brilliantly written book nevertheless and recommended for anyone who wants an insight into a team of 'winners'
January 28, 2015
Love the ARSENAL. Good read, though cant say there was much in the way of any unknown insights; but enjoyed reading.
February 5, 2016
A great read. It would have been great to hear more about the games themselves, but I really enjoyed the first-hand accounts from former players.
March 8, 2015
This was a great read recollecting the season where possibly the most eye pleasing team in the premiership won the championship. The team and it's multinational members were a great joy to behold.
February 26, 2015
nothing like living in the past.
June 10, 2015
كتاب حقيقي مافيه تكرار واراء كروية تقليدية معلبة،اراء اللاعبين مثيرة وجديدة ومن جوانب رائعة،الحقيقة ني تحمست اتابع ملخص الموسم التاريخي بعد قراءة الكتاب
November 3, 2015
What a wonderful book. Must read for every Arsenal fans and lovers of the beautiful game.
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