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Arsenal-Man Utd Rivalry Rekindled
The storied rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United, which dominated English football in the late ’90s and early ’00s, saw another intense chapter unfold in February 2005. This was just months after Manchester United halted Arsenal’s 49-match unbeaten streak, setting the stage for a fiery encounter at Highbury.
The Highbury Confrontation
Former French international Patrick Vieira has shed light on the heated exchange that took place in the tunnel before a highly anticipated match against Manchester United. Vieira, known for his combative style on the pitch, confronted Gary Neville with a stern warning not to target Arsenal’s players, sparking a reaction from United’s captain Roy Keane.
Revelations on The Overlap
The incident was revisited on this week’s episode of The Overlap, where Vieira, Keane, and Neville recounted the events. Neville recalled hearing Vieira’s shouts as he headed back up the tunnel, which led to a direct confrontation between Keane and Vieira, with the Irishman stepping up to defend his teammate.
Vieira’s Strategy and Keane’s Response
Vieira admitted the confrontation was a deliberate tactic to protect his teammate Robert Pires from Neville’s aggressive defending. The Arsenal legend humorously suggested that Manchester United’s influence extended to the referees, allowing them to play by their own rules. Keane, agitated by Vieira’s approach to Neville, confronted the Frenchman before the match, with referee Graham Poll intervening to defuse the situation.
The Match Aftermath
The game itself was a rollercoaster, with Vieira scoring early but United responding through Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, and a late John O’Shea goal to secure a 4-2 victory for the Red Devils. Despite the win, neither team would clinch the Premier League title that season, as Chelsea, led by Jose Mourinho, emerged as champions.
Legacy of a Fierce Rivalry
The Vieira-Keane tunnel clash remains one of the most memorable moments of a rivalry that defined an era of the Premier League. Their candid recollections provide a fascinating glimpse into the competitive spirit and mind games that fueled their legendary confrontations.
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