That
famous headline in a London newspaper welcomed the relatively unknown
Arsene Wenger when he was appointed Arsenal manager in September 1996.
Many players at the club had the same question on their lips when the
Frenchman walked into the dressing room for the first time.
A
little less than 18 years later, Wenger will take charge of his 1,000th
game as Arsenal manager when his team plays at bitter rival Chelsea on
Saturday. And despite the former Monaco coach inability to deliver a
trophy since 2005, Wenger's achievements in North London and his
influence on English football have been immense.
Not
only has Wenger presided over glory days at the club — Arsenal won
three Premier League and four FA Cup titles under Wenger, including the
double in 1998 and 2002 — he also achieved sporting and financial
stability at Arsenal.
The club's longest-serving manager is also
widely credited for having radically changed the face of English
football, bringing in new training methods and his famous broccoli diet
while discouraging alcohol consumption. First regarded as something
revolutionary, Wenger's attention to detail quickly became popular among
his players.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will present long-serving boss
Arsene Wenger with a special award to mark his 1,000th match in charge
of the Gunners.
Wenger, who took over the club in August 1996,
will reach that milestone at Stamford Bridge on Saturday but the club
will present him with the award tomorrow at their London Colney training
ground.
Full details of the presentation are being kept secret
but the presentation is taking place during training as it was felt the
Frenchman wouldn't want a fuss on the day of the game.
During his 18-year reign Wenger has won 572, drawn 235 and lost 192 of his 999 matches so far.
However, Wenger has never beaten Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, losing five and drawing five of the 10 matches against him.
Mourinho is still yet to lose a home League match as Chelsea boss, a mark that stands at 75 matches.
Arsenal
do have a good record at Stamford Bridge, though, their tally of seven
Premier League wins in west London is better than any other side.

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