THE BATTLE OF BUFFET

 

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The Battle of Buffet is the name of Premier League game played between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford, Manchester, on October 24, 2004.

Arsenal were the defending Premier League Champions and were unbeaten for 49 premier league games [An English Footballing Record]. On the other hand Manchester United were struggling in the Premier League. However when the two sides met at Old Trafford the equations completely changed.

Arsenal dominated the first half of the game. But, in the second half Manchester United looked more threatening. In the 73^rd minute of the game Wayne Rooney was fouled by Arsenal defender Sol Campbell which resulted in a penalty.

Ruud van Nistelrooy converted the penalty and the hosts were 1-0 up. Eventually in the 93^rd minute of the game Wayne Rooney doubled the lead and the game ended at 2-0. The Invincibles were defeated. The 49 match unbeaten streak was broken.

However many felt that Rooney had dived and the penalty should not have been given. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger criticized the referee for his performance and even said Ruud van Nistelrooy a cheat.

Arsene Wenger was fined 15,000 pounds for his misconduct. Whereas Ruud Van Nistelrooy was retroactively banned for three matches, for a challenge on Ashley Cole that was missed by Riley.

Furthermore in the tunnel after the match, tempers boiled over between the staff of both the clubs. The brawl ultimately resulted in a throwing of a slice of pizza at Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, by Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fàbregas. 

Now we all know why this game is called as the Battle of Buffet.