Tottenham Hotspur 2 Arsenal 2

Last updated : 27 April 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Arsenal were crowned Premiership champions after hanging on against bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a thrilling encounter at White Hart Lane.

First-half goals from Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires were enough to win the title and spark huge celebrations both on and off the pitch.

Jamie Redknapp and Robbie Keane pulled the goals back after the break for Spurs but David Pleat's side could not spoil the party.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: "I am very proud. I think we have improved every year and this season has been fantastic." The Gunners took the lead in just the third minute after a trademark lightning counter-attack.

Thierry Henry picked the ball up from a Tottenham corner and immediately turned defence into attack.

He fed Dennis Bergkamp down the left and the Dutchman in turn squared the ball for Patrick Vieira to slide home from eight yards.

It led to immediate cries of "champions, champions" from the away fans, who knew their side only needed a point to win the title after Chelsea went down at Newcastle.

Arsenal dominated from the start, enjoying the lion's share of the possession.

And it wasn't until the 20th minute that Tottenham had their first shot on goal - Redknapp's free-kick forcing a decent save from Jens Lehmann.

Mauricio Taricco then cut inside and whipped a fierce long-range drive just over the bar.

But - as has been the case all season - Arsenal were always capable of producing something extra.

After 35 minutes an intricate passing move saw Vieira turn provider as he cut the ball back for Pires to sweep in number two and effectively wrap up the championship.

Redknapp pulled one back with a terrific shot from 20 yards that had Lehmann well beaten.

And the same player nearly made them pay when his 25-yard free-kick looked to be going in only to be tipped over.

Freddie Kanoute also fluffed a chance when he failed to play the whistle. Pires then hit the bar before Keane struck a last-minute penalty after a needless push from Lehmann, but Arsenal hung on.

Arsenal's one remaining objective now is to create history and go the whole season unbeaten.

Wenger added: "We will try to keep it going until the end of the season. It is something fantastic that has never been done before and we are so close."