Ferguson Retires and Wenger Chases - The 2001-02 Premier League Title

Three titles in a row. A manager preparing to walk away. And an Arsenal side determined to end Manchester United's dominance.

In this episode of The Games That Decided the Season, we return to 2001/02, as Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United chase an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title — but with uncertainty hanging over Old Trafford following his announcement that he intends to retire.

With United distracted and struggling for consistency, Arsène Wenger senses his opportunity. Arsenal are building something special, with Thierry Henry, Robert Pirès, Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp spearheading a serious challenge. But they're not alone, as Gérard Houllier's Liverpool emerge as genuine contenders in a fascinating three-way title race.

We revisit United's extraordinary defensive problems, Ferguson's dramatic retirement U-turn and the key games that shifted the balance of power — culminating in Arsenal's famous victory at Old Trafford, where Sylvain Wiltord's goal secured the championship on their greatest rivals' own ground.

Was Ferguson's retirement announcement the beginning of United's downfall? Could Liverpool have broken the duopoly? And which game really decided the 2001/02 Premier League title?

This is The Final Countdown — football history and nostalgia, as we look back at the games where an entire season changed.