The 2000-01 campaign for Arsenal was a season of attacking brilliance and agonizing near-misses, ultimately seeing The Gunners finish a competitive second in the Premier League behind rivals Manchester United. Spearheading the charge was the sensational Thierry Henry, whose 17 league goals included his spectacular, iconic flick-and-volley winner against the champions. The team, featuring the legendary Dennis Bergkamp alongside new French stars Robert Pirès and Sylvain Wiltord, enjoyed a deep European run to the UEFA Champions League Quarter-finals but suffered heartbreak in the FA Cup Final, losing 2-1 to Liverpool after conceding two late goals to Michael Owen. It was a memorable but frustrating year that secured their status as perennial title challengers under Arsène Wenger.