View source for Battle of the Buffet

{{short description|Association football match}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2016}}
{{Infobox football match
| title              = Battle of the Buffet
| image              = [[File:Old Trafford.jpg|250px]]
| caption            = 
| event              = [[2004–05 FA Premier League]]
| team1              = [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]
| team1score         = 2
| team2              = [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]
| team2score         = 0

| details            = 
| date               = 24 October 2004
| stadium            = [[Old Trafford]]
| city               = [[Manchester]]
| referee            = [[Mike Riley (referee)|Mike Riley]] ([[West Riding County Football Association|West Yorkshire]])
| man_of_the_match1a = [[Rio Ferdinand]] (Manchester United)<ref name="motm">{{cite news |first1=Dominic |last1=Fifield |first2=Jon |last2=Brodkin |first3=Paul |last3=Kelso |title=Police could land Arsenal in the soup |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/oct/26/newsstory.sport7 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=26 October 2004 |access-date=3 July 2014}}</ref>
| attendance         = 67,862
| weather            = Light rain showers, Scattered clouds<br />{{convert|14|°C|°F}}<ref>{{cite web |title=History for Manchester, United Kingdom |url=http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/EGCC/2004/10/24/DailyHistory.html?req_city=NA&req_state=NA&req_statename=NA |publisher=[[Weather Underground (weather service)|Weather Underground]] |access-date=3 July 2014}}</ref>
}}
The "'''Battle of the Buffet'''", also known as "'''Pizzagate'''", is a name used by the British press to refer to a [[Premier League]] match played between [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] and [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] at [[Old Trafford]], Manchester, on 24 October 2004. Arsenal dictated much of the early play and created several openings, but as the game progressed Manchester United threatened. The home team were awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute, when [[Wayne Rooney]] was deemed to have been fouled by [[Sol Campbell]]. [[Ruud van Nistelrooy]] converted the penalty kick; Rooney also scored late in the game, making the score 2–0. The result ended [[The Invincibles (football)#Arsenal|Arsenal's record-breaking 49-match unbeaten run]]. Many Arsenal fans were disgruntled, for they believed Rooney had [[Diving (association football)|dived]] and the penalty should not have been given.

In the tunnel after the match, tempers boiled over between staff of both clubs, and amid the brawl, a slice of pizza was thrown at Manchester United manager [[Alex Ferguson|Sir Alex Ferguson]]. Former Arsenal midfielder [[Cesc Fàbregas]], then 17 years old, was reported to be the culprit, which he admitted in 2017. Arsenal manager [[Arsène Wenger]] was furious in his post-match briefing, criticising referee [[Mike Riley (referee)|Mike Riley]] for his performance and describing Van Nistelrooy as a cheat. His comments were investigated by [[The Football Association]], who later fined him [[Pound sterling|£]]15,000 for improper conduct. Van Nistelrooy was retroactively banned for three matches, for a challenge on [[Ashley Cole]] that was missed by Riley.

The result was pivotal in the league season and in the [[Arsenal F.C.–Manchester United F.C. rivalry|rivalry between the two clubs]]. Arsenal's form suffered as a result; having entered the match as league leaders, they found themselves five points behind [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] in December. Manchester United struggled for consistency and finished behind Arsenal in third. Both clubs later met each other in the [[EFL Cup|League Cup]] quarter-finals and the [[2005 FA Cup final|FA Cup final]]. Ferguson, following his retirement in 2013, said that he considered the "Battle of the Buffet" to be a watershed moment for Wenger, as it disorientated his management and put a strain on their relationship.

==Background==
{{see also|Arsenal F.C.–Manchester United F.C. rivalry}}

[[File:Arsene Wenger 2009.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Arsène Wenger in suit and tie|[[Arsène Wenger]] managed Arsenal to an unbeaten league season in 2003–04.]]

The appointment of [[Arsène Wenger]] as manager of [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] in 1996 brought about a successful period for the club. In Wenger's first full season, [[1997–98 Arsenal F.C. season|1997–98]], Arsenal won the [[Premier League]] and [[FA Cup]] to complete a [[Double (association football)|domestic double]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Arsenal at the double |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/94885.stm |work=BBC News |date=16 May 1998 |access-date=24 August 2014 }}</ref> Though the club failed to win another trophy in the next three seasons, they vied for domestic honours with [[Alex Ferguson|Sir Alex Ferguson]]'s [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]. Arsenal won their second double in [[2001–02 FA Premier League|2001–02]], before Manchester United regained the league the [[2002–03 FA Premier League|following season]].<ref>{{cite news |title=History, origins and list of past champions |url=http://www.premierleague.com/history |publisher=Premier League |access-date=5 July 2014 }}</ref> In [[2003–04 FA Premier League|2003–04]], Arsenal won the league without a single defeat – a record of 26 wins and 12 draws.<ref>{{cite news |first=Steven |last=Bloor |title=English football champions' title celebrations down the years: in pictures |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2015/may/04/english-football-champions-title-celebrations-down-the-years-in-pictures |work=theguardian.com |date=4 May 2015 |access-date=20 August 2015 }}</ref>

Meetings between Arsenal and Manchester United were considered the pinnacle of [[Football in England|English football]] during the 2000s; journalist Paul Wilson wrote in his preview of the October 2004 match: "Their rivalry is not simply about winning trophies, it is an adornment to the wider game."<ref>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Wilson |title=Match of the season |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/oct/24/newsstory.sport1 |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=24 October 2004 |access-date=5 July 2014 }}</ref> The matches were also popular amongst British viewers – a league game between the two in April 2003 was watched by 3.4&nbsp;million viewers in Britain, making it the top-rated programme on multi-channel television for that week.<ref>{{cite news |first=Matt |last=Wells |title=Niche TV overtakes big five in ratings battle |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/apr/25/broadcasting.digitaltv |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=25 April 2003 |access-date=16 June 2021}}</ref> Sky Sports football summariser [[Andy Gray (footballer, born 1955)|Andy Gray]] said of the encounters: "In some ways it's maybe not surprising that our major clashes have been with United and Arsenal. They've been the Premiership's two dominant clubs and so the pressure is greatest on them."<ref>{{cite book |first=Andy |last=Gray |title=Gray Matters |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MQmzF5g2SdUC&pg=PA254 |page=254 |publisher=Pan Macmillan |year=2005 |access-date=3 July 2014 |isbn=0-330-43199-4}}</ref>

The [[Battle of Old Trafford|equivalent fixture]] a year earlier was a goalless draw, notable for Manchester United striker [[Ruud van Nistelrooy]] missing a last-minute penalty. A confrontation involving the striker and several Arsenal players, in particular [[Martin Keown]], immediately occurred.<ref name="wint">{{cite news |first=Henry |last=Winter |title=Humiliated Arsenal in the dock |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2421904/Humiliated-Arsenal-in-the-dock.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=22 September 2003 |access-date=20 August 2015 }}</ref> The ill feeling was originally sparked by an incident between Van Nistelrooy and [[Patrick Vieira]]. Having been fouled by Van Nistelrooy, Vieira aimed a kick in retaliation; although the kick did not make contact, he was still sent off for a second bookable offence.<ref name="wint"/> Van Nistelrooy was accused by both Vieira and Wenger of feigning contact to get his opponent sent off, while Ferguson defended his player and denied he had [[Diving (association football)|dived]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooy accused |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3127572.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 September 2003 |access-date=18 January 2009 }}</ref> In the wake of the match, four Arsenal players received bans after the incident and were given fines totalling [[Pound sterling|£]]275,000 by the [[The Football Association|Football Association]] (FA).<ref name="bannedplayers">{{cite news |title=Arsenal players banned |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3228349.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 October 2003 |access-date=23 April 2016 }}</ref> Two Manchester United players were also fined for improper conduct, with a third warned about his future behaviour.<ref name="bannedplayers"/> The 2003 match was originally labelled the "Battle of Old Trafford" by the British press.<ref>{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Williams |title=Battle of Old Trafford a convenient step to vault on to a high horse |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/sep/24/sport.comment |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=24 September 2003 |access-date=26 April 2010 }}</ref>

==Pre-match==
Arsenal entered the match as league leaders, two points in front of second-placed [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]. Their previous league outing was a 3–1 win against [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] on 16 October 2004.<ref>{{cite news |first=Russell |last=Thomas |title=Wenger draws on fountain of Arsenal youth |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/oct/18/match.sport8 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=18 October 2004 |access-date=17 October 2014 }}</ref> The victory extended Arsenal's [[The Invincibles (football)#Arsenal|unbeaten league run]] to 49 matches, which set a new English football record. On the same day, Manchester United played out a 0–0 draw against [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Ian |last=Ridley |title=Ferguson draws little comfort as United misfire |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/oct/17/match.sport10 |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=17 October 2004 |access-date=17 October 2014 }}</ref> United sat in sixth position, 11 points behind their opponents.<ref name="fergm">{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Wilson |title=Fergie: Arsenal a 'mob who get away with murder' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/oct/17/newsstory.sport4 |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=17 October 2004 |access-date=17 October 2014 }}</ref> Their inconsistency was documented by several newspapers in the build-up to the match; David Lacey wrote in ''[[The Guardian]]'' of 23 October 2004: "Manchester United, it is said, are in a period of transition but if by Christmas they have not begun to pick up, their critics will begin to wonder at what precise point does transition become decline."<ref>{{cite news |first=David |last=Lacey |title='At what point does United's transition become decline?' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/oct/23/sport.comment2 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=23 October 2004 |access-date=23 August 2015 }}</ref>

[[File:Alex Ferguson.jpg|thumb|upright|left|alt=Alex Ferguson standing in front of a crowd of spectators|[[Alex Ferguson|Sir Alex Ferguson]] was highly critical of Arsenal's behaviour before the match.]]

The significance of the fixture for the two clubs was increased by the fact that, had Arsenal avoided defeat, they would have extended their unbeaten league run to 50 matches. Wenger told reporters at his press conference that he felt no increased pressure, though added the team's midweek draw in the [[UEFA Champions League]] at [[Panathinaikos F.C.|Panathinaikos]] increased expectation.<ref>{{cite news |first=Brian |last=Glanville |author-link=Brian Glanville |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/wenger-the-master-of-mind-games-rndsq5krsnq |title=Wenger the master of mind games |work=[[The Times]] |date=24 October 2004 |access-date=16 June 2021 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> He admitted his team's behaviour in the fixture last season was unacceptable, but pointed out "...&nbsp;the best response we gave was to win the fair play table. That meant we took responsibility for what we did and we have improved our attitude."<ref>{{cite news |first=Alan |last=Marshall |title=Football: Win or bust |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3A+WIN+OR+BUST%3B+PREMIERSHIP+SHOWDOWN+Manchester+Utd+v+Arsenal...-a0123541071 |newspaper=Daily Record |location=Glasgow |date=23 October 2004 |access-date=20 August 2015 }}</ref> Wenger believed United's strengths lay in creativity, and did not want to set his team out to nullify, rather to "...&nbsp;play our game based on speed and technique."<ref>{{cite news |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |title=An epic needs its gladiators, says Wenger |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/oct/23/newsstory.sport3 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=23 October 2004 |access-date=20 August 2015 }}</ref>

In the lead-up to the match, Ferguson criticised Arsenal's previous conduct at Old Trafford and likened their behaviour to that of a mob: "What Arsenal players did that day was the worst thing I've seen in this sport. No wonder they were so delighted at the verdicts."<ref>{{cite news |title=Ferguson takes swipe at Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3750708.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 October 2004 |access-date=20 August 2015 }}</ref> He described the game as must win given Arsenal's points advantage, but highlighted it was still all to play for given the league leaders needed to play several top teams twice.<ref name="fergm"/> Although Ferguson praised Arsenal's unbeaten run, he disputed whether this heralded a shift of power in English football: "[We] are still the team every club wants to beat most of all – regardless of who is champions or unbeaten records. In that respect, our profile as the major club in the country is untouchable. That is obvious and will never change."<ref>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Smith |title=We will always be No1 |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3A+We+will+always+be+No1%3B+BATTLE+OF+OLD+TRAFFORD+MAN+UTD+v...-a0123547348 |newspaper=Sunday Mirror |location=London |date=24 October 2004 |access-date=20 August 2015 }}</ref>

[[Mike Riley (referee)|Mike Riley]] was selected as the referee for the match; the Yorkshire-based official and England's representative referee at [[Euro 2004]] had sent off five players in his last six games.<ref>{{cite news |title=The man in charge |page=S7 |newspaper=The Sunday Times |date=24 October 2004 }}</ref> Such was the concern another brawl would take place, [[Greater Manchester Police]] officers spoke to Riley to underline the need for players to behave themselves.<ref>{{cite news |first=Matt |last=Dickinson |author-link=Matt Dickinson (journalist) |title=Champions out for the count: but is it 50 unbeaten or back to square one? |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/champions-out-for-the-count-but-is-it-50-unbeaten-or-back-to-square-one-qjdz8m8hs82 |newspaper=[[The Times]] |date=23 October 2004 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

The most recent meeting between the two teams was in the [[2004 FA Community Shield|FA Community Shield]] on 8 August 2004, when Arsenal won 3–1.<ref>{{cite news |first=Henry |last=Winter |author-link=Henry Winter |title=Arsenal show there is life beyond Vieira |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2384307/Arsenal-show-there-is-life-beyond-Vieira.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=9 August 2004 |access-date=27 June 2014 }}</ref> Manchester United beat Arsenal en route to winning the FA Cup the previous season and were undefeated against their league opponents in almost two years.<ref>{{cite web |title=United versus Arsenal |url=http://www.stretfordend.co.uk/opponents/arsenal.html |website=StretfordEnd.co.uk |publisher=Barn End Media |access-date=23 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924111123/http://www.stretfordend.co.uk/opponents/arsenal.html }}</ref>

==Match==

===Team selection===
Manchester United were predicted to line up in a [[Formation (association football)#4–4–1–1|4–4–1–1]] formation, with [[Wayne Rooney]] positioned just behind Van Nistelrooy. Club captain [[Roy Keane]] was doubtful as he was recuperating from a virus which prevented him from training all week.<ref name="sst">{{cite news |title=Manchester United v Arsenal – Game on |page=36 |newspaper=[[The Times]] |date=23 October 2004 }}</ref> [[Quinton Fortune]] and [[Ole Gunnar Solskjær]] were both ruled out with knee injuries.<ref name="sst"/> Arsenal were expected to line up slightly different to Manchester United, with [[Thierry Henry]] and [[José Antonio Reyes]] as the two centre-forwards in a traditional [[Formation (association football)#4–4–2|4–4–2]] formation.<ref name="sst"/> Vieira was expected to return to the starting XI; earlier in the week Wenger rated his chances of playing as "80 per cent" after he sprained his ankle against Aston Villa.<ref>{{cite news |first=John |last=Ley |title=Bonus for Arsenal as Vieira speeds recovery |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2388779/Bonus-for-Arsenal-as-Vieira-speeds-recovery.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=22 October 2004 |access-date=25 August 2015 }}</ref> [[Gilberto Silva]], [[Jérémie Aliadière]], [[Gaël Clichy]] and [[Manuel Almunia]] were all ruled out by injury for Arsenal.<ref name="sst"/>

When the teamsheets were released, Wenger's selection showed [[Dennis Bergkamp]] as the preferred striking partner to Henry; Reyes was positioned on the left wing which meant [[Robert Pires]] started the match on the substitutes' bench. For Manchester United, there was no place for Keane in the squad, so Ferguson brought in [[Phil Neville]] to partner [[Paul Scholes]] in central midfield.<ref name="rati">{{cite news |first=Russell |last=Kempson |title=Team ratings |page=S3 |newspaper=[[The Times]] |date=25 October 2004 }}</ref>

===Summary===
[[File:Rooney CL.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Footballer Wayne Rooney|[[Wayne Rooney]] won the penalty kick for Manchester United's first goal, and scored the second.]]
The match began as a scrappy affair, with plenty of challenges and little expansive football on show. The game's first notable chance went to Rooney, but [[Kolo Touré]] intervened and blocked his effort. Rooney then played in Giggs, whose shot was closed down by [[Sol Campbell]]. It took a while before Arsenal gained composure and played their usual passing game, and a move involving [[Edu (footballer, born 1978)|Edu]] and [[Freddie Ljungberg]] in the 19th minute resulted in [[Rio Ferdinand]] carelessly tackling the latter.<ref name="guarmr">{{cite news |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |title=Sense of injustice burns as Arsenal fires fade |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/oct/25/match.manchesterunited |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=22 October 2004 |access-date=26 August 2015 }}</ref> Ferdinand was not shown a card for his challenge – the first controversial decision referee Riley made during the match, which surprised Arsenal as the defender made a [[professional foul]] to prevent Ljungberg running clear on goal.<ref name="rile">{{cite news |first=Mandeep |last=Sanghera |title=Did Riley get the big calls right? |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3950865.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 October 2004 |access-date=26 August 2015 }}</ref> Bergkamp exchanged passes with Reyes to open up the United defence, but the Dutchman's shot was saved by [[Roy Carroll]].<ref name="guarmr"/> The United goalkeeper was on hand to save Henry's low shot three minutes before the break, after the striker was put through by Edu.<ref name="guarmr"/> During the first half action, both Neville brothers ([[Gary Neville|Gary]] and [[Phil Neville|Phil]]) were booked for fouling Reyes.<ref>{{cite news |first=Sam |last=Sheringham |title=Pizzagate revisited – 10 years on |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29712118 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 October 2004 |access-date=26 August 2015 }}</ref> [[Ashley Cole]] also received a yellow card for his tackle on Rooney. The Arsenal defender was on the receiving end of a challenge by Van Nistelrooy minutes after, as he attempted to shield the ball and hold on to possession.<ref name="rile"/> Television replays showed Van Nistelrooy ran his studs down Cole's shins, but the striker was not punished by Riley despite the action being in full view of his assistant at the touchline.<ref name="rile"/>

Arsenal continued to dominate possession once the second half got underway, but struggled to use it to their advantage.<ref name="cnn">{{cite news |title=United end Arsenal's unbeaten run |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/football/10/24/england.united/ |publisher=CNN |date=24 October 2004 |access-date=26 August 2015 }}</ref> [[Lauren (Cameroonian footballer)|Lauren]]'s cross from the right was cleared away by the United defence and Henry moments later miscued his effort aimed at goal.<ref>Gray, Tyler (2004). Event occurs in the 50th minute; live coverage between 17:10pm and 17:11pm.</ref> Moments later Ljungberg beat his marker and crossed the ball into the penalty area, only for Bergkamp to drag his shot wide.<ref name="cnn"/> United threatened once the game reached the hour mark, winning duels and earning set-pieces. [[Gabriel Heinze]]'s shot from about 20 yards tested Arsenal goalkeeper [[Jens Lehmann]] in the 65th minute.<ref>Gray, Tyler (2004). Event occurs in the 65th minute; live coverage between 17:25pm and 17:26pm.</ref> Five minutes later Wenger substituted Reyes off in place of Pires.<ref name="rati"/>

The most controversial decision of the match came in the 73rd minute as it led to the opening goal.<ref name="rile"/> Touré's clearance presented United the chance to break in numbers and Rooney, at the heart of their attack, reached the penalty area only to go down under Campbell's challenge.<ref name="guarmr"/> Riley awarded United a penalty, despite Campbell seeming to withdraw from the tackle and Rooney "...&nbsp;already heading for the turf as the defender pulled his foot away," wrote [[Kevin McCarra]] in his match report for ''The Guardian''.<ref name="guarmr"/> Van Nistelrooy converted his penalty kick, sending Lehmann the wrong way to give United the lead.<ref name="guarmr"/> Arsenal responded hastily, but looked more susceptible to United's counter-attacks. Cole's sliding tackle on [[Cristiano Ronaldo]] near the penalty area was deemed acceptable by Riley, as he waved away appeals for another penalty.<ref name="rile"/> The defender came close to equalising minutes before the end, but for his shot to go wide. In stoppage time, United added their second goal of the match as substitutes [[Louis Saha]] and [[Alan Smith (footballer, born 1980)|Alan Smith]] combined to set up Rooney, who finished a counter-attacking move with a tap-in past Lehmann.<ref>{{cite news |first=Glenn |last=Moore |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wenger-furious-as-van-nistelrooy-calls-halt-to-arsenal-s-record-run-30190.html |title=Wenger furious as Van Nistelrooy calls halt to Arsenal's record run |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=25 October 2004 }}</ref>

===Details===
{{football box
|date       = 24 October 2004
|time       = 16:05 [[British Summer Time|BST]]
|team1      = [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]
|score      = 2–0
|report     = [https://www.premierleague.com/match/4902 PL Report]<br>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3727552.stm BBC Report]
|team2      = [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]
|goals1     =
*[[Ruud van Nistelrooy|Van Nistelrooy]] {{goal|73|pen.}}
*[[Wayne Rooney|Rooney]] {{goal|90+3}}
|stadium    = [[Old Trafford]], [[Manchester]]
|attendance = 67,862
|referee    = [[Mike Riley (referee)|Mike Riley]] ([[West Riding County Football Association|West Yorkshire]])
}}

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{| width="100%"
|valign="top" width="50%"|
{| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
|-
!width="25"| !!width="25"|
|-
|GK ||'''13'''||{{flagicon|NIR}} [[Roy Carroll]]
|-
|RB ||'''2''' ||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Gary Neville]] || {{yel|36}}
|-
|CB ||'''5''' ||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Rio Ferdinand]] ([[Captain (association football)|c]])
|-
|CB ||'''27'''||{{flagicon|FRA|1974}} [[Mikaël Silvestre]]
|-
|LB ||'''4''' ||{{flagicon|ARG}} [[Gabriel Heinze]]
|-
|RM ||'''7''' ||{{flagicon|POR}} [[Cristiano Ronaldo]] || || {{suboff|85}}
|-
|CM ||'''3''' ||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Phil Neville]] || {{yel|38}}
|-
|CM ||'''18'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Paul Scholes]]
|-
|LM ||'''11'''||{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Ryan Giggs]]
|-
|CF ||'''8''' ||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Wayne Rooney]]
|-
|CF ||'''10'''||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Ruud van Nistelrooy]] || || {{suboff|90+1}}
|-
|colspan="4"|'''Substitutes:'''
|-
|GK ||'''1''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Tim Howard]]
|-
|DF ||'''6''' ||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Wes Brown]]
|-
|MF ||'''17'''||{{flagicon|IRL}} [[Liam Miller]]
|-
|FW ||'''9''' ||{{flagicon|FRA|1974}} [[Louis Saha]] || || {{subon|90+1}}
|-
|FW ||'''14'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Alan Smith (footballer, born 1980)|Alan Smith]] || || {{subon|85}}
|-
|colspan="4"|'''Manager:'''
|-
|colspan="4"|{{flagicon|SCO}} [[Alex Ferguson|Sir Alex Ferguson]]
|}
|valign="top"|[[File:Man Utd vs Arsenal 2004-10-24.svg|300px]]
|valign="top" width="50%"|
{| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align=center
|-
!width="25"| !!width="25"|
|-
|GK ||'''1''' ||{{flagicon|GER}} [[Jens Lehmann]]
|-
|RB ||'''12'''||{{flagicon|CMR}} [[Lauren (Cameroonian footballer)|Lauren]]
|-
|CB ||'''23'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Sol Campbell]]
|-
|CB ||'''28'''||{{flagicon|CIV}} [[Kolo Touré]]
|-
|LB ||'''3''' ||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ashley Cole]] || {{yel|35}}
|-
|RM ||'''8''' ||{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Freddie Ljungberg]]
|-
|CM ||'''4''' ||{{flagicon|FRA|1974}} [[Patrick Vieira]] ([[Captain (association football)|c]]) || {{yel|75}}
|-
|CM ||'''17'''||{{flagicon|BRA}} [[Edu (footballer, born 1978)|Edu]] || {{yel|79}}
|-
|LM ||'''9''' ||{{flagicon|ESP}} [[José Antonio Reyes]] || || {{suboff|70}}
|-
|CF ||'''10'''||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Dennis Bergkamp]]
|-
|CF ||'''14'''||{{flagicon|FRA|1974}} [[Thierry Henry]]
|-
|colspan="4"|'''Substitutes:'''
|-
|GK ||'''13'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Stuart Taylor (footballer, born 1980)|Stuart Taylor]]
|-
|DF ||'''18'''||{{flagicon|FRA|1974}} [[Pascal Cygan]]
|-
|MF ||'''7''' ||{{flagicon|FRA|1974}} [[Robert Pires]] || || {{subon|70}}
|-
|MF ||'''15'''||{{flagicon|ESP}} [[Cesc Fàbregas]]
|-
|FW ||'''11'''||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Robin van Persie]]
|-
|colspan="4"|'''Manager:'''
|-
|colspan="4"|{{flagicon|FRA|1974}} [[Arsène Wenger]]
|}
|}
{| width=100% style="font-size: 90%"
| width=50% valign=top|
'''Man of the match'''
*[[Rio Ferdinand]] (Manchester United)
| width=50% valign=top|
'''Match rules'''
*90 minutes, plus stoppage time as deemed by the referee.
*Five substitutes named.
*Maximum of three substitutions.
|}

===Statistics===
{| class="wikitable" align=right style="text-align:center"
|+[[2004–05 Premier League]] top five – as of 24 October 2004<ref>{{cite web |title=Premier League table after close of play on 24 October 2004 |url=https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/premier-league/24-october-2004/ |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |access-date=23 December 2020}}</ref>
!style="width:20px" abbr="Position"| Pos
!style="width:175px"| Team
!style="width:20px" abbr="Played"| Pld
!style="width:20px" abbr="Won"| W
!style="width:20px" abbr="Drawn"| D
!style="width:20px" abbr="Lost"| L
!style="width:20px" abbr="Goals for"| GF
!style="width:20px" abbr="Goals against"| GA
!style="width:20px" abbr="Goal difference"| GD
!style="width:20px" abbr="Points"| Pts
|-style="background:#ccffcc"
|1||align=left|[[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]
|10||8||1||1||29||10||+19||'''25'''
|-
|2||align="left"|[[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]
|10||7||2||1||12||2||+10||'''23'''
|-
|3||align="left"|[[Everton F.C.|Everton]]
|10||7||1||2||13||9||+4||'''22'''
|-
|4||align="left"|[[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]]
|10||5||3||2||16||12||+4||'''18'''
|-style="background:#ccffcc"
|5||align="left"|[[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]
|10||4||5||1||11||7||+4||'''17'''
|}

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col" |Statistic
! scope="col" style="width:70px"| Manchester United
! scope="col" style="width:70px"| Arsenal
|-
!scope=row|Goals scored
|2||0
|-
!scope=row|Possession
|48.3%||51.7%
|-
!scope=row|Passing success
|75.6%||77.2%
|-
!scope=row|Territorial advantage
|41.1||58.9
|-
!scope=row|Shots on target
|5||1
|-
!scope=row|Shots off target
|5||7
|-
!scope=row|Blocked shots
|2||4
|-
!scope=row|Fouls
|20||24
|-
!scope=row|Tackles
|58||61
|-
!scope=row|Tackling success
|46.6%||49.2%
|-
!scope=row|Corner kicks
|3||3
|-
!scope=row|Offsides
|2||1
|-
!scope=row|Yellow cards
|2||3
|-
!scope=row|Red cards
|0||0
|-
|colspan="3"|Source:<ref>{{cite news |first=Russell |last=Kempson |title=The defence |newspaper=[[The Times]] |date=25 October 2004 |page=S2 }}</ref>
|}

==Post-match==
==="Pizzagate"===
{{distinguish|Pizzagate conspiracy theory}}

[[File:R Ferdinand.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Footballer Rio Ferdinand|[[Rio Ferdinand]] was chosen as [[man of the match]], a decision that angered some Arsenal players.]]
Campbell was seen refusing to shake Rooney's hand at the final whistle and there were no customary shirt swaps between both sets of players; it was alleged that the Arsenal players wore T-shirts emblazoned with "50 not out", though this has never been proven.<ref>{{cite news |first=Steve |last=Bartram |title=OT100 #83: Invincibles beaten |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/The-OT-100-News/2010/Feb/OT100-83-Invincibles-beaten.aspx |work=ManUtd.com |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=2 February 2010 |access-date=27 August 2015 }}</ref> Tempers boiled over in the players' tunnel in front of police officers. Several Arsenal players were held back, one of whom was Henry, incensed that Ferdinand claimed the man-of-the-match award.<ref name="tnn">{{cite news |first=Sam |last=Wallace |title=FA bring Van Nistelrooy to book |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2388996/FA-bring-Van-Nistelrooy-to-book.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=26 October 2004 |access-date=27 August 2015 }}</ref> The conflict sparked into life when Wenger confronted Van Nistelrooy as he was unhappy with the striker's challenge on Cole.<ref name="motm"/> Ferguson intervened and told Wenger to leave his players alone, but the Arsenal manager faced him and said "What do you want to do about it?"<ref>{{cite news |title=Wenger steps up row with Ferguson |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4178407.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 January 2005 |access-date=27 August 2015 }}</ref>

There were accusations that certain foodstuffs – usually reported as [[pizza]], but occasionally reported as [[coffee]], [[tomato soup]] or [[pea soup]] – had been thrown at Ferguson by an unknown Arsenal player.<ref name="FA acts">{{cite news |title=FA acts after Old Trafford battle |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3950373.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 October 2004 |access-date=17 November 2007 }}</ref> Ferguson changed into the club tracksuit in order to carry out his television duties.<ref name="motm"/> Speculation that the player who threw the pizza was [[Cesc Fàbregas]]<ref>{{cite news |first=Valentine |last=Low |title=Who hit Sir Alex with pizza? |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/who-hit-sir-alex-with-pizza-6955390.html |newspaper=London Evening Standard |date=27 October 2004 |access-date=11 August 2012 }}</ref> arose when Cole hinted that the culprit was neither English nor French.<ref>{{cite news |title=Selfish, lazy youngsters cost Arsenal the season – Cole |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/selfish-lazy-youngsters-cost-arsenal-the-season--cole-7201142.html |newspaper=London Evening Standard |date=13 September 2006 |access-date=11 August 2012 }}</ref> In his autobiography, Ferguson said: "They say it was Cesc Fàbregas who threw the pizza at me but, to this day, I have no idea who the culprit is."<ref>{{cite news |title=Ferguson: Wenger's fists were clenched |url=http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1591501/man-united-boss-sir-alex-ferguson-reveals-arsenal-manager-arsene-wenger-anger-pizzagate?cc=5901 |publisher=ESPN |date=23 October 2013 |access-date=2 February 2014 }}</ref> Fàbregas confirmed he did throw the pizza on an episode of ''[[A League of Their Own (UK game show)|A League of Their Own]]'', broadcast in October 2017.<ref>{{cite news |first=Vaishali |last=Bhardwaj |title=Cesc Fabregas reveals he hit then Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson with a slice of pizza in 'Battle of the Buffet' |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/cesc-fabregas-reveals-he-hit-sir-alex-ferguson-with-slice-of-pizza-in-battle-of-the-buffet-a3650561.html |newspaper=London Evening Standard |date=4 October 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017}}</ref>

Manchester United refused to publicly criticise Arsenal's behaviour, but the players and staff were said to be "shocked and disgusted."<ref name="tnn"/> Riley did not mention the tunnel fracas in his match report which was sent to the FA, but the governing body revealed their intention to shed light on the matter.<ref name="motm"/> An investigation however was made difficult given the fact that both clubs remained quiet over "Pizzagate" and no camera footage was made available.<ref>{{cite news |first=Oliver |last=Kay |title=FA aiming to shed light on what happened at end of the tunnel |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/article/fa-aiming-to-shed-light-on-what-happened-at-end-of-the-tunnel-xdtpwqxq56b |newspaper=[[The Times]] |date=26 October 2004 |access-date=27 August 2015 }} {{subscription required}}</ref>

{{Quote box|width=280px|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |align=right|quote="This slice of pizza came flying over my head and hit Fergie straight in the mush. The slap echoed down the tunnel and everything stopped - the fighting, the yelling, everything. All eyes turned and all mouths gawped to see this pizza slip off that famous puce face and roll down his nice black suit. I thought Ferguson was going to explode but then he stormed off into the dressing room cursing and grunting, brushing the crumbs and stains off his collar. We all went back into the dressing room and fell about laughing. All I can say is that the culprit wasn't English or French, so that should narrow it down."|salign=right|source=[[Ashley Cole]]<ref>{{cite news |first=Sam |last=Sheringham |title=Pizzagate revisited – 10 years on |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29712118 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 October 2004 |access-date=26 August 2015 }}</ref> }}

===Reaction===
Wenger was highly critical of Riley's performance, claiming he "...&nbsp;decided the game, like we know he can do at Old Trafford."<ref name="souf">{{cite news |first=Daniel |last=Taylor |title=Soup thrown at Ferguson in tunnel fracas |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/oct/25/newsstory.sport2 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=25 October 2004 |access-date=27 August 2015 }}</ref> The Arsenal manager claimed that Rooney told his players that he felt no contact, but the referee made the decision to give Manchester United a penalty which he called the turning point of the match.<ref name="timr">{{cite news |first=Matt |last=Dickinson |title=Rooney topples the invincibles |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/rooney-topples-the-invincibles-rz75q9xz7sz |newspaper=[[The Times]] |date=25 October 2004 |access-date=27 August 2015 }} {{subscription required}}</ref> Wenger used statistics to question Riley's impartiality – of the referee's last eight matches at Old Trafford, he awarded eight penalties to the home team.<ref name="timr"/> Wenger was not surprised at United's rough treatment of Reyes – "That's what they always try against us when they're in a difficult situation" and accused Van Nistelrooy of being a cheat in his post-match television interview.<ref name="souf"/> Vieira, like his manager, was disappointed in Riley's handling of the match, but sought positives: "We're still eight points clear of United and two points clear of Chelsea. We're in a really good position and all the other teams would want to be in our position."<ref name="Wenger blasts">{{cite news |title=Wenger blasts Riley's performance |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3944123.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 October 2004 |access-date=17 November 2007 }}</ref>

Ferguson described the win as an important victory, and hoped it would mark a turning point in their season.<ref name="fergi">{{cite news |title=Ferguson hints at turning point |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3944119.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 October 2004 |access-date=27 August 2015 }}</ref> Ferguson said he did not see whether Campbell brought down Rooney and sympathised with the referee as he was put under pressure: "The referee had an impossible job. It seemed like Patrick Vieira was in charge for much of the match, he was at the ref's side so much."<ref name="fergi"/> When asked if Manchester United could close the gap on Arsenal, the Manchester United manager responded, "Yes, of course we can."<ref name="timr"/>

{{Quote box|width=280px|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |align=left|quote="We can only master our own performance, not the referee's performance. We got the usual penalty awarded against us when we come to Manchester United and they are in difficulty. It happened last season and it's happened again."|salign=left|source=[[Arsène Wenger]], October 2004<ref name="Wenger blasts"/>}}

The match attracted fervent debate amongst journalists, pundits and football players alike. Former referee [[Jeff Winter]] defended Riley's performance and described fixtures between Manchester United and Arsenal as "impossible" to manage.<ref name="FA acts"/> Premier League refereeing chief [[Keith Hackett]] added: "We know this is one of the tough encounters of the season. Mike clearly had a game plan to try not to suppress the match. He wanted it to breathe and perhaps went in with the intention of getting through the game without having to dismiss any players. In the back of his mind was trying to get through a game without having a blow-up and I think Mike did extremely well to keep a lid on things."<ref name="FA acts"/>

Rooney himself would later deny the accusations, saying "I have never intentionally tried to dive. There have been times when I've tried to stay on my feet to get the shot off rather than going down."<ref>{{cite news |last=Pye |first=Steven |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/that-1980s-sports-blog/2020/oct/30/arsenal-manchester-united-old-trafford |title=Arsenal have specialised in failure at Old Trafford for decades |date=30 October 2020 |access-date=23 December 2020 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> [[Alan Hansen]] suggested Arsenal's defeat was a great result for their rivals, but felt they were strong favourites to win the league.<ref name="hansen">{{cite news |first=Alan |last=Hansen |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3951147.stm |title=Arsenal still in pole position |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 October 2004 |access-date=27 August 2015 }}</ref> He praised Ferguson for getting his tactics right, and lauded the performances of defenders Ferdinand and Campbell.<ref name="hansen"/> On ''[[Match of the Day 2]]'', Hansen was critical of Van Nistelrooy's tackle on Cole, calling it "nasty and cynical", with van Nistelrooy saying it was a 50/50 challenge.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ruud-defends-cole-challenge-1126479 |title=Ruud defends Cole challenge |date=26 October 2004 |access-date=23 December 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref>

[[Henry Winter]] writing for ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' gave a brief explanation as to why Arsenal did not perform – their striker Henry was "not at the races."<ref name="dtwint">{{cite news |first=Henry |last=Winter |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2388934/Arsenal-in-a-rage-after-Rooneys-party-piece.html |title=Arsenal in a rage after Rooney's party piece |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=25 October 2004 |access-date=27 August 2015 }}</ref> He was full of praise of United's determination and summarised: "Yet though Arsenal had dominated possession, United had offered the more impressive individuals."<ref name="dtwint"/> [[Matt Dickinson (journalist)|Matt Dickinson]] of ''The Times'' described the victory as huge for "Ferguson and his faltering squad," regardless of the scoreline or indeed if Arsenal had played the better football in patches.<ref name="timr"/> ''The Guardian'' correspondent Kevin McCarra felt aggrieved in the manner Arsenal had ended their unbeaten run, but pointed out they were fortunate no action was taken when Cole fouled Ronaldo. He closed his piece with an illustration of how impressive Arsenal's run was: "In those prior 49 games they had never even been behind in the closing 20 minutes."<ref name="guarmr"/>

Two days after the match Van Nistelrooy was charged with serious foul play after his challenge on Cole went unnoticed by the referee. He pleaded guilty to the offence and received a three-match ban for his conduct during the match.<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooy accepts FA charge |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3956273.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 October 2004 |access-date=17 November 2007 }}</ref> Wenger was found guilty of an improper conduct charge and later fined £15,000 by the FA for his post-match comments about Van Nistelrooy.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wenger fined over Ruud outburst |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4099659.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 December 2004 |access-date=27 August 2015 }}</ref> Ferguson accused Henry of "serious foul play" on Heinze, but the striker escaped an FA investigation and probable three-match ban as the manager's complaint was not submitted on time.<ref>{{cite news |first=Sam |last=Wallace |title=Henry in clear despite Ferguson's efforts |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2389333/Henry-in-clear-despite-Fergusons-efforts.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=1 November 2004 |access-date=27 August 2015 }}</ref>

==Aftermath and legacy==
[[File:Roy Keane cropped.jpg|thumb|upright|185px|alt=Footballer Roy Keane signing autographs|[[Roy Keane]] was involved in a fracas in the [[Arsenal Stadium|Highbury]] tunnel with Arsenal captain [[Patrick Vieira]].]]
Arsenal struggled to regain the same level of consistency shown earlier in the season; in the space of a month they fell five points behind leaders Chelsea,<ref>{{cite news |first=Alan |last=Hansen |title=What is wrong with Arsenal? |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4051269.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 November 2004 |access-date=27 August 2015 }}</ref> who went on to win the league.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chelsea revelling in title glory  |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/4496499.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 April 2005 |access-date=23 April 2016}}</ref> Manchester United remained inconsistent; they lost to [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] in their next game<ref>{{cite news |title=Portsmouth 2–0 Man Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3947403.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 October 2004 |access-date=28 August 2015}}</ref> and ended the season in third place behind Arsenal, despite looking likely to finish runners-up.<ref>{{cite news |first=Dominic |last=Raynor |title=2004/05 – Season Review |url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/336281/2004-05-season-review |publisher=ESPN |date=4 July 2005 |access-date=28 August 2015}}</ref>

In the [[2004–05 Football League Cup|League Cup]], the clubs met in the quarter-final stage at Old Trafford in December and even though both sides fielded weakened teams, the match was not short of drama.<ref name="ccq">{{cite news |title=Man Utd 1–0 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4047617.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 December 2004 |access-date=19 May 2012 }}</ref> [[David Bellion]] gave Manchester United the lead in just 19 seconds but it was not until the start of the second half that tempers began to flare.<ref name="ccq"/> A fracas between [[Robin van Persie]] and [[Kieran Richardson]], following a late tackle on Richardson by Van Persie, resulted in clashes from both sets of players, which concluded with both protagonists getting booked by match official [[Mark Halsey]]. The game finished 1–0.<ref name="ccq"/>

In January 2005, both managers were embroiled in a new row over the events of "Pizzagate". Ferguson said Wenger never apologised to his players for calling them cheats, or for his team's behaviour, adding: "It's a disgrace, but I don't expect Wenger to ever apologise, he's that type of person."<ref>{{cite news |title=Ferguson blasts Wenger behaviour |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/4177049.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 January 2005 |access-date=28 August 2015 }}</ref> Wenger responded by claiming Ferguson was guilty of "bringing the game into disrepute" and telling reporters he would "never answer any questions any more about this man."<ref>{{cite news |title=Wenger steps up row with Ferguson |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4178407.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 January 2005 |access-date=28 August 2015 }}</ref> Under pressure from the police, the [[Department of Culture, Media and Sport|Sports Minister]] [[Richard Caborn]] and Premier League chairman [[Richard Scudamore]], both managers later agreed to tone down their words.<ref>{{cite news |title=The bickering years |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2354648/The-bickering-years.html |first=John |last=Ley |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=1 February 2005 |access-date=28 August 2015 }}</ref>

Manchester United captain Roy Keane infamously confronted Vieira in the players tunnel before the return fixture later in the season, which United won 4–2 at [[Arsenal Stadium|Highbury]].<ref name="tunfr">{{cite news |title=Highbury tunnel players in clear |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4228397.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 February 2005 |access-date=17 November 2007 }}</ref> This came about by an incident during the pre-game warm up when Vieira had allegedly pushed Gary Neville after confronting the player about the challenges Pires suffered at Old Trafford earlier in the season.<ref name="tunfr"/> Once Keane found out back in the United dressing room, he unleashed a verbal tirade on Vieira including telling the Arsenal skipper "I'll see you out there".<ref name="tunfr"/> The match that followed was another ill-spirited affair with both sides guilty of harsh challenges, which also saw [[Mikaël Silvestre]] sent off after a clash with Ljungberg. United went on to win the game, coming from behind twice before holding onto the lead, despite being reduced to 10 men for the last third of the match.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ronaldo's double sinks Arsenal |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2354689/Ronaldos-double-sinks-Arsenal.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=2 February 2005 |access-date=27 August 2015 }}</ref>
[[File:49 Unbeaten banner.jpg|thumb|upright|left|alt=Stadium crowd holding gigantic banner overhead displaying the number 49|215px|Arsenal fans parading a banner commemorating the 49-game unbeaten run, in 2014.]]
The teams then faced each other once more in the [[2005 FA Cup Final|FA Cup Final]] at the end of the season. The match was largely uneventful as it finished 0–0 after normal and extra time thus taking it to a [[penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shoot-out]], the first in [[FA Cup Final|Cup Final history]].<ref name="scpen">{{cite news |first=Amy |last=Lawrence |title=Vieira holds his nerve to claim historic penalty prize for Arsenal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/may/22/match.sport1 |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=22 May 2005 |access-date=27 August 2015 }}</ref> Scholes missed his penalty for Manchester United, and Vieira converted the decisive kick to win the cup for Arsenal. Reyes became the second player to be sent off in the Cup Final, after [[Kevin Moran (footballer)|Kevin Moran]] of United in [[1985 FA Cup Final|1985]], following his second yellow card in the 120th minute.<ref name="scpen"/>

The "Battle of the Buffet" is regarded as a historic moment in the rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal. Ferguson in his autobiography reflected it as the point where his relationship with Wenger started to break down, and it was not until United's Champions League semi-final victory over Arsenal in 2009 that they were on talking terms.<ref>{{cite news |first=Jeremy |last=Wilson |title=Arsène Wenger rift revealed in Alex Ferguson book |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/Sir_Alex_Ferguson/10396056/Arsene-Wenger-rift-revealed-in-Alex-Ferguson-book.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=22 October 2013 |access-date=27 August 2015 }}</ref> He added: "It seemed to me that losing the game scrambled Arsène's brain."<ref>{{cite news |first=Jon |last=Holmes |title=Sky Sports Vault |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/9014529/sky-sports-vault |publisher=Sky Sports |date=10 November 2013 |access-date=27 August 2015 }}</ref> When asked to recollect his version of events of "Pizzagate", Wenger admitted his team's conduct was aggressive and said: "I think on that day, [Riley] had not his best day and that brought a lot of frustration on."<ref>{{cite news |first=John |last=Cross |title=Arsene Wenger refuses to rule out writing his own book and has his say on 'pizzagate' |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsene-wenger-refuses-rule-out-2529750 |newspaper=Daily Mirror |location=London |date=25 October 2013 |access-date=27 August 2015 }}</ref> 

The emergence of Chelsea and transitions undergone by the two clubs during the mid-2000s meant the rivalry became less fractious.<ref>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Hayward |title=Rivalry between Arsène Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson unmatched in sport |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jan/31/sir-alex-ferguson-arsene-wenger-rivalry |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=31 January 2010 |access-date=28 August 2015 }}</ref>
{{-}}

==See also==
*[[Manchester United–Arsenal brawl (1990)|Manchester United F.C.–Arsenal F.C. brawl (1990)]]

==References==
'''General'''
*{{cite AV media |people=[[Andy Gray (footballer, born 1955)|Gray, Andy]], [[Martin Tyler|Tyler, Martin]] (commentators), [[Richard Keys|Keys, Richard]] (presenter), [[Steven Gerrard|Gerrard, Steven]], [[David Moyes|Moyes, David]] (studio guests) |date=24 October 2004 |title=[[Ford Super Sunday]] |trans-title=Manchester United v Arsenal |medium=Television production |publisher=BSkyB}}

'''Specific'''
{{reflist}}

{{2004–05 in English football}}
{{Arsenal F.C. matches}}
{{Manchester United F.C. matches}}

{{good article}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Battle of Buffet, the}}
[[Category:2004–05 FA Premier League]]
[[Category:Premier League matches]]
[[Category:Manchester United F.C. matches|Arsenal]]
[[Category:Arsenal F.C. matches]]
[[Category:Arsenal F.C.–Manchester United F.C. matches]]
[[Category:Brawls in team sports]]
[[Category:2000s in Manchester]]
[[Category:October 2004 sports events in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Nicknamed sporting events]]
[[Category:Association football controversies]]