SEPTEMBER 21, 2003: THE BATTLE OF OLD TRAFFORD.A DAY THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING TIROOV

This match - and this moment - lives on in folklore and set the bar for a rivalry, and even a hatred, that continues to this day

- JOHN CROSS

IT was the day which brought a simmering rivalry to the boil.

The infamous Battle of Old Trafford took place 20 years ago this month and still defines every showdown between two of English football's great clubs.

Arsenal and Manchester United had been jostling and pushing each other ever since Arsene Wenger arrived in the Premier League in 1996 and had threatened Sir Alex Ferguson's stranglehold on the major trophies.

Yes, there had been fierce rows between Arsenal and United. Even back to the George Graham days and the infamous 21-man brawl at Old Trafford in 1990, Ian Wright's ugly clash with Peter Schmeichel in February 1997 and Roy Keane's longrunning feud with Patrick Vieira.

Then there was the war of words between Fergie and Wenger. The title changed hands between United and Arsenal for nearly a decade from the mid to late 90s before Chelsea won it 2005.

But it was on September 21, 2003, when everything changed.

That was the day which took the rivalry to a whole new level and will still provide the fire and anger when Arsenal face United at the Emirates tomorrow.

There are new managers, new captains and even new fans. But everyone has been told about that day, as it has shaped the rivalry ever since.