<P> Despite the signing of Freddie Ljungberg in 1998 and Thierry Henry a year later, a more barren period followed for Arsenal over the next few years, though they came close several times . Arsenal led the League for much of 1998--99, until a 1--0 loss to Leeds United allowed Manchester United to overtake them; Arsenal beat Aston Villa on the last day of the season but United's victory over Spurs meant they took the title . To rub it in further, Arsenal also lost the last ever FA Cup semi-final replay to Manchester United; Dennis Bergkamp had missed a penalty in normal time, and Ryan Giggs scored the winner in extra time after a mazy solo run through the Arsenal defence . Arsenal's return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years was also unsuccessful, as they failed to get past the group stage . </P> <P> Arsenal came second again in 1999--2000; this time, there was never any real title race and Arsenal finished the season 18 points behind winners Manchester United . Arsenal had another poor season in the Champions League, finishing third in their group; this won them a consolation place in the UEFA Cup, and Arsenal got all the way to the final, where they faced Galatasaray in Copenhagen, the scene of their 1994 Cup Winners' Cup triumph . The match was a tepid affair, a 0--0 draw with few chances; it went to penalties and Arsenal lost after Davor Šuker and Patrick Vieira missed their spot - kicks . </P> <P> Arsenal again finished second in 2000--01, this time ten points behind Manchester United; the title race had been as good as over since February, when Arsenal lost 6--1 at Old Trafford . Arsenal's season gave priority to the Cups and Europe . They beat Spurs in the semi-finals and met Liverpool in the final at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff; Arsenal dominated most of the match, and were denied a goal by the arm of defender Stéphane Henchoz, which went unpunished . Arsenal finally did go 1--0 up through Ljungberg but succumbed to two late Michael Owen goals and lost 2--1 . In Europe, Arsenal made it to the Champions League quarter - finals for the first time since 1972, only to be eliminated on the away goals rule by eventual finalists Valencia . </P> <P> By now, Wenger had been forced to rebuild much of the Double - winning side of 1998; Anelka, Overmars and Petit had all left for Spanish clubs in return for hefty fees, while age was finally catching up with the famous back line; Bould and Winterburn had already left, and Adams and Dixon would only last another season before retiring . In their place, Wenger signed the likes of Sol Campbell and Lauren in defence, as well as promoting Ashley Cole from the youth ranks . In midfield, Wenger added the talismanic Robert Pirès and signed his compatriot Sylvain Wiltord in attack, while in the meantime Thierry Henry had adapted to the English game to become one of the Premiership's best strikers . </P>

When is the last time arsenal won the premier league