Arsenal return after 2000 final defeat
Almost two decades after Arsenal's dramatic penalty shoot-out defeat, Wenger's men are back in the Europa League.
The Emirates will stage an Europa League fixture for the first time ever on Thursday night, as Arsenal welcome Cologne 17 years after their last fixture in the continent's second tier competition.
The UEFA Cup (Europa League's predecessor) final back in May 2000 in Copenhaguen, was witnessed by 20,000 travelling Arsenal fans. At the Parken Stadium, the Gunners were defeated by Turkish side Galatasaray, led by Fatih Terem.
Arsene Wenger's team boasted the likes of Emmanuel Petit, Patrick Vieria, Marc Overmars and Ray Parlour in midfield, with the stellar pair of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp up front, but it was enough to overcome the side from Istanbul.
Galatasaray star Gheorgie Hagi was sent off in extra time for punching Adams and the match headed for a penalty shoot-out. The Turkish side scored all four from six yards out while Parlour was the only Gunner to find the back of the net.
Almost two decades after the heartbreak in Copenhagen, Wenger's men return to the competition. It all kicks off against Cologne, Arsenal's quest for the Europa League trophy they last contested (and lost) 17 years ago.