Michael Owen moves to Real Madrid FC, Aug. 14, 2004
OWEN'S LIVERPOOL CAREER Born: 14 December, 1979 1996: Signs professional terms with Liverpool on 17th birthday 1997: Scores on his first-team debut against Wimbledon 1998: Scores his first Premiership hat-trick against Sheffield Wednesday 2001: Scores twice as Liverpool beat Arsenal 2-1 in the FA Cup Final September: Signs a new four-year deal with the Anfield club December: European Footballer of the Year and eighth in the World Player of the Year poll 2003: Scores his 20th goal in European competition, equalling Ian Rush's club record 2004: Leaves Liverpool for Real Madrid
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Sun May 4, 2003, MANCHESTER UNITED CHAMPIONS
LONDON (Reuters) -- Manchester United was crowned English league champion without kicking a ball Sunday as Arsenal's hopes of catching it disappeared in a pulsating 3-2 home defeat by Leeds United that also secured the Yorkshire club's Premier League survival.
In a superb game full of drama but also gripped by an almost unbearable tension, Arsenal twice came from behind and was within inches of winning the match late on before Mark Viduka secured the points for delirious Leeds two minutes from time.
That goal gave the title to Manchester United for the 15th time, guaranteed Leeds survival from relegation and rammed the final nail into the coffin of Arsenal's bid to become the first club to win successive FA Cup and League doubles.
It can still retain the FA Cup though when it meets Southampton in the Cup Final on May 17.
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson told Sky Sports: "It's fantastic, a great achievement by the team. We showed the perserverance and determination allied to the great ability we have, and thats what gave us the title."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said it was too early to pinpoint how his side allowed United to overhaul it after Arsenal held a commanding 10-point lead in November.
"We did not lose the title, they won it, no-one gives you the points you have to win them. We had too many players out to really fight for it." he said.
United have 80 points with one match to play against Everton at Goodison Park next week while Arsenal have 72 with a home match to come against fellow FA Cup finalists Southampton and finally at relegated Sunderland next week.
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