On this day in Premier League history: 12 October
Looking back at Barclays Premier League history, we recall Wenger’s first match as Arsenal manager
12 October 1996 - Blackburn Rovers 0-2 Arsenal
Ian Wright scored twice to give Arsene Wenger victory in his first match as manager of Arsenal.
The Frenchman was appointed at the start of the month, following managerial spells with AS Monaco and Grampus Eight Nagoya, but had been forced to wait for his first fixture in charge because of the international break.
The result left Arsenal, who won five of their first eight matches under the management of Stewart Houston and then Pat Rice, in second place only a point behind Barclays Premier League leaders Newcastle United.
Wright struck near the beginning of each half to take his goal tally for the season to eight and hand bottom-club Blackburn their sixth defeat.
Wenger said he was pleased with a display of "solidarity, good organisation and professionalism" and speaking about Wright, he added: "Ian is not a normal 32-year-old. He is so fit and strong and wants so much to succeed.
"When you consider that Ian did not start his career until he was 23, to have scored so many goals must make him world class. Can you imagine what he might have achieved if he had started with a good club at 16 or 17?"
Arsenal only needed only three minutes to take the lead. Wright started the move deep in his own half by finding left-back Nigel Winterburn and then ran the length of the pitch to curl the ball home after John Hartson had headed down the full-back's cross.
Blackburn had three good chances to level the match, with two falling to Tim Sherwood, but could not find the target.
The Gunners doubled their advantage in the 51st minute when Patrick Vieira played a one-two with Hartson and fed Wright, who lifted it over the onrushing Tim Flowers.
Wenger has gone on to become Arsenal's longest-serving manager and has won more trophies for the club than any of his predecessors.
Under his leadership the Gunners have won two Barclays Premier League and FA Cup doubles, another league crown after going through the 2003/04 campaign unbeaten and three more FA Cups.
The 64-year-old, who has been named Barclays Manager of the Season three times, has also led the Gunners to qualification for the UEFA Champions League in 17 consecutive seasons.