Vieira Names Five Stars for Arsenal Invincibles XI
Patrick Vieira put five current Arsenal players into his Arsenal invincibles combined XI, including David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice. He kept Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp up front and said the 2003/04 side still had the edge in a few spots.
Raya, Timber and Gabriel
Vieira said Raya would take Jens Lehmann’s place in goal, while Timber could slot in at right-back. He then made one more change in defence, keeping Sol Campbell and replacing Kolo Toure with Gabriel.
The former Arsenal captain was clear about one position he would not touch. “Of course Ashley Cole, we’re not touching Ashley.” That left the left side of the back line with the Invincibles player still holding his place.
Saka and Rice in the mix
Vieira also backed Saka to get in on the right wing ahead of Freddie Ljungberg. In midfield, he chose Rice over Gilberto and kept Robert Pires on the left.
Up front, he made no change. “Up front we’re not touching Thierry [Henry] and Dennis [Bergkamp].” That capped the five-player list from Mikel Arteta’s current squad and left the forward line intact from the unbeaten 2003/04 team.
Vieira on Arteta
The comparison lands while Arsenal were one game from title glory after Monday night’s 1-0 win over Burnley, sealed by Kai Havertz’s header in the 36th minute. The result put Arsenal five points ahead of Manchester City, who had a game in hand.
Vieira also praised Arteta’s work and said, “I think Arteta did a really good job, taking the team a couple of years ago and seeing where it is today.” He added, “He also spent a lot of money.”
Asked to choose a manager for the combined side, he picked Arsene Wenger. “Regarding Arsene, I think Arsene brought myself and Thierry on really good deals, so for that I’d say Arsene will be the manager.” Arsenal’s Invincibles finished the 2003/04 Premier League season with 26 wins and 12 draws, and Vieira’s split decision showed how close the current side has come without fully passing that benchmark.
