My Arsenal all-time XI

Robert Pires (Left Midfield)

One of the most technically gifted left wingers in Arsenal’s history; Robert Pires made a huge impact on the Premier League and was arguably one of the best French players Wenger acquired to this day. Pires had superb dribbling skills, technique in abundance and was a wonderful player to watch evolve in the red and white of Arsenal. Wenger obtained the Frenchman’s services in 2000 and many fans and pundits alike thought that he would struggle to adapt to the English game…well you guys thought wrong. The former French international had 6 glorious years with the Gunners making a total of 283 appearances in all competitions and netting 84 goals along the way. The left winger was also apart of the invincible season and helped the club to 2 Premier League and 3 F.A. Cup triumphs. Robert ‘Bobby’ Pires was undoubtedly the best foreign winger Arsenal ever attained and proved this with dazzling displays and unthinkable goals…A true legend amongst the fans of the North London club.

Patrick Vieira (Centre Midfield)

If Patrick Vieira wasn’t featured in this team then what sort of Arsenal fan would I be? The 6’ 3’’ formidable midfielder was arguably one of the best overseas players to feature in the Premier League and an outstanding performer for the Gunners. The Frenchman became one of the greatest players for the club in just 9 years. From 1996 to 2005, Vieira was the main force in Arsenal’s midfield, who managed to pick up 2 domestic doubles in 1998 and 2002, as well as a further 2 F.A. Cups and 1 more Premier League title (4 of these trophies were attained whilst the midfielder was club captain). The French general was dominant, composed, and as well as being superb in his defensive duties, he was also made famous for his driving forward runs. His disciplinary record wasn’t good mind you, but fans loved to see Vieira get stuck in. His determination and desire had no boundaries. Patrick Vieira was truly a unique player for the North London club and is regarded by the Arsenal faithful as a legend…even though he plays for City.

Cesc Fabregas (Centre Midfield)

It was a tough decision between Cesc Fabregas or former Gunner Emmanuel Petit to line-up in the midfield with Vieira in this team, but after much delegation and thought, I had to go for the Spaniard over the Frenchman. Petit was a great servant to the club but was primarily a defensive midfielder along with Vieira, so to add more attacking drive, who better to put in than Cesc Fabregas. The Spanish international has superb vision, extraordinary passing ability and is an all round performer. The current club captain is only 23 years of age, yet the creative midfielder has already managed to make over 270 appearances, bag 52 goals and assist 89 times for the Gunners since joining the club at the age 16 in 2003. Fabregas’ honour role consists of only 1 F.A Cup, but has had a number of personal accolades over the years, most notably making the PFA Team of the Year in both the 2007/08 and 2009/10 season as well as being apart of the unbeaten Arsenal side in 2003/04. A very loyal and creative player for 7 years (who knows how long for) and definitely one of Wenger’s bargains since being Arsenal manager and one of the clubs best foreign players in a long time.

David Rocastle (Right Midfield)

Known to the Arsenal faithful and his team-mates as ‘Rocky’, David Rocastle was one of Arsenal’s finest and gifted players in his time. The right-sided midfielder possessed great pace, dazzling skill, attacking prowess as well as a fine touch and control of the ball, basically an all-round performer. From 1984 to 1992, the Englishman made 277 appearances in all competitions for the club, as well as bagging 34 goals for Arsenal football club. Rocky was an inspirational and key player for the North London club who helped the Gunners to 2 League Championships in 1989 and 1991 as well as a League Cup triumph in 1987. Rocastle was undoubtedly a fan favourite and was truly an exceptional and influential footballer in his time, and one who is regarded by many Arsenal fans and ex-team-mates as an Arsenal legend.

Continue to page 3 to see the front line