The ‘Invincibles’. An achievement that is arguably Arsene Wenger’s best since taking the reigns of the club back in 1996.
Before we went on our 49-game unbeaten run, in 2002, Wenger insisted an invincible season was not impossible. He was so confident with his statement that the Frenchman made his players believe it, which they did. Astonishingly, they had the will and talent to go and achieve the unthinkable feat.
Now Wenger believes our current crop is talented enough to match the ‘Invincibles’ of 2003. A far-fetched statement, or an honest one?
‘My target is to get back to that, to get back to that level.
‘I feel personally we are not far from coming back to fight for the championship, let’s hope we can show that next season.’
To be honest, our current crop come nowhere near the ‘Invincibles’, and I don’t think they can match them.’
In my opinion, there are only two players capable of slotting into that star-studded team – Robin van Persie and Bacary Sagna, arguably the only two world class players currently at the club.
When you look at the 2003/04 team they were all world class players.
Just by looking at our current midfield, the gulf in class is clear as compared to the likes of Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva, who dominated games in that department in every single game. Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg on the wings were simply sublime, and the back four, one word ‘airtight’. Lauren, Sol Cambell, Kolo Toure and Ashley Cole were the most stubborn defence in the land to break down, bar-none. Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry spearheaded the attack, need I say more? Looking at those players its no wonder Wenger stated that they could go an entire Premier League season unbeaten.
Wenger added:
‘I told the players at the time they can achieve something special by becoming champions and being ‘invincible’ and they did it.
‘At the time they didn’t realize how much it could mean in the future but I am very proud of them.’
But the question still remains – can we actually repeat it?
I believe the ‘Invincibles’ side WEREN’T a one-off. They were a unique combination of great players playing at the top of their game, so why can’t we have that again?
We’ve already started adding some value to a squad that has more quantity than quality, and I for one hope we continue to do so. We’re in for a number of players who would rejuvenate our side next season. Should they arrive in good time and get the squad gelling in a few seasons we could surpass that 49-game mark.
But before we even begin to think of that we must first deal with the obvious elephant in the room – that seven year trophy drought.
We don’t necessarily have to be invincible to be successful again. An FA and Carling Cup victory still counts as being successful only if you can do it consistently, which we can. Provided of course Wenger spends some money this summer and sells the underperformers.
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Invincibles, still cuckoo season then?
I don’t think Arsene can mould another monster lethal team as invincible,1 st in 2003/4 we didn’t have as many strong team as we witness in today’s epl competition, those days the only strong team was Manchester united which was our only biggest rival but today we have Chelsea, mancity, spurs, Newcastle to battle with, if you think the invincible team was that good, why did they fail in UEFA C.LEAGUE? All Arsene need to do is forgets about loyalty splash money n bring in players who can face any monster of team. Period!
arsenal have to improve and work on finishing and be clinicale in front of goal.how many sitters we misses this season?even in recent seasons.every player should try scoring,when we play against teams (park the bus)we found it difficult to score,the players should train shooting from distance,free kicks,corners even penalties.arsenal is an attacking team,so we need to care about scoring andtake chances rather than defend and deep,cause we play higt line defence.good luck arsenal players at euro
Unless we spend some serious cash there is no chance of being ‘invincible’ again.
Let’s face facts, we are miles behind citeh already.
We need 5 big money signings as well as Podolski and we need to keep RVP.
I’m starting to lose belief in my team and that hurts.
Back in 2004 I used to think we were invincible but we are a pale shadow of that now.
We’ve had the famine years because of the new stadium, let’s spend some fuckin cash and let the good times role again!!
Spending serious cash is the answer yes??? Just like Liverpool?
And get rid of some of the horrible players we seem to bought together: scillaici, Denilson, Fabianski, Park, Chamakh, Bendtner, Etc
The collapse of Serie A ended that possibility. Chelsea and City money brought top players across to the Premier League. Despite the ridiculous claims of this being a weak league this season, the league is incredibly strong and every single team can beat you on the day.
Can we compete for the title? Yes. Go unbeaten? Very unlikely.
sometimes wenger forgot he is getting older and time is short.
I think he will never create that side again.
It is not good as the same time logical to put faith in this man again. We have suffered enough already.
I still have faith in Wenger but he needs to spend money NOW!!!!!!
Why do arsenal fans calls for this vertoghen guy.do you think he deserves all those hype that surrounds him.has he ever played at a competetive league before?dont be fooled mates even though he is good but he is not that great and personally i dont think he deserves those hype.he is not our savior.
The man is competent n consistent + cool in the heat of battle.
I need some cheering news about the gunners. Tired of gloomy and discouraging stuff.