After 19 years in the Premier League title race wilderness, Arsenal are back and closing in on what would be a historic but unexpected crown.
Few would have placed a handy wager on Arteta’s men sitting top of the pile at this stage and of course, there is still time to throw it all away but with every passing week, Arsenal look more and more like champions-elect.
Tales of Arsene Wenger’s ‘Invincibles’ team – the squad that remained unbeaten for the 2003/04 campaign – are still fondly shared around the Emirates due to a title drought that has played out much longer than it should have.
But it’s looking like despair is coming to a close and the stories of the ‘good old days’ are ready to be rewritten.
Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp are preparing to make way for Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard.
And as expected, the comparisons are already being drawn up between Wenger’s history makers and Mikel Arteta’s new breed.
With so much talent reverberating through both squads, who would be crazy enough to even attempt a combined XI?
Well, Piers Morgan recently told talkSPORT that Arteta’s side have ‘no weaknesses’ and is the best since Wenger’s 2004 title winners.
Martin Keown – a member of the invincibles team – told talkSPORT that Saka is the one player in the current crop that would get into Wenger’s side.
Therefore, talkSPORT.com decided to give it a go and compile its own combined XI.
ARSENAL COMBINED INVINCIBLES/CURRENT TEAM XI
Goalkeeper: Jens Lehmann
The German’s physical presence and ability to command his area gave him the nod over the ever-improving Aaron Ramsdale. It was a close call but Lehmann gets the nod.
Left-back: Ashley Cole
Often referred to as English football’s best-ever left back, Cole played a key role in the Invincibles team. The defender arguably played his best football at Chelsea but his level at Arsenal cannot be disputed. Cole takes the left-back slot over Oleksandr Zinchenko
Centre-back: Sol Campbell
A figurehead in the Arsenal backline, Campbell is an easy pick when it comes to choosing a commanding centre-back. The former Tottenham man rarely put a foot wrong and was key to Arsenal conceding just 26 goals during the historic 2003/04 season.
Centre-back: William Saliba
The Frenchman has all the tools to become a Gunners’ great in years to come. With youth on his side, he displays a calmness and maturity to his game that’s beyond his tender years. The perfect partner for Campbell.
Right-back: Lauren
The Cameroonian was unspectacularly spectacular and one Wenger could always put his faith in. The pacy right-back was a perfect mix of energy and tenacity and endeared himself to the Gunners’ faithful with a high-octane approach.
Midfield: Patrick Vieira
An easy choice in the heart of the Gunners’ midfield – unless you’re Ben White, of course. Vieira’s technical ability, heart and leadership is the driving force behind any title-winning side.
Midfield: Robert Pires
Every side needs a player who can create a piece of magic and Robert Pires is that man. A wonderfully elegant player with an eye for a spectacular goal and the ability to unlock defences.
Midfield: Martin Odegaard
The Norwegian has been Arsenal’s most influential signing in recent times. The driving force behind each attack, comprising a multifaceted skill-set and superb range of passing. The Gunners’ captain fantastic has chipped in with a few important goals of his own this season.
Forward: Thierry Henry
Arguably the best player of the Premier League era, the Frenchman played his way into the hearts of Arsenal fans with world-class displays that helped Arsenal secure the title in 2002 and 2004.
Forward: Bukayo Saka
The academy graduate has quickly become one of the first names on Arteta’s team sheet. Arsenal do not pose the same threat without the England international and Wenger would have undoubtedly found space for the 21-year-old in his side.
Striker: Dennis Bergkamp
Cool, calm and collected with a touch of class. Dennis Bergkamp wowed Arsenal fans with his incredible technical ability. Both Thierry Henry and Ian Wright have voted the Dutchman the best player they’ve ever played with, and it’s not hard to see why.
