Arsenal Football Club has had a rich history in the Premier League era, with three top-flight title wins since the division’s launch in 1992. The club’s success has raised the debate amongst fans as to who should make it into Arsenal’s greatest-ever team. Mirror Football recently asked ChatCPT, a renowned football analytics platform, to select Arsenal’s best line-up from the Premier League era, and interestingly, four key members of Arsenal’s famous Invincibles squad were omitted from the starting XI.
Starting between the posts is David Seaman, who won two Premier League titles with the Gunners. Seaman was England’s first-choice goalkeeper and made over 500 appearances for Arsenal. His selection over Jens Lehmann, who started every game during the Invincibles’ season, may surprise some.
In a 4-4-2 formation, Lee Dixon is chosen as right-back, beating out Invincible Lauren for the spot. Dixon spent an impressive 16 years with Arsenal, winning two Premier League titles. As captain, Tony Adams takes the central defender role, having served Arsenal for all 19 years of his career. Adams led the Gunners to two Premier League titles as captain. Alongside Adams is Sol Campbell, who controversially joined Arsenal from Tottenham in 2001. Campbell won two Premier League titles with the club, and his selection means no spot for Kolo Toure, who partnered Campbell in central defense during the Invincibles season.
Despite Ashley Cole’s infamous move to rival club Chelsea, he still makes this team as left-back. Cole started 32 games during the Invincibles season and is widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in football history.
Moving into midfield, Robert Pires, another Invincible, takes the position of right midfielder. Pires was known for his skill and flair and won two titles in his six seasons with Arsenal. Patrick Vieira, one of the Premier League’s most dominant midfielders, lines up in central midfield. Vieira spent nine years with Arsenal and is regarded as one of the division’s best-ever captains. He is partnered by Cesc Fabregas, who captained Arsenal for three years before moving to Barcelona. Fabregas’ inclusion means no place for the legendary Invincible Gilberto Silva.
Freddie Ljungberg, a veteran of the Invincibles squad, starts as the left midfielder. Ljungberg scored four goals during that famous season and later became Arsenal’s interim manager following Unai Emery’s departure.
In attack, it is no surprise that Thierry Henry, widely regarded as Arsenal’s greatest-ever player, secures his spot in the team. Henry scored an impressive 30 goals during the Invincibles season and holds the record as Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer. Dennis Bergkamp, known for his sublime skill, partners Henry up-front. Bergkamp was part of all three Premier League title-winning squads.
The selection of Arsenal’s greatest-ever Premier League team is always a subject of intense debate amongst fans. While some may question the exclusion of key Invincibles members such as Jens Lehmann, Kolo Toure, Gilberto Silva, and Ashley Cole’s controversial inclusion, it ultimately reflects the subjective nature of such discussions. Nevertheless, this line-up represents the finest players to have graced the Arsenal ranks during the Premier League era and pays homage to the club’s successful history.