After 22 years at the helm, it will be the end of an era for Arsene Wenger when his association with Arsenal is over next month. He will leave London with three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups and possibly the Europa League trophy come May and that success would not have been possible without his players.
Since arriving in 1996, Wenger has been fortunate to work with some world-class players over his two decades and here, we have come up with our Best XI during Wenger’s reign at Arsenal.
GOALKEEPER: DAVID SEAMAN
Already at club when Wenger arrived, 1996 to 2003
Appearances: 230
When Wenger arrived in 1996, he was fortunate to have a gifted goalkeeper in David Seaman. Agile, authoritative and calm, Seaman was a safe pair of hands who rarely made errors in a big game when he was at his peak. Played key roles in the league’s 1998 and 2002 success’ and three FA Cup triumphs.
RIGHT BACK: LAUREN
£7.2 million from Mallorca, 2000-6
Appearances: 159, Goals 4
Plying his trade in Spain where he grew up, Lauren made the move to north London in 2000 for £7.2million and quickly established himself as the first-choice right-back. Played a major role in Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ campaign and in the 2001-02 season. Left the club in 2007 having made nearly 250 appearances in seven years.
CENTRE BACK: SOL CAMPBELL
Free transfer from Tottenham, 2001-6 and 2010
Appearances: 146, Goals 8
Caused a lot of controversy after signing on a free from arch rivals Tottenham, the England defender showed why Arsene Wenger rated him so highly with consistent performances at the back. Played 146 times for the Gunners and was an integral part of their unbeaten Premier League season in 2004.
CENTRE BACK: TONY ADAMS
Already at the club when Wenger arrived, 1996 to 2002
Appearances: 204
The one-man club and a rock at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, Adams was one of the finest defenders in English football. As well timing his tackles perfectly and having mental and physical resilience, he possessed great leadership that was instrumental in the club’s league success in 1998 and 2002.
LEFT BACK: ASHLEY COLE
Youth product, 1999 to 2006
Appearances: 156, Goals: 8
Making his first-team debut aged just 18 was just the start for the Arsenal youth player as he went on to become one of the world’s best left-backs. Won two Premier League titles including the 2003-04 season and three FA Cups before making a controversial move across London to sign for Chelsea.
RIGHT MIDFIELD: ROBERT PIRES
Signed from Marseille for £6 million, 2000-6
Appearances: 189, Goals: 62
The Frenchman didn’t have the best of starts to his career at Arsenal but the World Cup and Euro 2000 winner gradually found his form. Despite playing as a winger, he had an eye for goal, scoring 62 goals, some which were extraordinary as the club won two league titles and FA Cups in six years.
CENTRE MIDFIELD: PATRICK VIEIRA
Signed from AC Milan for £3.5 million, 1996 to 2005
Appearances: 279, Goals: 29
A tough-tackling midfielder, the Frenchman wasn’t afraid to get stuck in, in any battle on the pitch. Led by example and was a driving force in 2003-04 ‘Invincibles’ campaign. Left the club for Juventus after nine seasons with almost 280 appearances.
CENTRE MIDFIELD: CESC FABREGAS
Joined from Barcelona Academy, 2003-11
Appearances: 212, Goals: 35
Arrived from Barcelona as a 16-year-old in 2003, Fabregas made giant steps in his development, making his first-team debut later that year. Became a prominent player for Arsene Wenger in the centre of midfield and was later given the armband. Won the FA Cup in 2005 before returning back to the Nou Camp in 2011 after eight years.
LEFT MIDFIELD: MARC OVERMARS
Signed from Marseille for £5 million, 1997-2000
Appearances: 100, Goals: 25
Wenger took a risk to bring the Dutchman to Highbury but the decision paid off as Overmars took English football by storm. Finding his feet after recovering from a lengthy injury, was immense on the wing with his pace and creativity causing headaches for the opposition. He made 100 appearances over three seasons, winning the double in 1997-98.
STRIKER: THIERRY HENRY
Signed from Juventus for £11 million, 1999-2007 and 2012 (loan)
Appearances: 258, Goals: 228
A few eye brows were raised when Henry arrived from Juventus for £11 million as a winger but that was soon forgotten when he showed his potential as an out-and-out striker. Caused problems for his defenders with his speed and agility and made it a habit of scoring some sensational goals. Is the club’s all-time scorer with 228 goals over two spells, winning seven trophies in London.
STRIKER: DENNIS BERGKAMP
Signed from Marseille for £7.5 million, 1995-2006
Appearances: 423, Goals: 120
One of Bruce Rioch’s first signings but it was the arrival of Arsene Wenger which saw Bergkamp transformed into a complete player. A magician on the ball, he had great vision in creating opportunities and was a threat in front of goal. Scored 120 goals in 423 apperances, winning three Premier League titles and three FA Cups in his 11 years.