Arsenal All-Time Best XI

With Arsenal challenging Manchester United and Chelsea for the Premier League title again this season, Arsene Wenger has his sights set on a fourth championship as manager of the Gunners, with an entirely different team from the one that went unbeaten throughout the 2003-04 League season. But who would make it into an Arsenal all-time best XI? Graham Lister considers the candidates and makes his selection...

North London club Arsenal have seen a host of top-class players wearing the famous red and white shirts throughout an illustrious history, so there is a large, high quality field from which to choose an all-time best Gunners XI.

Founded in 1886, the first 40 years of Arsenal's existence were largely unremarkable and yielded no major trophies. But once visionary manager Herbert Chapman was appointed in 1925, things started to happen. The club broke its duck by winning the FA Cup in 1930, and then the honours came thick and fast.

In the last decade before the Second World War, the Gunners' dominance of English football was unprecedented, though Liverpool in the 1970s and 1980s, and Manchester United in the 1990s and early 2000s, were no less dominant in their eras.

Several Arsenal players from the 1930s are still icons in the club's history and would have walked into any best XI at the time. Indeed, in 1934 the Gunners provided no fewer than seven members of the England team for an international against Italy.

Arsenal also enjoyed much success in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the early and late 1970s, the early 1990s and of course, since 1996, the Wenger years.

But football has evolved dramatically over the years in terms of formations and tactics, speed and players' fitness. There is a valid argument that talented players from any era would still shine today, given the benefits of contemporary training methods, equipment and coaching ideas.

Comparing players from different eras is a fascinating exercise even if it throws up insoluble arguments. In the following selection the players concerned have been judged in the context of the team and the time in which they played. Whether, at their peak, they would all have clicked as a unit on the pitch at the same time we'll never know, but it's interesting to speculate....

Goalkeeper

Among the most outstanding goalkeepers in Arsenal history are the indomitable Jack Kelsey (1950-62), the Welshman who throughout the 1950s was the one genuine world-class star on their books, and who in several indifferent seasons was primarily the reason the Gunners preserved their top-flight status; the brave and agile Bob Wilson (1963-74), whose speciality was the suicidal headlong dive to pluck the ball off an onrushing forward's feet; and the unflappable David Seaman (1990-2003), who was the reliable anchor to which three title-winning campaigns were tied.

But the best of them all was PAT JENNINGS (1977-1985). When Spurs decided to sell the quiet 32-year-old Ulsterman to their arch-rivals they never imagined he would go on to make 326 appearances as a Gunner, play in four major cup finals in three years and become as big a crowd favourite at Highbury as he had been at White Hart Lane.

Jennings had unrivalled positional sense, provided an intimidating barrier in one-on-one situations, could pluck crosses out of the air all day long and still possessed the reflexes of a much younger man, making difficult saves look easy and pulling off the near-impossible stops with calm assurance of a master.

He was renowned for one-handed saves, but then each of his hands was enormous. He spread confidence among the defenders in front of him and would rank among the world's best goalkeepers of any era. After returning to Spurs at the age of 40 as first-team cover, Jennings went on to serve Northern Ireland again in the 1986 World Cup finals, and set a record of 119 caps. That was later exceeded by Peter Shilton, above whom many rated Jennings in terms of raw ability.

Right-Back
Leading right-backs in Arsenal's history would include reliable England international George Male (1929-48), who was converted by Chapman from left-half with outstanding success, and Laurie Scott (1937-51), who shone in the early post-war years. A very strong contender for the title of best player in this position is Pat Rice (1964-80), who was not blessed with outstanding natural talent, but was so determined to make the grade that he worked and worked on his game through hour after hour of extra training until he forced his way into the team and remained there for a decade.

Local boy Rice, who has been Arsene Wenger's assistant manager throughout the Frenchman's tenure, and who has spent all but four of the last 44 years with the Gunners in various capacities, was an integral part of the team that won the Double in 1970-71. He appeared in five FA Cup finals for Arsenal and lifted the trophy in 1979, one of three years he spent as captain. After Rice, Viv Anderson (1984-1987) and Lauren (2000-2007) , were distinguished right-backs.

But the accolade goes to Mancunian (and Manchester City fan) LEE DIXON (1988-2002), signed by George Graham, who'd monitored his steady progress at the footballing outposts of Burnley, Chester, Bury and Stoke, then took him to Highbury where his career flourished. A former winger, Dixon never lost his attacking instincts, his two-footed ball control and crossing ability or, until later years, his impressive pace. (He was 38 when he retired in May 2002, having just won the FA Cup again). But those skills were complemented by a clever defender's brain based on positional sense and sharp tackling.

Right Centre-Back

Herbert Chapman introduced the tactical change of converting centre-half into a dedicated defensive position to counteract a change on the offside law, and he made Herbie Roberts (1926-37) the original 'stopper' centre-half, so effective they dubbed him the 'Policeman.' The likes of Les Compton (1931-52), Ray Daniel (1946-53) earned their places in the Arsenal Hall of Fame, while Irish international David O'Leary (1973-93) made his debut as a 17-year-old in 1975 and went on to make 722 competitive first team appearances for the Gunners - still a club record - as arguably the most elegant centre-half they've had.

One of the most popular - and effective - was Steve Bould (1988-1999), who saw off the challenge for younger challengers for years and is now a coach at the Arsenal Academy. One of those challengers was Martin Keown (1981-86 & 1993-2004), who was versatile, rugged and peerless as a man-marker. And there is little doubt that the superbly athletic and aware Kolo Toure (2002 to date) will soon be an automatic pick for a selection such as this.

For now though, the honour still goes to one of the greatest captains in Arsenal's history, FRANK McLINTOCK (1964-1973). The Glaswegian joined Arsenal from Leicester City as a swashbuckling, attacking wing-half in October 1964 and filled that role effectively until, during an injury crisis in 1969-70, assistant manager Don Howe switched him to a reluctant centre-half and his career moved onto a higher plane altogether. His assured reading of the game, instinctive timing and incisive forward runs revealed an apparently seasoned central defender; but his leadership qualities were second to none and gained full expression from the middle of the back four.

Always one of the most committed, defiant and passionate characters on any pitch, he commanded respect from his team-mates and led the Gunners by example to the European Fairs Cup triumph of 1970 that ended a 17-year trophy drought at Highbury. That was the springboard for the following season's superb League/FA Cup 'Double,' in which McLintock - voted Footballer of the Year in 1971 - was again the inspirational leader.

Left Centre-Back

McLintock's partner in manager Bertie Mee's Double-winning side was Norfolk boy Peter Simpson (1960-78), a quiet, unassuming defender who liked a cigarette but loathed the limelight. Nicknamed Stan after the undemonstrative one in Laurel & Hardy, Simpson was seriously underrated and denied England honours only by the excellence of Bobby Moore. He was a clean-tackling, cultured performer, masterful in distribution and a byword for consistency. Sol Campbell (2001-06) was a commanding physical presence in the Arsenal back-four, and current captain William Gallas (2006 to date) may yet earn a place in Arsenal folklore.

But it is hard to imagine anyone having the credentials or the character to oust TONY ADAMS (1982-2002) from any all-time Arsenal best XI. Possibly no one player has epitomised the club more completely than Adams did for nearly two decades in the first team. Only O'Leary played more times for the Gunners, who were the only club the Romford boy (now assistant manager to Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth) ever played for - or wanted to play for.

His loyalty and commitment to Arsenal were legendary and helped make him both the most successful and popular captain in the club's history. The fact that he successfully overcame a brief imprisonment (for drink-driving) and self-confessed alcoholism only added to his stature. Apart from being a top class defender who earned 66 England caps and captained his country, Adams was a physically brave, rock-solid motivator who inspired respect and unreserved admiration from both George Graham and Arsene Wenger. Above all, Adams was a born winner.

Left-Back

There is a dynasty of excellent Arsenal left-backs stretching in an almost unbroken line of succession from a prince of the Chapman team, Eddie Hapgood (1927-45), to the ever-improving Gael Clichy (2003 to date). It includes such luminaries as Walley Barnes (1943-55), Joe Wade (1944-56), Dennis Evans (1951-63), the tireless and dynamic master-organiser Bob McNab (1966-75), Sammy Nelson (1966-81), the combative, adventurous and enduringly popular Nigel Winterburn (1987-2000), bubbly Brazilian Sylvinho (1999-2001) and Ashley Cole (1997-2006).

Selected ahead of them, though, is KENNY SANSOM (1980-1988), one of manager Terry Neill's shrewdest acquisitions for the club. The transfer that brought the stylish Sansom to Highbury stunned the football world. Recently signed striker Clive Allen - who never had time to play a competitive game for Arsenal - and reserve keeper Paul Barron both moved to Crystal Palace as part of the deal that saw Sansom become a Gunner as Nelson's long-term replacement. He possessed an awesome burst of pace, the anticipation to effect telling interceptions, prodigious aerial ability for his relatively short physique, and passed the ball with enviable precision. England's left-back throughout the 1980s, he made just under 400 appearances for the Gunners and was skipper when they lifted the Littlewoods (League) Cup in 1987 at the end of George Graham's first season as manager. Graham's purchase of Winterburn later that year signalled the beginning of the end of Sansom's Arsenal career, but this polished performer was genuinely a class act.

Wide Right Midfield

Joe Hulme (1926-38), Alf Kirchen (1935-43) and Danny Clapton (1953-62) gave sterling service to Arsenal on the right-wing, but as tactics evolved, more became demanded of the position, and in the modern era, outstanding performers for the Gunners on the right of midfield included the much-loved David Rocastle (1982-92), who offered superb balance, dazzling dribbling skills and a hammer-like shot, and who died at the tragically young age of 33 from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer. Also prominent on the right were workaholic Ray Parlour (1988-2004), who brought balance and dynamism to Wenger's midfield, and the versatile Freddie Ljungberg (1998-2007), who had few peers when it came to making penetrative runs beyond or across the opposition's back line, and also weighed in with 72 goals. Alexander Hleb in the current Arsenal side is one of the most skilful players in the Premier League whose superb close control and astute passing are proving to be potent weapons for the Gunners.

But the all-time Arsenal great in this position is GEORGE ARMSTRONG (1961-77). 'Geordie' was an orthodox winger whose work-rte was so prodigious that was both an auxiliary defender, tirelessly tracking back and regaining possession, and one of the most prolific providers of 'assists' in the game. Assists were not formally recorded in his era, but it has been calculated that he played a part in more than half of Arsenal's goals during their 1970-71 'Double' triumph. Equally effective on either wing, his perpetual motion made him tough to mark for opposing defenders, and his willingness to fight for the cause often frustrated opponents' attempts to build attacks of their own in his vicinity. He had impressive ball skills and punishing pace, but his greatest asset was an ability to cross the ball at speed with consistent accuracy to his intended target - more often than not John Radford, Ray Kennedy or George Graham. He also notched up 68 goals of his own in an Arsenal career spanning 621 appearances. He later returned to Arsenal in a coaching role, managing the reserve team. He collapsed and died on the training pitch in the autumn of 2000 from a brain haemorrhage, but remains one of the true greats in Arsenal's history.

Central Midfield - Holding

The holding or defensive midfield role has evolved over time from hard-tackling wing-half to box-to-box all-rounder. The Gunners' leading exponents of the former version include the likes of 'iron' Wilf Copping (1934-39), the original Arsenal hard man, the two Scots Archie Macaulay (1947-50) and Alex Forbes (1948-56), who were key figures in Tom Whittaker's successful post-war teams, and the genial, bandy-legged captain of those Whittaker teams, Joe Mercer (1946-54). Since tactical innovations gave birth to the concept of a clearly-defined 'midfield', Arsenal have been strongly represented in that area of the pitch by the uncompromising Peter Storey (1961-77), Eddie Kelly (1966-76), enthusiastic workhorse Brian Talbot (1979-85), combative but articulate Emanuel Petit (1997-2000) and solidly reliable Gilberto Silva (2002 to date).

But there really can only be one selection in this position for a best all-time Arsenal XI, and that is the peerless PATRICK VIEIRA (1996-2005). From the moment he set foot on the Highbury turf in September 1996 as a 20-year-old first-half substitute for Parlour against Sheffield Wednesday, Arsenal fans knew Wenger - who had not yet formally joined the club - had delivered them someone special. Over the next nine seasons - the last three of them as an inspirational captain - Vieira proved himself to be one of the best midfielders in the world, constantly courted by the biggest clubs in Spain and Italy. Wenger eventually sold him to Juventus, but only after he had acquired legendary status among Gooners everywhere as an imperious enforcer who combined razor sharp tackling with the finesse on the ball of a juggler; visionary passing with the power and athleticism of a thoroughbred racehorse. Notoriously combustible on the pitch, a soft-spoken giant off it, Vieira's place in Arsenal's Hall of Fame is guaranteed. Now with Inter Milan, he has made it clear that his heart is still in North London.

Central Midfield - Creative

The lineage of outstanding Arsenal players who have filled this role is impressive, beginning in the Chapman era with the legendary Alex James (1929-37) and continuing with another crowd-pleasing Scottish schemer, Jimmy Logie (1939-55). Jimmy Bloomfield (1954-60) provided the creative spark in a distinctly average team, but left when Arsenal signed George Eastham (1960-1966) in his position. The frail-looking Eastham was one of the most intelligent players to wear the Arsenal shirt, with the awareness to spot an opening and the footwork to thread the ball through the eye of a needle to exploit it. Alan Ball (1971-76) was more robust but equally adept at passing and an energetic bundle of commitment. Paul Davis (1978-95) was cultured and precise. And Cesc Fabregas (2003 to date) could yet become the greatest of them all given his rate of progress and what he has achieved at the age of 20. He literally has the world at his feet.

However, this pivotal role in the team goes to LIAM BRADY (1971-80), who enthralled a generation, many of whom say he was the best they ever saw in Arsenal colours. The slightly-built Dubliner was a waif with a magic wand of a left foot, a sublimely gifted playmaker with the skill and vision to dictate the pattern of a game through his own inventiveness. Arsenal as a team were just short of greatness during Brady's time at Highbury - one FA Cup triumph, three losing cup finals but no sustained challenge for the League title; yet for many, just watching Brady at work was a reward in itself. He was superbly entertaining with a mesmerising array of attributes - great balance, exceptional close control, an infinite range of passes and the ability to disguise his intentions until the ball was played. His decision to move to Juventus at the end of the 1979-80 season left a cloud over Highbury that took years to disperse, but he was a great success in Italy, also playing for Sampdoria, Inter Milan and Ascoli with distinction. He returned to Arsenal in 1996 as head of the club's academy, a role he continues to fill.

Wide Left-Midfield

As an old-style left-winger, Cliff Bastin (1929-46) joined the Gunners at 17, had won every major honour in the English game by the time he was 20 and finished his Arsenal career with 396 appearances to his name and 178 goals - the latter a club record that stood until Ian Wright broke it half-a-century later in 1997. Others who filled that role to good effect included Don Roper (1947-57), the mercurial Swede Anders Limpar (1990-94), devastating in the club's 1990-91 Championship triumph, and flying Dutchman Marc Overmars (1997-2000), who made a huge impact in the 1997-98 Double season.

Getting the vote, though, is ROBERT PIRES (2000-06), the pigeon-toed Frenchman with the shuffling gate that is deceptively fast. He was an integral and inspirational figure in the 2001-02 Double season, despite suffering a serious cruciate knee injury in March of that campaign, came back to score the winner in the 2003 FA Cup final, then made another outstanding contribution as the Gunners won the Premier League again in 2003-04, this time unbeaten. Distinguished by his prompting and probing runs, the quality of his passing was superb, and Pires could set up or score goals from either flank. He favoured drifting inside from the left wing to provide a telling assist or finish a move, and developed a potent understanding with Thierry Henry on the left. Pires racked up 84 goals in his six seasons as a Gunner, a terrific return for a midfielder, and provided magnificent entertainment.

Strikers

In the Arsenal pantheon as at most clubs, the great goalscorers have been revered down the years. If the criterion for selection was simply most goals scored, the top two all-time scorers would be automatic choices; but that might not tell the whole story. The stand-out scorers for Arsenal down the years include David Jack (1928-34), who was once Britain's costliest player and scored 124 goals in 208 Arsenal appearances; the courageous, swashbuckling Ted Drake (1934-45), 139 goals in 184 games; David Herd (1954-61) 107 goals in 180 games; and the hugely popular Joe Baker (1962-66), 100 goals in 156 games.

As tactics and formations evolved, defences became more sophisticated and goals were harder to come by. Centre-forwards became strikers and target men, often deeper lying and with responsibilities to bring others into play. Arsenal featured such stars as the irrepressible and extravagantly talented Charlie George (1966-75), who scored 49 goals in 179 appearances and set up many others; John Radford (1962-76), the archetypal leader of the line in the Sixties and Seventies, who racked up 149 goals in 482 games; and Frank Stapleton (1972-81), a master craftsman with 108 goals in 300 games. Alan Smith (1987-95) also led the line with great intelligence, a deft touch and clinical finishing that yielded 115 goals in 347 appearances.

Then there was the exuberant, theatrical phenomenon that was Ian Wright (1991-98), a goal-poacher supreme who played with a swagger and a smile but also a burning desire to get the ball into the back of the net as often as possible. Were it not for the two strikers selected, Wright, with 185 goals in 288 competitive first team appearances, would walk into this team.

But he loses out to two forwards whose credentials are even more compelling.

DENNIS BERGKAMP (1995-2006) was without doubt one of the most naturally gifted footballers ever to represent Arsenal, a footballing genius with exquisite touch, the wit and imagination to see things before others ever did, the audacity to attempt them and the subtle technique to accomplish them in style. Though given to occasional moments of petulance, the Dutchman was the epitome of cool, a master assessing the options in a fraction of a second and making the killer intervention with deft precision or punishing power. In 424 appearances he scored 120 Arsenal goals, many of them master-pieces, but also contributed countless assists. Indeed he often seemed to relish setting up a goal for a team-mate as much as scoring himself.

Lucky for Arsenal fans, then, that Bergkamp’s time at the club coincided for the most part with that of THIERRY HENRY (1999-2007), because the pair seemed pre-ordained to dovetail on a football pitch. Although injuries also played a significant role, it is no coincidence that Henry's least productive and unhappiest season with Arsenal was his last one, the first without Bergkamp who'd retired that summer (2006). But fortunately, before that there were seven seasons of sensational scoring feats. Henry, with 226 goals to his name in 369 appearances as a Gunner, was by a distance the club's all-time leading scorer by the time he left for Barcelona. But merely citing the prodigious quantity of his goals does scant justice to their quality. A more selfish striker (an Ian Wright, for example), would have accumulated even more, but Henry like Bergkamp provided numerous assists (82, in fact), so that critics said he was not so much a great goalscorer as a scorer of great goals. To most Arsenal fans, he was surely the most accomplished, artistic, audacious and adventurous goalscorer they ever saw, or expect to see again. He looked for invention and improvisation all the time: the manner of his goals was as important to him as the mere fact of scoring. Blistering pace and peerless technical ability make Henry one of the all-time greats in his position, a model of class and consistency with the ability to take your breath away time after time. Football is ultimately entertainment and Henry at Arsenal was the supreme entertainer.

To recap, then, here is the selection for the best all-time Arsenal XI:
Jennings

Dixon McLintock Adams Sansom

Armstrong Vieira Brady Pires

Bergkamp Henry

Manager: Arsene Wenger

Second XI:
Seaman

Rice Toure Simpson Winterburn

Rocastle Petit Fabregas Overmars

Drake Wright

Manager: Herbert Chapman