Arsenal’s 2003/04 Invincibles squad – ranked

Arsenal‘s unbeaten Premier League season in 2003/04 gave that group the nickname, ‘The Invincibles’. It is a feat that may doubtless by no means be matched once more – at the very least in England, anyway.

As a way to obtain one thing so outstanding, each single member of that squad will need to have been at their very best. After all, targets and assists aren’t every little thing, however they’re fairly rattling essential.

Football FanCast breaks the squad down (of these with a minimal of ten appearances) so as of their objective contributions throughout the historic Premier League marketing campaign.

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20
Jeremie Aliadiere

0 targets, 0 assists

Arsenal’s different French ahead, Jeremie Aliadiere largely performed within the FA Cup and League Cup throughout their Invincibles season. He solely managed 10 Premier League appearances and did not rating as soon as or get an help, however to be honest to him, solely three of these appearances have been begins. If he had been given extra of an opportunity, he would doubtless have contributed extra.

Invincibles spotlight: Beginning because the Gunners got here from behind to see off Liverpool at Anfield in early October, taking part in a component in Robert Pires’ winner.

19
Martin Keown

0 targets, 0 assists

By the point the 2003/04 season got here round, Martin Keown was very a lot within the twilight of his profession. The outdated centre-back had been a loyal servant to the Gunners since 1993 once they re-signed the Hale Finish graduate from Everton. Simply because he did not function a lot on the pitch, doesn’t suggest he did not make a serious contribution to the Invincibles season. His wealth of expertise and management was doubtless invaluable for Wenger because the season went on.

Invincibles spotlight: Begging Arsene Wenger to deliver him on through the ultimate sport to earn a Premier League medal (or leaping over Ruud van Nistelrooy).

18
Gael Clichy

0 targets, 0 assists

French left-back Gael Clichy was signed that season, with Ashley Cole, probably the greatest in that place the Premier League had ever seen, forward of him within the pecking order. The teenager was subsequently not going to be given the prospect to make a lot of an impression. Nonetheless, when referred to as upon, Clichy proved he was greater than able to filling in for Cole after making 12 appearances all through the marketing campaign, and would make the place his personal when his predecessor left for Chelsea.

Invincibles spotlight: Turning into the youngest-ever Premier League medallist at 18.

17
Pascal Cygan

0 targets, 0 assists

One other member of Arsenal’s French contingent, Pascal Cygan was solely ever going to be a squad participant for Wenger. With an extremely strong defensive partnership of Kolo Toure and Sol Campbell forward of him, it was going to take a miracle for Cygan to displace them. However, very similar to Clichy above, he was an extremely dependable choice who positively performed his half (18 occasions, to be actual) on this wonderful season.

Invincibles spotlight: Offering strong cowl as Arsene Wenger was compelled to shuffle his pack over the winter months.

16
Ray Parlour

0 targets, 0 assists

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour was one other member of the squad who was approaching the top of a formidable profession. Parlour’s function was to do the soiled work that lots of his counterparts prevented. In his 25 appearances, he acquired eight yellow playing cards. Like Keown, Wenger would have beloved having such an skilled participant at his disposal when wanted, significantly when accidents bit.

Invincibles spotlight: Captaining the facet throughout Patrick Vieira’s absence, together with through the Gunners’ derby victory over Spurs.

15
Jens Lehmann

It is clearly very harsh to guage a goalkeeper by targets and assists, however it has occurred earlier than. Jens Lehmann – a uncommon goalscorer himself – is certainly probably the greatest goalkeepers the Premier League has ever seen. The massive indignant German solely conceded 26 targets through the 2003/04 Premier League marketing campaign, maintaining 15 clear sheets. Not solely was he outstanding between the sticks, his never-say-die angle rubbed off on his teammates as they chased data.

Invincibles spotlight: Fantastically denying Craig Bellamy throughout a tense 0-0 draw at Champions League-chasing Newcastle.

14
Lauren

0 targets, 1 help

The primary participant on this record to get a objective or help, Invincibles right-back Lauren performed a pivotal function for Arsenal on the different finish of the pitch. The Cameroonian is one thing of a forgotten man; he might not have had many overly explosive performances, however he was very constant. Wenger knew precisely what he was going to get from Lauren, and he was the kind of participant wanted to win titles.

Invincibles spotlight: For a participant as understated as Lauren, it must be his one help – a cross put away by Thierry Henry after the Newcastle defence didn’t take care of it.

13
Sol Campbell

1 objective, 1 help

Tottenham Hotspur followers might hate him, however Arsenal followers love him. When Sol Campbell swapped White Hart Lane for Highbury, he instantly turned the lynchpin of the Gunners’ defence. He was a rock on the again all through his 35 appearances, however he additionally popped up with the odd objective, evidenced by the actual fact he acquired one within the 2003/04 season. His solely objective was the opener towards Aston Villa of their 2-0 victory in August.

Invincibles spotlight: It must be his consistency. Solely ever lacking via damage or suspension, Campbell performed the complete 90 at any time when attainable. It’s exhausting to think about the Invincibles attaining what they did with out him.

12
Kolo Toure

1 objective, 1 help

Kolo Toure might have made an enormous two extra appearances than defensive companion Campbell, however he did not get any extra targets or assists. Identical to Campbell although, he was a person mountain on the again, taking part in an enormous function in Arsenal’s season. If it weren’t for the Ivorian’s calm defensive play, it is unlikely they’d have gained the title, by no means thoughts gone the season undefeated. He additionally dropped into midfield when required.

Invincibles spotlight: Simply check out his highlights reel. Sufficient mentioned.

11
Ashley Cole

0 targets, 3 assists

Ashley Cole might have tarnished his Arsenal legacy by leaving to affix London rivals Chelsea two years later, however in 2003/04, he was nearly as good as they acquired at left-back. The place has developed since then, and whereas Cole was greater than able to evolving with it, this marketing campaign reveals precisely what he might do defensively. Again then, three assists was a really wholesome goal-contribution tally for a full-back.

Invincibles spotlight: Dramatic late header within the Champions League apart, his finest second within the league arguably got here on the ultimate day, when he gained the penalty that drew Arsenal degree of their historic comeback win over Leicester Metropolis.

10
Nwankwo Kanu

1 objective, 2 assists

It is not possible to overstate simply how good Nwankwo Kanu was on his day. The lanky Nigerian ahead was magnificent all through his Arsenal profession, however in 2003/04, it was clear that he could not fairly minimize it on the very high degree. Kanu made simply 10 league appearances, with solely three of them being begins within the Premier League that season. It will show to be his final on the membership, however what a option to exit.

Invincibles spotlight: Kanu’s finest bits undoubtedly got here in league and cup, together with his flashes of brilliance nonetheless evident. Whereas displaying glimpses of his weaving finest, his set-up for Freddie Ljungberg towards Middlesbrough helped Arsenal high the desk that evening (on alphabetical order).

9
Jose Antonio Reyes

2 targets, 1 help

Spanish winger Jose Antonio Reyes did not really be part of the membership till the top of the January switch window, so he is somewhat harshly judged to be ranked right here when it comes to the perfect members of the squad. Whereas making loads of appearances for the membership in cup competitions, when referred to as upon within the league, he was electrical. His unimaginable tempo and directness made him a handful for just about each defender within the league.

Invincibles spotlight: Making Edwin van der Sar look silly by nicking the ball off his toes to provide Arsenal the lead – and factors – at Fulham.

8
Sylvain Wiltord

3 targets, 0 assists

He might have been considerably overshadowed by Thierry Henry, however Sylvain Wiltord’s versatility made him a really helpful weapon in Wenger’s arsenal – actually.

His potential to play each as a right-winger and as a extra conventional No 9 made positive the supervisor might depend on him when wanted. Wiltord was 29 years outdated on the time and was deemed surplus to necessities when the season got here to an finish. He headed again to France, becoming a member of Lyon, however no earlier than turning into immortal.

Invincibles spotlight: Wiltord did not play within the league after December, however his double towards Middlesbrough in August saved Arsenal’s good league file.

7
Edu

2 targets, 2 assists

Earlier than he was making strikes as Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu was a really gifted central midfielder. The Brazilian did not have too many objective contributions, however that wasn’t essentially his job. Each of his Premier League targets got here towards Chelsea, so whereas there weren’t lots of them, they have been definitely essential. Edu would solely play another season at Arsenal earlier than leaving the membership in 2005.

Invincibles spotlight: One other participant who shone within the Champions League, you’ll be able to’t actually look previous Edu scoring dwelling and away towards Chelsea.

6
Patrick Vieira

3 targets, 4 assists

French midfielder and captain Patrick Vieira was so good at Arsenal, they could not substitute him for a decade. A defensive midfielder, Vieira wasn’t significantly concerned too excessive up the pitch, however the place he excelled was simply in entrance of the again 4, recycling possession in a manner that only a few can. Vieira is an simple Arsenal legend, although his primary contribution wasn’t with targets, it was with management and an overarching high quality that made the gamers round him higher.

Invincibles spotlight: Sealing the win on the ultimate day moments earlier than lifting the Premier League trophy as unbeaten champions.

5
Gilberto Silva

4 targets, 4 assists

Arsenal’s midfield in 2003/04 actually was exhausting as nails. Gilberto Silva was positively a participant you would not need to mess with. And regardless of being deployed in an analogous function to Patrick Vieira, he nonetheless popped up with the occasional objective. A future captain, it’s no surprise the Gunners have been so troublesome to beat that yr,

Invincibles spotlight: A wonderful half-volley on the Riverside Stadium set the tone for a stunning season.

4
Freddie Ljungberg

4 targets, 5 assists

Regardless of an immense contribution to the Gunners, Freddie Ljungberg would solely pop up on the scoresheet on 4 events, although solely two gamers managed to raised that tally.

One other participant typically trusted by Wenger to begin when out there, it’s troublesome to think about Arsenal’s squad with out their tremendous Swede.

Invincibles spotlight: His deflected effort towards Spurs secured a dramatic victory at Highbury when their unbeaten run had regarded underneath risk.

3
Dennis Bergkamp

4 targets, 7 assists

The silky Dutchman resides proof that statistics aren’t every little thing in soccer. If somebody new to the sport have been to browse Dennis Bergkamp’s variety of objective contributions, they could be somewhat disillusioned, however as quickly as they watched him play, they’d know precisely what all of the hype was about. The person glided throughout the soccer pitch, and there’s a purpose he is thought of probably the greatest the Premier League has ever seen.

He wasn’t at his most prolific in 2003/04, however one other massively influential member of the squad who knew methods to win titles – with the customary flash of sophistication besides.

Invincibles spotlight: His trademark contact to arrange Robert Pires’ objective towards Bolton Wanderers is a sight to behold (he later scored himself).

2
Robert Pires

14 targets, 8 assists

Together with his lengthy hair and goatee, Robert Pires was flying for Arsenal in 2003/04. The French winger was the membership’s main assist-maker that marketing campaign, and his objective tally wasn’t too unhealthy, both. Maybe his finest objective got here towards Liverpool, slicing inside earlier than curling it in from distance to assist safe an important 2-1 comeback win at Anfield. He additionally got here up with winners towards Everton and Southampton, whereas he chipped in on that title-clinching day at White Hart Lane.

Invincibles spotlight: It nonetheless will get higher each time you see it – his majestic winner at Anfield.

1
Thierry Henry

30 targets, 6 assists

Let’s be sincere, it was apparent who was going to be primary: Mr Va Va Voom himself, Arsenal’s greatest-ever participant, Thierry Henry. 36 objective contributions in a single season is ludicrous, however Henry managed with out seeming to interrupt a sweat. 4 targets in a single sport towards Leeds United nearly sums up how essential he was to the Arsenal group. With out Henry, none of this is able to have been attainable.

Invincibles spotlight: Scoring seven targets in per week, due to successive Highbury hat-tricks towards Leeds United and Liverpool – throughout which he effortlessly knocked Jamie Carragher off his toes.