Arsenal's Greatest XI of all time

Midfield

Patrick Vieira

The age-old excuse for the lack of a leader and a powerful motivator in the team at Arsenal is that they have failed to replace Patrick Vieira in midfield after his departure from the club in 2005. His last kick in an Arsenal shirt delivered them the FA Cup with a win over arch-rivals Manchester United - his sixth major trophy in a nine-year career at Highbury.

When he first burst on to the scene as one of Wenger's first signings, fans were gobsmacked at the ease with which a tall, lanky player commanded the midfield and glided across the pitch to assist in defence and attack.

Vieira soon took over the captain's armband and led the side that would go on to become the Invincibles, fittingly scoring the final goal of the campaign (a winner) that sealed their unbeaten status over the season.

Alongside him is an attacking midfielder who was one of few Irish players who also thrived outside Britain. Arguably the most complete Irish player of all time, he was so revered at the club that his transfer to Juventus at his peak saw a gloom envelop Highbury.

Liam Brady (R)

Liam Brady came through the Arsenal Academy and spent seven years in the senior team before his move to Serie A.

With a keen eye for goal, brave on the ball for a creative player and possessing play-making abilities that were rare at the time, there were very few skilled players in England at the time - which is perhaps why Juventus wanted him so badly.

However, after a successful stint in Serie A, he would eventually return to Arsenal to take up the role of Arsenal's Head of Youth Development.