Arsene Wenger's 1000 games at Arsenal: Best XI signings

Arsene Wenger receiving a golden cannon for completing 1000 games with Arsenal

On the day of Arsene Wenger’s landmark 1000th game for Arsenal, here is my Arsene Wenger XI – consisting of players that he has signed.

GK – Jens Lehmann

Mad Jens seems to divide opinionand it is true that his mad moments did have potential to cost the team, but throughout the invincibles season he was solid. You don’t go a season unbeaten without a quality keeper after all. That said, in two years time I can see Woj stealing it.

RB – Sagna

A model of consistency and a mainstay in the BPL team of the year during his first 3-4 seasons. Even at the age of 31 can usually be relied upon to put in a solid performance, for me probably one of the only players of the Emirates era who would have got into the invinciblea team.

CB – Campbell

Moving from Sp*rs to Arsenal would be enough to make yourself an Arsenal legend, but then going on to become the heart of the invincibles defence and score in a Champions League final, one of Wenger’s greatest buys.

CB – Mertesacker

I often find when looking at other gooners’ teams there is a reluctance to include current players for some reason or another. I strongly believe Per would be in Wenger’s best eleven considering the way he’s played these last three seasons.

LB – Cole

Perhaps the easiest one to pick in the whole eleven, does anyone even come close? At the height of his powers would have to go down as one of the greatest left backs of all time.

CM – Gilberto Silva

For me one of the most undervalued players of the Wenger era, I absolutely loved Gilberto. A complete, hard working midfielder who even chipped in a few goals here and there – disappointed (but not surprised) he hasn’t got more of a look in. Oh, and he scored our first competitive goal at the Emirates.

CM – Fabregas

Another one who seems to divide opinion, with many perhaps slightly blind to his unbelievable class in his penultimate two seasons due to the nature of his exit. Let’s not forget, he was bloody brilliant.

CM – Vieira (c)

One of the best players of his generation for me, his leadership quite simply made the invincibles. What I’d give to have a Vieira back in his prime…

LW – Pires

I think Overmars is very unlucky to miss out, but for sheer longevity I think Pires has to edge it, mesmerising to watch at times and another invincible who was worth his weight in gold.

ST – Henry

The best striker of the Premier League era. The only player I’ve ever felt humbled to watch live. Cemented his place in Arsenal history with that celebration against Tottenham. I still can’t watch the goal against Leeds on his return without getting goosebumps.

RW – Ljungberg

Similarly to Pires, just a simply magnificent invincible. Little justification needed, just an awesome awesome player.

Subs

Szczesny, Lauren, Toure, Petit, Overmars, Walcott, Anelka