Which side would come out on top?
Arsenal were on top of the world in 2004, fresh from being Invincible, with some of the club’s greatest ever players in their side. But how does that side compare to today? Can the 2014 side possibly compare with 2004’s star-studded lineup? We compare the two and find out.
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GK) Wojciech Szczesny v Jens Lehmann
Both goalkeepers are talented stoppers with a penchant for the occasional error. Lehmann was known for his wild streak, but his commanding presence at the back gives him the edge over his Polish rival.
WINNER: LEHMANN
RB) Calum Chambers v Lauren
The young Englishman is a real talent, but looks more likely to develop at centre-back than at right back. Lauren was dependable and flexible, and easily takes this battle, although it could be a different story in five years time.
WINNER: LAUREN
CB) Per Mertesacker v Sol Campbell
Campbell was at the peak of his powers in 2004, and just edges out World Cup winner Per Mertesacker, who is a fantastic defender on his day, but has struggled in recent weeks because of the amateurs playing alongside him.
WINNER: CAMPBELL
CB) Nacho Monreal v Kolo Toure
Monreal doesn’t even make the 2014 team in his correct position, so he stands no chance against a prime Kolo Toure in the centre.
WINNER: TOURE
LB) Kieran Gibbs v Ashley Cole
Gibbs is a solid player, but Ashley Cole is one of the best English players of the last decade, and would beat all but a select few players from the last 50 years to the spot.
WINNER: COLE
RM) Freddie Ljungberg v Santi Cazorla
Ljungberg was hard-working, competitive and able to play down both flanks. Cazorla plays some nice passes and scores some great goals, but lacks the fierce drive of his Swedish rival.
WINNER: LJUNGBERG
CM) Patrick Viera v Aaron Ramsey
Ramsey is having a poor season after a great campain last year, but even in prime form he’s no match for powerhouse Viera, who is one of the best midfielders in Premier League history.
WINNER: VIEIRA
CM) Edu v Jack Wilshere
Jack Wilshere is finally overcoming his injury problems and starting to fulfil his huge potential. He beats out dependable but not particularly special midfielder Edu for this spot.
WINNER WILSHERE
LM) Jose Antonio Reyes v Alex Oxlade Chamberlain
Oxlade-Chamberlain wins the battle of the triple named wide men, for his strength and consistency, compared with the talented Reyes’ occasional flakiness.
WINNER: OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN
ST) Dennis Bergkamp v Danny Welbeck
Danny Welbeck’s Arsenal career has started about as well as it could have done, but he’s still miles behind the legendary Bergkamp, one of the best attacking players in the league’s history.
WINNER: BERGKAMP
ST) Thierry Henry v Alexis Sanchez
Sanchez has been sensational, and is a truly world class player. He would give almost any other 2004 player a run for their money, but just loses out to the Premier League’s greatest ever striker.
WINNER: HENRY
FINAL SCORE:
2004 – 9
2014 – 2
A landslide, but not a surprising one given the unparalleled success of Arsene Wenger’s 2004 side. In fact, getting two players into the combined team is pretty impressive, considering the all-star lineup the Gunners had a decade ago.