Arsenal’s 2003/04 Invincibles did something that has never before been achieved in English football. It marked the highpoint of Arsene Wenger’s long tenure, a realisation of his footballing ideals, and a moment in footballing history.
Since then, the Gunners have picked up FA Cups and challenged for titles, but they are yet to get close to the dizzy heights Wenger brought to north London over 20 years ago.
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal are once again Premier League betting favourites. He’s assembled a group capable of going toe-to-toe with any team in Europe, but how many of the current Arsenal team would get into a combined XI with the Invincibles?
Goalkeeper: Jens Lehmann
This was the most difficult position to pick in the combined XI. David Raya hasn’t done anything wrong during his time as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper.
More consistent than Jens Lehmann, Raya has been solid, but his PSxG-GA is below average in 2025/26 as it was in 2023/24. He was middle of the pack in 2024/25.
At their respective peaks, Lehmann was a better goalkeeper than Raya. Lehmann was a leader, a commanding presence in the penalty area, and very comfortable as a sweeper, which was a far rarer skill during his era.
Right-Back: Jurriën Timber
Lauren was a reliable right-back. Jurriën Timber is at a much higher level. His numbers are elite across the board with plenty of progressive passes, penalty area touches, and ball recoveries.
While Lauren was good at his position, Timber is among the best right backs on the planet.
Centre Backs: Sol Campbell, William Saliba
Kolo Touré and Gabriel Magalhães are unlucky to miss out. We had four greats to choose from in central defence, with Sol Campbell and William Saliba getting the nod.
These selections are as much down to taste as anything. Saliba is a Rolls Royce of a centre-back, a supreme athlete with the technique and football IQ to rival any defender in the game. Campbell’s career has long been underrated.
Left-Back: Ashley Cole
The best left-back of his generation and one of the greatest of all-time. He might not be popular with the Gunners’ fanbase, but there was no question over Ashley Cole’s inclusion.
Central Midfield: Patrick Vieira, Declan Rice
Neither of these players could be left out. We’d ideally have a proper midfield anchor, but there was no way Gilberto Silva or Martin Zubimendi were getting selected ahead of Patrick Vieira or Declan Rice.
These two bring immense leadership. They impact the game all over the pitch. In a midfield pairing, they are smart enough to take turns in the six when the other advances.
Right Winger: Bukayo Saka
Freddie Ljungberg was a better player than his reputation suggests. Still, this was Bukayo Saka’s spot without question.
Saka is the most important attacking player under Arteta. Where Ljungberg was a complementary piece, Saka is everything for this Arsenal attack and stands head and shoulders above his teammates.
Left Winger: Robert Pires
No, there was never any chance Noni Madueke, Leandro Trossard, or Gabriel Martinelli were being selected ahead of Robert Pires.
Scorer of 14 league goals in 2003/04, Pires was named in the Premier League Team of the Season. The only players with more goals were centre forwards.
Strikers: Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp
The Golden Boot winner and Player of the Year, Thierry Henry was the best player in the world in 2003/04. Dennis Bergkamp’s importance could never be done justice with statistics – Bergkamp had a telepathic relationship with Henry and carved defences open for fun.
Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres are not in the same stratosphere as the Invincibles’ front two.
