There are some contentious calls in the Gunners' greatest ever XI…
With 13 league titles and 14 FA Cups tucked away in the trophy cabinet, it is no surprise that Arsenal have been able to call on some of the finest footballers who have ever played the game over the years. From Herbert Chapman’s all conquering teams of 1930s, through to Arsene Wenger’s legendary sides, the best of the best have pulled on the famous red and white shirts since the club was founded in 1886.
So, selecting an ultimate Arsenal XI is no easy task. However, GOAL has nonetheless embraced the challenge, employing a midfield diamond in our stellar selection in order to ensure the inclusion of as many legends as possible…
Getty ImagesGK: David Seaman
Arsenal have had a host of top keepers over the club's history, such as the great Pat Jennings and Jack Kelsey, but David Seaman gets the nod for the No.1 jersey.
The England legend had already won the old Division One title with Arsenal before the Premier League was introduced in 1992 and he remained first-choice right up until the 2003-04 season, when he left for Manchester City.
Seaman won the Premier League twice while in north London and made 325 Premier League appearances for the Gunners – only Ray Parlour made more.
AdvertisementGettyRB: Lee Dixon
Arsenal’s fourth all-time appearance-maker.
Dixon signed from Stoke City in January of 1988 for around £300,000 ($370,000) and went on to play 619 times before retiring in 2002 – only David O’Leary, Tony Adams and George Armstrong featured in more games.
The right-back won four league titles during his time in North London, as well as three FA Cups, the League Cup and the Cup Winners' Cup.
Dixon was part of the famous Arsenal back four that proved the foundation for George Graham's success, but he was also one of the rocks that Arsene Wenger built his early success around.
There may have been players before and after Dixon who were far more eye-catching, but there are very few in Arsenal’s history who come close to achieving what he did during his time at the club.
Getty ImagesCB: Tony Adams
Mr. Arsenal! One of the first names on the team-sheet. Arsenal have had some excellent centre-backs but none have been as vital as Adams.
He made 255 appearances in the Premier League for the Gunners, adding two more league titles in 1998 and 2002 to the First Division championships he won in 1989 and 1991.
That meant Adams captained Arsenal to league titles in three different decades.
As well as four league titles, the defender also won three FA Cups with the Gunners, not to mention two League Cups and the Cup Winners' Cup.
Arguably the club’s greatest ever captain, he has to take up his usual place in the heart of the defence.
CB: Frank McLintock
McLintock was signed for Arsenal by Billy Wright in 1964 for what was then a club-record fee of £80,000 ($98,000).
Although it took him a bit of time to fully prove himself in North London, he started to flourish after Bertie Mee was appointed manager in 1968.
After losing two successive League cup finals, Arsenal eventually ended the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy in 1970 when they beat Anderlecht to lift the Inter-Cities Fair Cup, with McLintock playing an influential role.
The centre-back would then lead Arsenal to the historic league-and-cup double in 1971 and was crowned footballer of the year.
He eventually left Arsenal in 1973, joining QPR.