18 Aug 2014 12:08:57
Just reliving the INVINCIBLES team from 2004 and it got me thinking. Strange I know! How far away is the current team from that? I decided to do a little comparison.

Szczesny Vs Lehmann: For me, Lehmann was probably the craziest keeper to play for Arsenal. However, you cannot deny that he was a fantastic shot stopper and an excellent keeper. I remember he palmed out a definite goal at Old Trafford in the last few minutes and we won 1-0. Szczesny has a touch of the "crazies" about him but is starting to mature into a top keeper.

Lehmann: 8
Szczesny: 7

Cole Vs Gibbs: Cole, even though I hate the money grabbing person, was, at the time, one of the best left backs in the game. Gibbs is solid but in the early stages of his career is prone to injury.

Cole: 9
Gibbs: 7

Campbell Vs Mertesacker: Campbell was a rock at the back and still being in his prime, proved to be an outstanding bosman free from Spurs. Formed an excellent partnership with Kolo Toure. Mertesacker is a born leader and what he lacks in speed, he makes up for in positioning. Captain on the pitch.

Campbell: 8
Mertesacker: 8

Toure Vs Koscielny: Toure was moulded into an excellent centre back from midfield and was fast and strong and a fantastic defender. Koscielny is rapidly turning into a beast of a defender, however, he is prone to the odd rash decision, penalty conceded or a red card.

Toure: 8
Koscielny: 8

Lauren Vs Debuchy: Lauren was a solid performer, giving you a 7/10 performance most weeks. Debuchy, although he's a new signing, is looking to be very similar in the mould of Sagna, Lauren etc. a solid performer, week in, week out.

Lauren: 7
Debuchy: 7

Vieira Vs Arteta: Vieira was one of the most inspirational players to have ever played and captained Arsenal. A legend. Arteta has been an excellent servant for Arsenal but with age he is often found wanting, especially against the big teams. Current captain and leader in the dressing room.

Vieira: 9 (close to a 10, no half marks!)
Arteta: 7

Gilberto Silva Vs Ramsey: Slightly different positions but matching up the two players. Silva was an excellent, under the radar in terms of praise and fame, but did a fantastic job in midfield. Underrated but hugely important. Ramsey has transformed himself into one of the first names on the team sheet. An indispensable asset to the team.

Gilberto: 8
Ramsey: 9

Ljungberg Vs Sanchez: Ljungberg was an icon for Arsenal, not just for his ridiculous hairstyles but for his ability to score VERY important goals at crucial moments. Sanchez looks to be an outstanding player and one that could potentially help us challenge on all fronts.

Ljungberg: 8
Sanchez: 8

Pires Vs Ozil: Again, players from slightly different positions but I am measuring up strongest XIs. Pires was sensational from the left hand side of midfield. Scored lots of important match winning goals just like Ljungberg. Ozil is Arsenal's record signing but has been very hit and miss in his first season. With the pace of Sanchez and Walcott on the flanks, he could potentially rediscover his form and return to the King of Assists.

Pires: 8
Ozil: 8

Bergkamp Vs Giroud: Bergkamp is arguably one of, if not the greatest ever player to play for Arsenal. For me, he was brilliant and second only to Henry. Brilliant touch, control and vision. Giroud has scored goals for Arsenal but has missed several chances in crucial games against the big teams which have been costly.

Bergkamp: 10 (A perfect 10 for our best ever No: 10)
Giroud: 7

Walcott Vs Henry: Henry is still Arsenal's leading goalscorer with 228 goals for Arsenal. A brilliant player with pace, power and an eye for goal. Fantastic trophy winning captain. Walcott has often been referred to as the pretender to Henry's crown with similar attributes, especially pace. Theo has shown in the past he has an eye for goal but has been disrupted by injury.

Henry: 10 (IMO the best player to ever play for us)
Walcott: 7

INVINCIBLES: 93 out of 110
Arsenal XI 2014: 83 out of 110

A long way to go for the current team but there is definitely (after a signing or two) a squad with the potential to challenge. What does everyone else think? Apart from the fact that I am bored and have too much time on my hands!

1.) 18 Aug 2014
18 Aug 2014 13:12:35
Greeny,

Fantastic, and I do mean fantastic post.

Totally original.

Do you want to join our gang?

You will get a shiny "I love Ed001" badge.

Seriously though, great post and well thought out.

2.) 18 Aug 2014
Great post Greeny

I had it 99 / 86 in favour of the Invincibles.

What a good side they were

3.) 18 Aug 2014
I would have Campbell Vieira Pires and Bergkamp and Henry all as 10s. Head and shoulders above their equivalent you have put them against.

4.) 18 Aug 2014
Good post greeny enjoyed that

5.) 18 Aug 2014
Good post. But disagree on a couple. I wouldn't like to give a player a rating based on his performances for a previous team, so find it hard to give ozil the same mark out of 10 as pires. The same for Sanchez. Also, I think a 9 for Ramsey is a bit much. Had a great two thirds of a season, but don't think he deserves the same score as viera. Also, I think Campbell was a better defender for us than merts has so far.

I think the invincibles are a good few paces ahead of where we are now. I'd say in that teams, about our weakest link was Lauren. He's as good as our current right back.

6.) 18 Aug 2014
An excellent comparison job mate. Henry is also my favourite player of all time but I've always wondered if he would have been as prolific without the immense DB10.

Surely the best strike pairing of all time?

I disagree about Gibbs though. I don't know why people look through rose tinted glasses at him, he is average and is too easy injured. He would get a big fat 5 from me

7.) 18 Aug 2014
18 Aug 2014 14:26:58
I think you're being very kind to some of the current crop Greeny

8.) 18 Aug 2014
I prefer to see myself as a lone wolf although I am open to extending my wolf pack.

9.) 18 Aug 2014
Ulster and Sheeny, football is all about opinions mate. I can understand your Gibbs thoughts and I have no problem in saying I am willing him to be a top player for us. Rose tinted specs and all!

Sheeny, who loses marks?

10.) 18 Aug 2014
Great post Greeny. It was very well analysed.
It would be very interesting to see how the other members of the 2 squads match up.

11.) 18 Aug 2014
18 Aug 2014 17:11:54
Funnily enough I would drop a point off every person in the current team. In work now so I don't have time to explain myself. Just having a quick read through of the site atm. I'll post my full ratings later

{Ed025's Note - we look forward to it sheeny..

12.) 18 Aug 2014
Post of utd the season Dr Green, well done mate I really enjoyed reading it and think your marks were as close as it gets