Arsenal haven’t had the best decade in terms of trophies won but sometimes, when they turn it on, the football can be absolutely sensational.
Just in the past couple of years, Arsenal have annihilated Manchester United and Chelsea 3-0 at the Emirates with breathtaking, high tempo football.
Before this decade, Arsenal had one of the greatest teams in Europe with the likes of Henry, Bergkamp, Pires, Campbell and Adams.
Whilst the talent is not of the same magnitude anymore, Arsenal have still possessed some real gems in the past 10 years who can’t be ignored.
Arsene Wenger is known for bringing through youth and giving players a chance, and this Arsenal XI proves that his faith is worthwhile.
The punters in the Tavern couldn’t all agree as there were so many options but what do you think?
Would this team win the league?
Petr Cech
In 2015, Petr Cech made the surprising move from Chelsea to Arsenal.
The 34-year-old was playing second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois, and Arsenal had been longing for a fantastic keeper as they hadn’t had one since Jens Lehmann.
Cech has only been at Arsenal for one full season but it’s apparent that he’s the best one they’ve had for a decade.
Hector Bellerin
It was a tough call as Bacary Sagna was a class full back for the Gunners, but I have chosen the current right-back as the best one for an Arsenal XI.
He may have played a quarter of the games that Sagna played, but he seems to be one of the best full-backs in Europe right now.
He’s pacey, strong and he can help create.
Thomas Vermaelen
Vermaelen was at Arsenal between 2009-2014 and played at centre-back and left-back for the Gunners.
He was strong and powerful but also tactically astute and has got to go down as one of the better defenders Wenger has signed in the past decade.
He was also known to score quite a few goals which is always a nice bonus trait as a defender.
Laurent Koscielny
He’s arguably one of the best defenders in the Premier League at the moment and like Vermaelen, he scores quite a few goals, too.
He is strong, fast and very good at positioning.
With him at the back, Arsenal look far more composed.
Gael Clichy
Clichy was a very consistent performer for the Gunners before joining Manchester City in 2011.
He is a reliable full back, strong in the tackle and composed on the ball.
His attacking threat is not the greatest but he still comes in as Arsenal’s best left back of the past ten years.
Alex Song
Song made 143 league appearances for the Gunners and became one of the first names on the teamsheet towards the end of his Arsenal career, before being sold to Barcelona.
The departure of Fabregas gave Song the freedom to assist more but he is equally adept at playing defensive midfield.
Gilberto Silva
Gilberto is a fans favourite for Arsenal. He was
part of the ‘invincibles’ of the 03-04 season who went the entire campaign unbeaten.
He was part of a much better team in the earlier part of his Arsenal career, but he still featured in 2007 and 2008 for the Gunners making him legible to be in this Arsenal greatest XI.
Mesut Ozil
In 2013, Ozil joined for a club record fee of £42.5m but he hasn’t disappointed.
The German has scored 17 goals in 87 appearances for the Gunners, but it’s his assists that he is most known for.
The classy midfielder topped the Premier League charts for assists last season with 19, but narrowly missed out on beating the record set by Thierry Henry for one season.
In a team of this quality, Ozil would flourish.
Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas was phenomenal when played for Arsenal before moving to Barcelona.
He could assist, he could score, he could tackle and he’s categorically one of the best players Arsenal have had in the last decade.
He may not be the fans favourite now he plays for arch rivals Chelsea but there’s no denying his quality.
Alexis Sanchez
Like Ozil, Sanchez was a big money signing from Barcelona but he has shone during his time at the Emirates.
The 27-year-old has scored 33 goals in 70 league appearances for the Gunners, and is known for his steely determination and incredible burst of pace.
He’s certainly one of the best players at Arsenal right now and will be hoping to fire them to more glory this season.
Robin Van Persie
Like Fabregas, Van Persie is not the most popular player at Arsenal as they felt he left them after one good injury-free season to join title rivals Manchester United.
The Red Devils reaped the rewards from the goalscoring machine and whilst Arsenal only enjoyed one or two seasons of Van Persie injury-free, he was still one of the best strikers Arsenal have had.
Undoubtedly, he has to go in their best XI from the past 10 years.
