19 February 2023 , 01:00
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Former Arsenal star Robert Pires has claimed that three of the current crop of Gunners would get into the club’s legendary Invincibles side but stopped short of backing the North Londoners for the title this term.
Mikel Arteta’s side are firmly embroiled in a battle for the Premier League crown over the final three months of the season. They currently sit top of the table with a two-point advantage following a dramatic 4-2 victory over Aston Villa, whilst rivals Manchester City dropped points against newly-promoted Nottingham Forest.
Should Arsenal hold on to win the title, that would see the club end a near two-decade wait for a league success since their legendary Invincibles side. Pires - a key part of that side under Arsene Wenger - has suggested that three members of current iteration would be good enough to earn a place alongside his ‘Invincible’ teammates.
As quoted by The Telegraph, he said: “I honestly think the Arsenal of 2004 would beat the Arsenal of 2023. I feel sorry for the kids now, but I’ve no doubt.
“I think the fans will give you the same answer: [Jens] Lehmann, Lauren, Saliba, [Sol] Campbell, [Ashley] Cole, [Patrick] Vieira, Gilberto Silva, Odegaard, Saka, [Dennis] Bergkamp and [Thierry] Henry.”
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Despite having claimed the trio of Saliba, Odegaard and Saka would play for the Invincibles - and having been full of praise for Arteta’s side - he does not believe that the Gunners will win the league between now and the end of the season. The Frenchman has backed rivals Man City to instead claim glory.
Robert Pires has suggested that Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard would get into the Invincibles squad (Getty Images)How many of the current Arsenal side do you think would get into the Invincibles squad? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“When I see this Arsenal it reminds me of the Arsenal of my time,” he added. “To play well you need talent and now they have it. This squad is built to attack, and this Arsenal is entertaining me.
“Arsenal have won against big rivals and they have enough character. The problem is that they are a young team, with little experience. I’m talking about competing for the Premier League.
“It has been many years since the club has been in a situation like this and they are up against a City side who know perfectly well how to deal with these situations of maximum stress. [Pep] Guardiola has more depth and alternatives on the bench and Arsenal look a little tired.”
Arsenal will hope to continue their push for the title next weekend as they return to the Midlands to take on Leicester City. They could potentially go five points clear with victory over Brendan Rodgers men.
Meanwhile, title rivals Man City take on struggling Bournemouth on the South Coast - albeit they have a Champions League last-16 clash with German side RB Leipzig to navigate in midweek first.