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CB: Sol Campbell
The only Gunner to score a goal in a Champions League final, Sol Campbell was one of the best centre-backs in Arsenal's history. The former Tottenham captain shocked the Premier League and English media when he transferred across North London to Highbury in 2001.
It's not exactly an easy thing to play for your closest rival, but Campbell went over to Arsenal and exceeded every expectation on the field. Having spent 12 years with Spurs, Campbell joined the Gunners as an experienced centre-back. He was physically strong and was a powerful threat from set-pieces, and fit right into Wenger's style of play.
Partnering with Kolo Toure in the backline, Campbell was instrumental in "The Invincibles" season where Arsenal finished their Premier League campaign without losing a single match. Despite leaving the club earlier, Campbell rejoined on a six-month stint in 2010 and helped the Gunners to 3rd position in the Premier League that season.
CB: Tony Adams
Former England captain Tony Adams, fondly known as "Mr. Arsenal," started his career as a 14-year-old in Highbury. By the time he retired, Adams was 35 years old, his celebrated career spanning 22 years in North London.
Adams was notably infamous in the press for his troubles as an alcoholic, even getting imprisoned because of it. However, it was Arsene Wenger who helped the commanding centre-back in his recovery and rehabilitation. Adams repaid Wenger's faith in him on the field, guiding Arsenal to two FA Cup and Premiership doubles.
Adams is currently the only player in English football history to have captained a title-winning team across three decades - talk about a legacy! Today, his statue stands outside the Emirates Stadium - a heartfelt token of respect for the years he gave to Arsenal's cause.
Legendary indeed.
LB: Ashley Cole
This might be a bitter pill to swallow for the Gooners, but Ashley Cole remains the best left-back to have ever played for Arsenal. With a propensity to play in the final third, the star left-back was often well out of position during opposing counter-attacks. However, Cole was not poor defensively. On the contrary, he was notable for his quality interceptions and well-timed goal-line clearances.
Taking over the coveted position from Sylvinho, Cole broke into the first-team at Highbury and established himself as a dependable, hard-working player. When "The Invincibles" season arrived, he was a key member of the team, making 32 appearances for Arsenal.
Overall, Ashley Cole made 156 appearances for the Gunners, picking up two Premier League titles and two FA Cups along the way.
Notably, his difficult transfer to Chelsea is perhaps the most potent stain on his remarkable career at Arsenal.
CM: Cesc Fabregas
Starting his football story at Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, Cesc Fabregas decided to move to Highbury in the hopes of breaking into the first team. However, moving in 2003, it would take him another three years to become a regular under Arsene Wenger.
Fabregas went on to make 303 appearances for the Gunners, alongside an incredible 142 direct goal contributions. He was appointed club captain at a mere 21 years of age, showing just how mature the current Monaco star had become.
Like Ashley Cole, Fabregas also decided to transfer to Chelsea after his short three-year stint at Camp Nou. He didn't win many club trophies at Arsenal, partly because the club was going through a major trophy drought through much of Fabregas' time there. However, he picked up a good number of individual trophies including the Arsenal Player of the Season twice in a row.
CM: Patrick Vieira
Some Gunners fans argue that the club is yet to replace Patrick Vieira with the perfect No. 4 player. While that remains up for debate, it demonstrates just how important Vieira's commanding presence was in Arsenal's midfield.
Defensively-minded but capable of recycling possession for his more creative teammates, Vieira was one of the toughest players on the field at Arsenal. His decision to move to Juventus hit the club hard as they struggled to replace the Frenchman with another strong holding midfielder.
Part of the Arsenal sides that won the double in 1998 and 2002, Patrick Vieira also captained the Gunners in their "Invincibles" season and scored the winning goal in his final game for the club. With 10 trophies in the nine years he spent at Highbury, Vieira is the best defensive midfielder Arsenal has ever seen.
