A TALE OF TWO ARSENALS

Two managers define the modern Arsenal ; George Graham and Arsene Wenger. Graham awoke the sleeping giant and introduced success built on defence but with a flair that is often overlooked provided by a core of young players from within. Wenger took the club to a successful style based on a purer philosophy yet utilising the defensive stability he inherited.

Key moment for Graham’s Arsenal was the Title clinching game at Anfield in 1989, his finest moment The European Cup winners Cup triumph. For Wenger the key moment was the double achieved in his first full season, his finest hour the Unbeaten Season.

The main differences though are in how they used the transfer market. Graham bought a good deal of effective unflashy players and Wenger bought players with more panache.

A team of some of the players bought by Wenger and a team of some of Graham’s buys; not players who came through at the club or those inherited but those purchased and bought to Highbury/Emirates, makes for interesting reading.

ARSENE’S XI

1996-present Record 3 League titles, 4 FA Cups

Lehmann

Lauren Campbell Vermaelan Silvinho

Overmars Vieira Gilberto Pires

Henry Anelka

GEORGE’S XI

1986-1995 Record- 2 League Titles, 2 League cups, 1FA Cup

1 ECWC

Seaman

Winterburn Keown Bould Dixon

Campbell Jensen Schwarz Limpar

Wright Smith