Wenger’s best defence?

​​​​​​​Arsene Wenger inherited a formidable defence when he arrived at Arsenal 20 years ago, but does he deserve more credit for assembling the back four that went unbeaten in 2003/04? Nick Wright talks to former right-back Lauren about the bedrock of the Invincibles.

When it comes to Arsene Wenger’s early success at Arsenal, his critics can be quick to point out a caveat. Yes, he revolutionised the club and yes, he steered them to only the second league and FA Cup double in their history in 1997/98. But could he have done it without the defence he inherited from George Graham?

After all, the defining image of that historic season was Tony Adams’ rasping finish and swaggering celebration in Arsenal’s decisive 4-0 victory over Everton at Highbury, and Wenger’s starting line-up on that sunny day in north London also featured the familiar names of Martin Keown, Nigel Winterburn, Lee Dixon and David Seaman. Even as a late substitute, it was Steve Bould who set up his captain’s famous fourth goal.

With the exception of Keown, who arrived in 1993, those players had formed the foundations of Arsenal’s previous title success in 1990/91. And while it was under Wenger that they conceded a club record of just 17 league goals in a single season, it was under Graham that they came together. They will always be synonymous with the previous era.

Wenger was undoubtedly fortunate to take over such a strong defence, but talk of his inheritance has irritated him in the past. “People always speak of the defence I inherited when I arrived here,” he said in 2013. “But people forget a lot about the defence that was unbeaten. They never speak about that. It’s unbelievable that that defence never gets any credit.”

It is a valid point. The Frenchman had already begun the process of replacing the old guard when he won his second double in 2001/02 with Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell and Lauren featuring prominently, and by the year of the Invincibles, Arsenal’s defence was entirely of their manager’s making. Kolo Toure had been plucked from obscurity to take over from Keown. Jens Lehmann had replaced Seaman.

The diversity of the unit bore stark contrast to the all-English back-line that came before it, but Wenger was careful to ensure the old values were not lost. Lauren, who arrived from Mallorca in 2000, remembers the emphasis the Frenchman placed on the …

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