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Who would make it into your combined Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur Premier League XI?
It’s Christmas time and there’s no need to be afraid - unless your editor throws you an absolute hospital pass of trying to put together a combined Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur side from the Premier League era.
Whatever happened to the season of goodwill? Anyway, this is the task that has been thrown our way and it’s probably right we set out some thoughts before revealing the eleven players that have made the cut. Firstly, Arsenal have enjoyed more success than their north London rivals during the Premier League era and, as such, have more players in our selection.
However, it would be foolish and somewhat unkind (and it is Christmas remember!) if we were to ignore some of the outstanding players that have featured for Spurs over the last three decades. And yes, that player that featured for both clubs and made a controversial switch has made it into our eleven - so without further ado, we don our tin hats and allow you to read on.
Goalkeeper: David Seaman
A true Premier League great, the former England goalkeeper was not called ‘Safe Hands’ for no reason. Produced consistently excellent performances throughout his time at Arsenal and won two Premier League titles, a Football League championship, four FA Cups, a League Cup and the European Cup Winners Cup during his time as a Gunner.
Right-back: Lee Dixon
Another member of that famous Gunners defence that led to the ‘1-0 to the Arsenal’ chant that was sung on an almost weekly basis at Highbury. Dixon’s high level of consistency was probably overlooked on a national scale at times - but he will always be appreciated by Gunners supporters.
Left-back: Ashley Cole
Not the first defender to cause issues upon his departure from one of these two clubs - and not even the last on this list. Cole broke through the Gunners academy system and became a key part of a side that won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups as well as reaching the Champions League Final in 2006.
The circumstances surrounding his departure to Chelsea have severely damaged his standing with Arsenal fans - but there is no doubt Cole has a serious claim to be regarded as the greatest left-back in the history of the Premier League.
Centre-back: Sol Campbell
Now then, where do we started here? Campbell was already recognised as one of the Premier League’s best during his time with Spurs and rightly so. His power and pace made him stand out and helped him progress into the England side.
His move to Arsenal provoked shock and understandable anger amongst the White Hart Lane faithful - but it paid off for the player as he went on to become a two-time FA Cup and Premier League winner and scored for the Gunners in their Champions League defeat against Barcelona.
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Centre-back: Tony Adams
A true Arsenal legend and someone that almost defined the club for well over a decade. Adams was every inch the inspirational leader during his long service with the Gunners and won 11 major honours for the club he loved. The England star enjoyed something of a renaissance under Arsene Wenger and provided a hallmark Premier League moment when he scored the final goal in a win against Everton that helped seal the Premier League title.
Right wing: Robert Pires
A nemesis for Spurs during his time at Arsenal - but more importantly, also a key figure in the Gunners ‘Invincibles’ side. The France winger forged an outstanding relationship with several other attack-minded team-mates and his partnership with Thierry Henry haunted many a Premier League defender. You could argue Pires could arguably be described as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever wide players.
Left wing: Gareth Bale
Now, firstly we have to say that we realise Bale (much like the next player on this list) enjoyed more success elsewhere than he did at Spurs. However, we can’t ignore that Bale become something of a phenomenon during his last two years with the club and started his rise to becoming one of the best players in the world. It’s amazing to think how different things could have been for Bale given he looked to be heading out of the club before enjoying a remarkable turnaround in fortunes.
Centre midfield: Luka Modric
As mentioned, Modric’s best work was done in the white of Real Madrid rather than the white of Spurs - but there is no question the Croatian star provided coolness, calmness and composure during his time in North London. Spurs saw off plenty of competition to sign Modric and reaped the rewards as he became integral in the side that qualified for the Champions League under Harry Redknapp.
Centre midfield: Patrick Vieira
A powerhouse midfielder and yet another leader that helped Wenger convert Arsenal into a consistent contender for major honours. An early arrival under his fellow Frenchman, Vieira formed a number of outstanding partnerships during his time as a Gunner as he featured alongside the likes of Emmanuel Petit and Gilberto Silva to give a solid foundation in the heart of the Arsenal side.
Striker: Harry Kane
He may have failed to win a major honour during his time with Spurs - but there can be no doubt the current England captain is a genuine club legend. After a number of underwhelming loan spells elsewhere, Kane burst into life and became the club’s all-time record goalscorer when he scored his 269th goal in a win against Nottingham Forest in March 2023. Maybe he will return one day.
Striker: Thierry Henry
Quite simply, one of the Premier League’s all-time greats. It’s easy to forget Henry has endured a challenging spell with Juventus prior to his arrival at Arsenal and was considered as more of a winger than a striker. By the time he left eight years later, the France star had become the club’s all-time record goalscorer and won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups.
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