ROBERT PIRES MADE close to 300 appearances for Arsenal across his six years at the club, winning two Premier League titles and three FA Cups.
Most famously, the Frenchman was part of The ‘Invincibles’ side of 2003/2004, which went through the entire campaign unbeaten.
So, when he decided to name his ultimate Arsenal XI, we thought the line-up would be easily predicted.
Wrong!
Going with a 4-3-3 formation, the obvious high-profile, legendary players were all present and correct – David Seaman, Tony Adams, Patrick Vieira, Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry while Ashley Cole is generally-regarded as one of Arsenal’s finest ever full-backs. So far, so easy.
Pires also went for Lauren at right-back rather than his predecessor Lee Dixon.
And despite only being with the club since last year, Alexis Sanchez was also included – not Ian Wright.
But it’s in midfield where the real controversy is. Pires decided against selecting Emmanuel Petit or Gilberto or Cesc Fabregas.
Instead, he went with Francis Coquelin – who has managed 88 appearances for the Gunners – and Santi Cazorla to play alongside Vieira.
What do you make of the selection, Arsenal fans?
This doesn’t make sense, as you do need to quarantine if travelling from the USA to UK at present. With the condensed nature of Fedex Cup leading into the remaining majors, the US Open and Masters, you could count on one hand the amount of American based golfers that will travel.
@Mike Faherty: just ridiculous the idea. Hope they arrive 14 days earlier to quarantine. But doubt it will happen.
@Claudia O’Riordan: Us Open finishes 4 days before Irish, so they definitely wont be isolating for 14 days. As long as all players, caddies, coaches etc. keep getting tested as least once a week there shouldnt be a problem with anyone coming over
@Sean Dalton: can’t see any American playing in it, nor can I see any of the big european players playing 3 days after us open which is off the back of fed ex cup playoffs.
Open the pubs
@Fran O’Keeffe: jaysus that’s original… haven’t seen anyone post that before.
@Canyon: even the man who can’t think, can say that.
@Canyon: you want to get out more maybe the pub
Hoped the old head of Kinsale would showcase it this year
@Denis White: the old head is a fantastic venue but if the fog comes in, it would make for challenging viewing.
Elite athletes do not have to isolate in uk
Good call