Arsenal 2025-26 vs the Invincibles: final with PSG could redefine the debate | OneFootball

Arsenal’s 2025-26 champions are being measured against the 2003-04 Invincibles, a verdict that could shift if they beat PSG in the Champions League final in Budapest on Saturday at 18:00. They have just secured the Premier League and now chase Europe’s biggest prize.

L'Équipe notes the debate sharpened after 5 May, when Arsenal reached their first final since 2006. Thierry Henry, a 2006 runner-up, told Bukayo Saka he hoped this team would succeed and become the Unforgettables to his side’s Invincibles.

Gaël Clichy argues the current side, while outstanding collectively and defensively, offers fewer thrills than 2004. He cites the lack of a Henry-style soloist and recalls the constant menace once posed by Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp.

Pascal Cygan makes a similar case, pointing to the calibre of rivals in the mid-2000s, from José Mourinho’s Chelsea to Liverpool’s 2005 European champions and a strong Manchester United. He adds that Manchester City have not produced the season they expected.

The numbers suggest near-parity in Premier League output. This season Arsenal averaged 1.87 goals per match to 1.9 in 2003-04, conceded 0.71 to 0.7, took 14.6 shots to 14.2, and held 56.2% possession to 56.6%.

Patrick Vieira recently named David Raya, Gabriel, Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka in a combined XI, and said any superiority claim should be debated only if Arsenal beat PSG. Ian Wright believes completing the double would make this the greatest side in the club’s history.

Source: L'Équipe