The days when Arsenal swept all before them are long gone. In 2003-04 Arsène Wenger’s side won 26 and drew 12 of their 38 top-flight matches to etch their names into history forever. Gaël Clichy became the last of the “Invincibles” squad to leave the club last week - those who have been left behind have yet to prove they are worthy successors.
Goalkeeper
Jens Lehmann
The eccentric German started every match of the Invincibles’ campaign. Left for Stuttgart in 2008, before coming out of retirement and returning to Arsenal last season.
2011 equivalent
Wojciech Szczesny
Made a rapid rise to become No 1 last season, the 21-year-old has made some spectacular saves, but is still prone to the odd mistake.
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Right back
Lauren
The Cameroon right back brought attacking verve and defensive stability to the Arsenal back line. Eventually joined Portsmouth in 2007.
2011 equivalent
Bacary Sagna
Widely regarded as the most consistent performer in an inconsistent defence last season. His athleticism and pace are a key part of the Arsenal attack, although occasionally struggles with his positional sense in defence.
Centre back
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Kolo Touré
Formed the bedrock of the Invincibles’ defence alongside Sol Campbell. Joined Manchester City in the summer of 2009 for £14 million.
2011 equivalent
Thomas Vermaelen
A promising debut season was followed by an Achilles tendon injury picked up on international duty with Belgium. Still to prove he can be the same player again.
Centre back
Sol Campbell
Stepped smoothly into Tony Adams’s shoes at the heart of the defence. Allowed to leave in 2006 and made surprise move to Portsmouth. Rejoined Arsenal last year for six months.
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2011 equivalent
Laurent Koscielny
Inconsistent and unconvincing, the Frenchman’s indifferent season has shown how hard it is to adjust to the hustle and bustle of the Barclays Premier League.
Left back
Ashley Cole
A star performer throughout the 2003-04 season, Cole left soon after as José Mourinho’s Chelsea came calling in 2006. The Arsenal fans will never forgive him.
2011 equivalent
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Kieran Gibbs
The departure of Clichy leaves the injury-prone Gibbs as the likely successor. Arsenal are likely to strengthen in this area before long.
Right wing
Fredrik Ljungberg
The Swede’s darting late runs into the penalty area became a feature of Arsenal’s unbeaten season. Scored 72 goals in 328 games before moving to West Ham United in 2007.
2011 equivalent
Theo Walcott
The England winger has shown glimpses of his potential but has often flattered to deceive. Arsenal have never replaced the goal threat Ljungberg posed from wide areas.
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Central midfield
Patrick Vieira
The rangy Frenchman was at the peak of his powers in 2003-04, the driving force behind the unbeaten season. After years keeping him out of the clutches of Real Madrid was sold to Juventus as a 29-year-old for £13.7 million in 2005.
2011 equivalent
Cesc Fàbregas
The modern-day talisman has been a tremendous player for the club but his overriding desire to return home to Barcelona has taken something away from his performances in recent seasons.
Central midfield
Gilberto Silva
The fulcrum, the shield, the linchpin. Gilberto was rarely heralded but so often did the dirty work to allow others to shine. Left for Panathinaikos in 2008.
2011 equivalent
Alexandre Song
The man from Cameroon might have the physical gifts but has yet to prove he can read the game in the same way as his Brazilian predecessor. Too often leaves his defence vulnerable.
Left wing
Robert Pires
The Frenchman scored 84 goals in six years and provided flair and a creative threat from midfield. Joined Villarreal in 2006 as a 32-year-old before making a move to Aston Villa last season.
2011 equivalent
Samir Nasri
The 24-year-old, who is the subject of a £20 million bid from Manchester United, raised his game last season but is still to replicate the majesty and attacking threat of his compatriot.
Central midfield/Forward
Dennis Bergkamp
The technically supreme Dutchman scored some memorable goals during the 2003-04 campaign. He retired in 2006 and is now a coach at Ajax, his boyhood club.
2011 equivalent
Jack Wilshere
A genuine rising star in the Arsenal midfield, Wilshere is developing quickly and will soon develop the goalscoring threat to match his undoubted ability on the ball.
Striker
Thierry Henry
The undisputed star of the Invincibles, Henry scored 30 league goals that season and won both Player of the Year awards. Joined Barcelona for £16 million as a 29-year-old in 2007.
2011 equivalent
Robin van Persie
Undoubtedly talented, but too often injured, the Dutchman has yet to establish himself as a worthy successor to Henry. When fully fit, Van Persie is among the most feared strikers in Europe.
Money talk
Arsenal
Income £224.3 million
Annual wage bill £110.7m
Shirt sponsorship/year £6m
Chelsea
Income £212.5m
Annual wage bill £174.1m
Shirt sponsorship/year £13.5m
Liverpool
Income £184.8m
Annual wage bill £121m
Shirt sponsorship/year £20m
Man City
Income £125m
Annual wage bill £133.3m
Shirt sponsorship/year £8.5m
Man United
Income £286.4m
Annual wage bill £131.6m
Shirt sponsorship/year £20m
Tottenham
Income £119.8m
Annual wage bill £67.2m
Sponsorship/year £11m