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30 Greatest Teams in Premier League History

By Benjamin Taylor

Who will lift this trophy in May and join these 30 teams among the greatest ever to compete in the English Premier League? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Who will lift this trophy in May and join these 30 teams among the greatest ever to compete in the English Premier League? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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20. Arsenal, 2001-02

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 12: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and captain Tony Adams hold the FA Cup and Premiership trophy outside Islington Town Hall on May 12, 2002 London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 12: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and captain Tony Adams hold the FA Cup and Premiership trophy outside Islington Town Hall on May 12, 2002 London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) /

Starting XI: D. Seaman (GK); Lauren, M. Keown, S. Campbell, A. Cole; F. Ljungberg, R. Parlour, P. Vieira, R. Pires; D. Bergkamp, T. Henry.

In many ways, the 2001-02 season represented a changing of the guard at Arsenal. The previous summer had seen first team regulars Manu Petit, Marc Overmars, and Nigel Winterburn leave. They had been replaced by Robert Pires, Sylvain Wiltord, and Lauren – all of whom were, at the time, unknown quantities.

In 2001, they were also faced with replacing ageing legend and club captain Tony Adams, who was set for a final season at the club before hanging up his boots. An emboldened Arsene Wenger, knowing that replacing Adams would take something truly special, made a sensational move for defender Sol Campbell from arch-rivals Tottenham, and opted to give opportunities to several exciting youngsters including fullback Ashley Cole. The result was a new-look side that was forced to settle quickly. And they did, winning a Premier League and FA Cup double on the back of goals from Thierry Henry, and the influence of players like Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp.

The burgeoning success of 2001-02 would pave the way for even greater achievements in the years to follow, but any who saw them play will tell you that they were a terrific side in their own right.

Next: No. 19

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