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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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12. Arsenal, 1997-98

14 Dec 1997: Ian Wright of Arsenal in full flight during the FA Carling Premiership match against Blackburn Rovers at Highbury Stadium in London. Arsenal lost 3-1. Photo: Corey Ross \ Mandatory Credit: Allsport UK /Allsport
14 Dec 1997: Ian Wright of Arsenal in full flight during the FA Carling Premiership match against Blackburn Rovers at Highbury Stadium in London. Arsenal lost 3-1. Photo: Corey Ross \ Mandatory Credit: Allsport UK /Allsport /

Starting XI: D. Seaman (GK); L. Dixon, S. Bould, T. Adams, N. Winterburn; R. Parlour, E. Petit, P. Vieira, M. Overmars; D. Bergkamp, I. Wright.

This was a fantastic team, both on paper and in real life.

The starting XI had everything: Seaman was the country’s outstanding ‘keeper; Bould and Adams were a brick wall in central defence; Winterburn and Dixon were tireless and reliable at full back; Parlour and Vieira provided the steel and graft in midfield, allowing the newly-acquired Petit and Overmars to cut loose and push forward; and Ian Wright was as energetic, elusive, and productive as ever up front. And then there was Bergkamp, who scooped several player of the year awards and brought goals, assists, and a quite beautiful style of play to Wenger’s team. Coming off the bench, a young Nicolas Anelka was instrumental in Arsenal’s FA Cup triumph, and Martin Keown and David Platt rotated seamlessly with the likes of Bould and Parlour.

Despite their obvious talent, Arsenal had trailed Manchester United by 12 points heading into March, but came roaring back to win the title and complete a domestic double. Wenger’s excellent transfer dealings – replacing fan favourite Paul Merson with Petit; buying Bergkamp and Overmars – were instrumental. A year later, he signed a lad from Juventus by the name of Thierry Henry.

Next: No. 11

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