Arsenal has seen huge success in England’s Premier League. Much of that success has been because they had top-class defenders to their ranks.
Featured in this list are players from the 1960s up to the mid-2000s. No current Gunners appear.
Rankings are based on their talent and the impact that they had in Arsenal history.
#5 Ashley Cole
Ashley Cole is mostly known for his offensive style rather than his defensive abilities, he was brilliant for the Gunners during his time at the club.
He has spent only eight years with the North London giants featured plenty of winning, including perhaps the most memorable 2003/04 season in the English top-tier history: “The Invincibles.”
The Gunners recorded an unbeaten streak of 49 games, including the entire ’03-’04 season. That team is the only one to accomplish such a record in England.
Despite being a part of the “Invincibles,” English forward was only the third-best defender on that squad, and so finds himself as the ninth-ranked defender on this list. He has won two Premier League titles three FA Cup victories during his short spell.
#4 Lee Dixon
Right-back is arguably the toughest position to produce an impact from. however, Lee Dixon proved wrong as he has been one of the best players of Arsenal.
Fourth all-time in appearances for the Gunners (619), he was a player that could have a huge impact the match in many ways.
He often supplied brilliant, slashing crosses to the Gunners forward. His skill on the ball was impressive, especially for a right-back.
He has managed to found back of the net 28 times in his illustrious career for the Gunners.
He has won European Cup Winners’ Cup (’94) Four League titles (’89,’91, ’98, ’02) and three FA Cups (’93, ’98, ’02) and a.
Lee Dixon is, without a doubt, one of the greatest full-backs played for Arsenal.
#3 Sol Campbell
Sol Campbell was one of the best defenders to wear an Arsenal jersey.
Despite a relatively short stay with the Gunners, Campbell undeniably impacts a team with a long and glory-filled history.
In his five years with Arsenal, Campbell played 197 games and found back of the net 11 times. He won two Premier League titles in (’02, ’04) and one FA Cup (’02).
What places him so high is that he was one of the key players for 2003-04 “Invincibles” team that went undefeated in league play.
#2 David O’Leary
David O’Leary due to his , flexibility dedication and loyalty. He played 722 games for North London, a team record.
When he made his debut for the Gunners, they were an ageing side that was struggling to remain out of the relegation zone. His entry into the team was a prominent reason they were able to remain afloat.
And for the nearly 20 years he played for the Gunners he was one of the hardest-working players.
But through his persistence, he was able to become a regular in the team at right-back position.
He did win six trophies with the Gunners, including two English titles (’89, ’91), two FA Cups (’79, ’93) and two League Cups (’87, ’93).
#Tony Adams
Tony Adams Fourteen years as the club captain, 10 titles 669 games on his name, he has been crowned as English champion for three times, his nickname is ‘Mr. Arsenal’ he is regarded as one of the greatest-ever players played for the Gunners.
Adams was the ultimate one-club man which is very rare in football he was one of the best defenders of Arsenal. He had formed an ideal defensive partnership with centre-back partner Steve Bould and full-backs Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn. Due to his leadership, it’s hard to think of a more dedicated, more gutsy and more inspirational player in Arsenal’s history.
His time at Highbury saw four League Championships (’89, ’91, ’98, ’02), three FA Cups (’93, ’98, ’02), two League Cups (’87, ’93) and a European Cup Winners’ Cup (’94).
