Overview
- In a Sky Sports interview, Patrick Vieira named David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice as starters in a combined XI with Arsenal’s 2003/04 team.
- Vieira said Raya would replace Jens Lehmann in goal, Timber would start at right-back, and Gabriel would come in for Kolo Touré while Sol Campbell stays.
- He chose Saka ahead of Freddie Ljungberg on the right wing and preferred Rice to Gilberto Silva in midfield, while keeping Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Ashley Cole in place.
- His appraisal came after Arsenal beat Burnley 1-0 to stay five points clear of Manchester City, which still has a game in hand with one league match left for Arsenal.
- Vieira praised Mikel Arteta’s rebuild and form but said Arsène Wenger would still manage a combined side, as coverage also noted Arsenal can seal the title with a win over Crystal Palace on the final weekend.