Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has claimed that Manchester City are on the same level as Arsene Wenger’s infamous ‘Invincibles’.
Vieira was part of the 2003/04 team which won the Premier League title while going unbeaten over 38 matches.
Mikel Arteta-led Arsenal side came close to lifting the title in the just concluded season but were beaten by Pep Guardiola’s side as they claimed a fifth Premier League trophy in six years. City lost just four Premier League matches on their way to the title in the 2022/23 campaign, and now has a chance to replicate the infamous treble achievement Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United got the 1998/99 season.
Speaking ahead of a Champions League final showdown between Manchester City and Inter Milan today, Vieira said Pep Guardiola’s side are arguably as good as the Invincibles of Arsenal.
He told Evening Standard;
“Winning the treble and going unbeaten for a season are both really difficult. Many people believe Man United’s treble would never be matched but now City are close. It would be an unbelievable achievement for City just as it was for United, they are up there with the best.
“I think the Invincibles will also one day be matched. City are in the debate [for the greatest English team] with United’s 1999 treble team and my Invincibles.”
Vieira also discussed the emergence of several managers from under the wings of City boss Pep Guardiola.
Mikel Arteta was an assistant to Guardiola at City before returning to take charge of the Gunners.
Burnley won the Championship and earned promotion back to the Premier League under the guidance of Vincent Kompany. The Belgian played under Guardiola.
Xavi Hernandez won the La Liga title this season with Barcelona. He was the fulcrum of Guardiola’s midfield at Barca.
Vieira likened Guardiola to a teacher who makes students love the subject.
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