Mikel Arteta Warns Arsenal Fans Over Invincibles Comparisons Despite Stronger Stats

Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal supporters to avoid Invincibles comparisons, insisting trophies — not early-season stats — define greatness.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged supporters to remain grounded in the midst of the growing Invincibles comparison, stating that statistics alone cannot elevate his current team above the legendary 2003-04 team. Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s high-profile Premier League clash with Liverpool, the manager made it clear that legacy is earned through trophies, not table positions in January.

Arsenal may be flying, but Arteta believes history demands more.

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Arsène Wenger’s Invincibles remain the ultimate reference point in Arsenal history. The 2003–04 side completed a full Premier League season unbeaten, finishing with 90 points and redefining dominance in English football.

Led by Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp, that team combined attacking brilliance with relentless consistency — and delivered the one thing that matters most: the title.

Until another Arsenal side matches that achievement, comparisons will always carry caution.

Arteta’s Arsenal Ahead on Numbers — But Not Yet on Legacy

As of January 2026, Arsenal sit top of the Premier League after 20 matches with 48 points, 15 wins and a goal difference of +26. At the same stage in 2003–04, the Invincibles had collected 46 points and scored fewer goals.

Those figures have fuelled excitement — and the Arsenal Invincibles comparison — especially with the Gunners six points clear of Manchester City.

Still, Arteta refuses to be drawn in.

“Legacy Is Built on Trophies,” Arteta Insists

Arteta dismissed suggestions his side has already surpassed Wenger’s greats.

“No,” he said. “Because the Invincibles won a lot. They did it consistently and created a history and a legacy. We still have to do that.”

He acknowledged Arsenal’s statistical progress but underlined the unfinished business.

“We’ve had more points and more goals in recent years. At the end, we have to translate that into major trophies.”

Clear Progress Under Arteta — With One Final Step Missing

Since taking charge in December 2019, Arteta has rebuilt Arsenal into genuine title contenders. An FA Cup triumph in 2020 marked early success, followed by three straight Premier League runner-up finishes.

In previous eras, Arsenal’s current numbers might have secured the title. Today, the margins demand perfection.

“What we’re doing now would probably have been enough before,” Arteta admitted. “Now it’s not enough — we have to make the margins bigger.”

Liverpool Test Arrives at a Critical Moment

Arteta’s comments come as Arsenal prepare to face Liverpool, with defensive absences adding pressure. Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera remain sidelined, testing squad depth at a pivotal stage of the season.

Yet the message remains unchanged: focus on results, not nostalgia.

Fans can dream, but Arteta wants actions to speak louder than comparisons. The Invincibles earned immortality by delivering when it mattered most.

This Arsenal side now has the platform — and expectation — to do the same.

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