Date: 23rd April 2015 at 7:30pm
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One thing fans generally dislike doing, is having to choose between two club legends. World Cup winners and Arsenal midfield generals Emmanuel Petit and Gilberto Silva have left their marks on the club forever. But who was more valuable? Arsenal’s best ever Samba boy or the ponytail of terror?

Painfully close call this one. It was Gilberto who eventually (two seasons later) took over from Petit as Vieira’s midfield partner when the latter left the club, and it could be argued that he carried the torch just as high. Both were successful during their times at the club, winning a league title apiece as well as FA Cup and Community Shield honours.

Petit managed to win the league and cup double in his first season at the club, forming one of the most formidable midfield partnerships in all of world football with Patrick Vieira. He mustered 118 league appearances in his three seasons with the club, scoring 11 goals and adding two Community Shield titles (then called Charity Shield) to his resume.

Gilberto formed his own formidable partnership with Vieira, as the two anchored the 2003-2004 Invincible side. Two FA Cup wins in the seasons prior to and following the 03/04 season as well as a couple Community Shield wins means his achievements are comparable to Petit’s.

It is the Frenchman whoever who was granted a place in Arsenal.com’s top 50 players poll ahead of the Brazilian. Petit is ranked number 22 while Gilberto is excluded all together.

Significant? Not for me. Gilberto was every bit as important for Arsenal as Petit was. Although the more important of the two I still haven’t yet decided. What do you think gooners? Invincible Gilberto Silva or double winner Emmanuel Petit?

There are compelling arguments on both sides, and depending on the generation you are a part of you may side with the player you watched most. The strength of the league in the two eras is equally as debatable for me, so there really is no right or wrong.

 

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