By Frank Foster

|

Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira believes Arsene Wenger's current crop have played better football than the famous 'Invincibles' of 2003-04.

Vieira was an integral part of what is considered one of Arsenal's greatest ever teams, boasting the likes of Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires and Thierry Henry.

But despite the North Londoners having failed to win a single trophy since the World Cup winner departed in 2005, Vieira is convinced that they have the squad to challenge for silverware.

Historic: Patrick Vieira and Arsene Wenger celebrate winning the Premier League with an unbeaten record in 2004

Historic: Patrick Vieira and Arsene Wenger celebrate winning the Premier League with an unbeaten record in 2004

Distant memory: Vieira battles with a young Christiano Ronaldo in the 2005 FA Cup final, the last time Arsenal won a trophy

Distant memory: Vieira battles with a young Christiano Ronaldo in the 2005 FA Cup final, the last time Arsenal won a trophy

'I believe Arsenal, on a good day when they have all their players fit and in form, can beat anyone,' he said. 'Even the very best teams in the world.

'OK, right now they lack the consistency to win the Premier League title. But they have good players, very good players.

'And if you look at Arsenal in the last few years then I think they have played even better football than we did in 2003-04.

'For me they are definitely better to watch as a team but we were stronger, had physical presence and more experience.

Winner: Vieira believes Arsenal's current side are a match for the likes of Dennis Bergkamp (left) and Thierry Henry (right)

'In terms of quality, though, they have a lot of quality there. Enough quality to win something.'

Vieira won three league titles and four FA Cups under Wenger at Arsenal and is unequivocal in his support for his fellow Frenchman.

He added: 'I spent nine years with Arsene and I really enjoyed my time at Arsenal. What I loved about him was that he made me understand the mistakes I made.

'He made me grow up, as a player and person. So Arsenal is where I changed from a boy into a man.

Best man for the job: Vieira is confident Wenger will win trophies again at the Emirates

Best man for the job: Vieira is confident Wenger will win trophies again at the Emirates

'That's Arsene — he is so close with his players and that is good.

'For me he was the best manager of all. It's true that from the age of 20 to 29 I played my best football.'

Wenger has come in for criticism this season from fans who have become impatient with the club's trophy drought.

But Vieira believes that Wenger is the right man to bring success back to the Emirates. 

He added: 'The unique situation with Arsenal is that you have to judge what Arsene has done for them in the last 17 years.

'It is amazing. He has totally transformed the club over the last 17 years but the only way to keep the fans happy is to win silverware.

'Arsene will deal with that, though. I'm very confident of that.'