Arsenal's lone striker was the Gunner King, Thierry Henry.
On the wings were Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg, while the attacking midfielder position belonged to the Belarusian, Alexander Hleb.
Later on, most fans would only remember Cesc Fàbregas's insistence on joining Barcelona. Even among Arsenal's famed "Four Gentlemen," Alexandre Song somehow earned the flattering nickname "Song's Merit." Yet Hleb, whose performances during this period were more impressive and vital to the team, was left out of that quartet and known only as Arsenal's Fifth Gentleman—a real pity.
In 2008, he gave up his starting role in Arsenal's midfield and, almost obsessed, forced through a move to Barcelona. The result? He barely featured before being dropped to the bench.
At that time, Hleb was part of Arsenal's "F4," alongside Fàbregas, Rosický, and Flamini—a youthful unit that had sparked a new wave of energy and marked the beginning of Wenger's second great Arsenal era.
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Even years later, Hleb reflected in interviews:
"I still think about that decision. I can't understand why I made it back then."
"Barcelona was the best team in the world at the time, but I was happy at Arsenal. Everything there was great… Before I left, he talked to me. He wanted me to stay and said I was important to Arsenal."
"I cried. I didn't know what to do. And in the end, as everyone knows, my career plummeted after joining Barcelona."
To be fair, Arsenal's midfield maestros have always been a peculiar bunch.
Bergkamp's fear of flying, Hleb's fixation on Barcelona, Fàbregas paying his own way back to Camp Nou, the "Number Man" scandal that ended a career, Thomas once being caught up in a rape case… Let's just hope Arteta's midfield can enjoy some peace. After all, this beautiful Arsenal didn't come easily.
Fans had been waiting for this Arsenal side for what felt like forever—was this finally their time?
It's worth mentioning that Hleb's younger brother, "Little Hleb," would later join the Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua. The future CSL legends were already beginning to emerge.
Arsenal's double pivot featured Gilberto Silva and Cesc Fàbregas. Fàbregas operated as a central midfielder rather than a defensive one. Even so, Arsenal's defense held strong thanks to Gilberto Silva, known as the "Invisible Wall," whose defensive positioning and timing were exceptional. He consistently shut down opponents' counterattacks.
He was also part of Brazil's World Cup squad that year.
From left to right, Arsenal's backline consisted of Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell, Kolo Touré, and Emmanuel Eboué.
Ashley Cole—lightning fast and balanced in both attack and defense—was among the best left-backs in the world. Campbell was the first Premier League player to earn over £100,000 per week, a defensive pillar for both Arsenal and England. Kolo Touré, whom Arsenal had been developing since 2001, became a regular starter the previous season.
He even had a small connection to Real Madrid.
During that season's Champions League group stage, Real Madrid faced Olympiacos—where Kolo's younger brother, Yaya Touré, played alongside Rivaldo. Unfortunately, with stars like Rivaldo, Zidane, Figo, and Su Hang dominating the spotlight, Yaya's modest performances went unnoticed.
Rumor had it that Barcelona had already begun scouting him.
As for Arsenal's right-back, Eboué had originally been a substitute. But after first-choice Lauren was injured, Eboué's outstanding displays kept him in the starting lineup even after Lauren's recovery.
A true utility player in defense and midfield, Eboué's fame went global years later during the 2010 South Africa World Cup. Representing the Ivory Coast, he humorously joined the North Korean coach's tactical huddle during a match, nodding seriously as if he understood every word. The clip went viral, racking up millions of views and becoming one of the tournament's most widely shared moments.
His Arsenal teammates affectionately called him "Mr. Funny," always the life of the dressing room. Sadly, in 2017, Eboué was diagnosed with HIV.
Arsenal's goalkeeper was Germany's Jens Lehmann.
Just half a month earlier, the German Football Association had announced that Lehmann would replace Oliver Kahn as the starting goalkeeper for the World Cup.
Kahn was aging—but truthfully, Lehmann was only six months younger.
At 37, he wasn't exactly young either, but he was in better shape at Arsenal and maintained a higher level of match fitness.
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With the referee's whistle, the match kicked off.
In the fourth minute, Arsenal made the first move.
Pires combined with Henry on the left wing and surged past Salgado.
Salgado responded by hauling him down with both hands and feet.
The referee immediately flashed a yellow card.
That moment set the tone for the match—a low-intensity game, light on physical contact, with the referee keeping a tight grip.
Good news for teams built on possession, technique, and fluid attack.
Bad news for those relying on defense, physical duels, and sheer strength.
After Salgado's booking, players like Figo, Su Hang, Cassano, Beckham, Baptista, and Roberto Carlos exchanged quick glances.
Attack!
If they wanted to win, they had to attack.
In the eighth minute, Figo returned the favor. Breaking through the center, he found space and unleashed a sudden long-range shot.
The ball crashed against the post—a clear warning.
"Oh! Figo doesn't look like someone who just recovered—he's in top shape!"
"No wonder Real Madrid trusted him to start!"
"In this kind of form, he could've played the last time these two met!"
In the tenth minute, Roberto Carlos broke down the left flank and sent in a cross.
Su Hang outjumped Campbell for a header, but his aim was off—the ball struck Lehmann and bounced out before being cleared by Touré.
By the 14th minute, Arsenal launched another attack. Their intricate, rapid passing flowed seamlessly through Real Madrid's defense, ending in a shot by Henry.
However, Ramos's block forced him into a narrow angle, and his shot went straight at Casillas.
In the 18th minute, Arsenal kept pressing.
But Beckham made a brilliant tackle and immediately launched a counterattack with a pinpoint through ball.
Figo, bursting with two months' worth of pent-up energy, flicked the ball forward and sprinted after it without breaking stride.
Su Hang knew that move all too well—Figo's flick was as lethal as ever.
Campbell tried to intercept, but the ball flew past him. Reacting too late, he attempted to block again, only for Figo to burst by him completely.
Campbell missed both man and ball.