It is all too easy to look for simple answers to complicated problems. What is going on today at Arsenal is not because they do not have a strong captain. It is much more the case that their lack of a strong captain—or indeed anyone with captain-like potential—is a symptom of what is wrong at the club. Those problems, and whether Emery is on borrowed time as a result of them, is dealt with elsewhere on the site. For the moment, let’s look back, in no particular order, at some of the best captains this club has had over the years.
Tony Adams
Adams embodied everything that was good about the team he captained between 1988 and 2002. The central defender took possession of the armband at just 21 years of age, holding it until his retirement 14 years later. Along with Steve Bould, his defensive partner, they formed the solid foundation that today’s team are crying out for, and you have to believe that, if he were captain now, the Gunners would not be such outsiders to even make the top four in the Premier League. Adams was very much a one-club man and made 504 appearances for Arsenal. As a captain he lifted four titles: three FA Cups, two league cups and a European Cup Winners Cup. He is the only man to win a league title as captain in three different decades—a record that is likely to stand for a long time yet.
Thierry Henry
At first the Frenchman may seem an odd choice, especially as he only wore the armband officially for one season: 2005/6. That season saw the Gunners reach their only Champions League final, and Henry was instrumental in that success—not just with his goals, but also with his leadership. That part of his game, and the influence and inspiration he had on his teammates, was perhaps something that was not obvious for those who were not connected with the club. Arsene Wenger was in no doubt about the record goal scorer’s leadership credentials, however, and made him youth team coach when he hung up his boots.
Patrick Vieira
A more obvious choice in every respect, Viera took over the armband from Tony Adams and wore it until 2005. As a player he had it all: style, skill and an incredible presence in the centre of the park that made him a nightmare to play against. It surprised no one when captaincy came so easy for the French international. With the departure of Adams, it could have been a tough transitional period for the Gunners; but Viera made it appear seamless, and, if anything, the side under him enjoyed even more success. Under his stewardship Arsenal won six trophies and, of course, in 2003/4 his Invincibles made history.
Joe Mercer
Those of us not old enough to have witnessed Mercer first hand will no doubt have been told by a father or grandfather of just how much of an effect he had on the club’s fortunes. His presence in the back four and across the whole of the club was a major reason that during his time as captain (1946 to 1955) the club was transformed from mid-table fodder to one of the best in the country, winning two titles and an FA Cup.
Frank McLintock
Another choice from back in the history books. McLintock captained Arsenal between 1967 and 1973, and—like Tony Adams and Joe Mercer—he was a resolute defensive general, as well as an inspiration for everyone who pulled on the jersey to play under him. In his nine seasons at Highbury, McLintock made 314 appearances and will be particularly remembered for his team’s 1971 league-and-cup double, with the title having been secured (of course) at White Hart Lane.
