Arsenal legend slams 'bottler' claims and reveals secret behind 'The Invincibles' success

Ahead of Arsenal's clash with Manchester City, Silva credits the Invincibles' historic unbeaten run to a collective refusal to accept defeat.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:40pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a soccer match between two teams, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color, conveying the intensity and drama of the competition.A cubist interpretation of the intense rivalry and high-stakes clash between Arsenal and Manchester City, capturing the dynamic energy and competitive spirit of the match.Manchester Today

Ahead of Arsenal's upcoming match against Manchester City, former Arsenal player Gilberto Silva has spoken out against claims that the Invincibles team were 'bottlers', and revealed the secret behind their historic unbeaten 2003-04 season. Silva, a key figure in that team, credits their success to a collective mentality that refused to accept defeat, even when they fell behind in matches. He says the players always believed they could turn the situation around and did everything they could to avoid losing.

Why it matters

The Invincibles' unbeaten season is considered one of the greatest achievements in Premier League history, and Silva's insights shed light on the mentality and drive that powered that team. As Mikel Arteta's current Arsenal side prepares to face a tough test against Manchester City, these reflections on the mindset of a legendary Arsenal team provide valuable context.

The details

Silva, who was a defensive midfielder for the Invincibles, says that 'no one accepted losing, much less losing in a silly way' within that squad. He explains that defeat was 'not easily tolerated' and that the opposing team had to perform exceptionally well to beat them, as the Arsenal players would always fight to turn the game around even when they fell behind.

  • The Invincibles' unbeaten 2003-04 season took place 23 years ago.
  • Arsenal's upcoming match against Manchester City will be played on April 20, 2026.

The players

Gilberto Silva

A former Arsenal midfielder who was a key player in the Invincibles' unbeaten 2003-04 season.

Mikel Arteta

The current manager of Arsenal Football Club.

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What they’re saying

“No one accepted losing, much less losing in a silly way. Defeat was not easily tolerated. If the other team were to beat us, they had to perform at an exceptionally high level.”

— Gilberto Silva, Former Arsenal Midfielder

What’s next

Arsenal's upcoming match against Manchester City on April 20, 2026 will be a crucial test for Mikel Arteta's side as they look to emulate the success of the Invincibles team that Silva was a part of.

The takeaway

Silva's insights into the mentality of the Invincibles provide valuable lessons for modern teams striving for similar levels of success and consistency. The refusal to accept defeat, even when trailing, was a key factor in Arsenal's historic unbeaten run and is something Mikel Arteta will hope to instill in his current squad.