1. David O'Leary, (722 starts, 14 substitute appearances).
O'Leary started his Arsenal career in 1973 as an apprentice. From there, he rapidly moved through the ranks. By 16, the Irishman was already playing in the reserves and by 17 he staked a claim in the first team. In nine seasons out of the next ten, he played an incredible 40 games or more.
A ball playing centre back, O'Leary was known for his elegance with the ball and clever positioning. He won seven trophies at Arsenal and his links to the club remain to this day. He is regularly seen at the Emirates where he holds an ambassador role.
2. Tony Adams, (669 starts, 48 substitute appearances).
Search Mr Arsenal in google, and you'll find pictures of Tony Adams. He joined as a schoolboy at 14 and three years later he made his first team debut. A one club man, he spent his entire 22-year career at the Arsenal. He is not only appreciated for his loyalty but for his quality on the pitch.
One of our greatest ever players and captains, he led the team to 12 trophies. Adams was respected for his leadership qualities, timing of tackles, aerial ability, and occasionally bursting through on goal and smashing in half volleys to clinch titles.
3. George Armstrong, (621 starts, 68 substitute appearances).
Arsenal signed Armstrong from Newcastle when he was just 17. He had been playing inside forward, but for the gunners he was moved to the wing. A year after signing, he had already become a regular in the first team.
As a player, he was known for his quality deliveries from crosses, set-pieces and corners. He was popular with the fans because of his tireless running, versatility and consistent performances. His time at the club earned him three trophies, two runners-up medals and the Arsenal Player of the Year, 1970.
4. Lee Dixon, (619 starts, 28 substitute appearances).
The fact Lee Dixon joined the gunners from Stoke at 24, considerably older than most others, makes his inclusion even more impressive. Evidently, he wasted little time settling in, and quickly became a mainstay in a rock-solid back four.
Dixon was a plundering right back who often got forward to support the winger on his side. He had a good cross delivery, but he never got too far ahead of play or forgot his defensive duties. In his time at the club he collected eight trophies and was chosen in the PTA Team of the Year twice.
5. Nigel Winterburn, (584 starts, 12 substitute appearances).
Arsenal bought Winterburn, when he was 23, to be their new left back. Despite this, he ended up playing the early part of his Arsenal career at right back. A year later, Winterburn could switch to his preferred position on the left-side of the defence and form part of a solid back four.
Winterburn was a pacey full-back who often got forward to overlap his winger. He was defensively sound, fast enough to get in a last minute tackle, and he scored one or two belters in his time. His time at Arsenal saw him win ten trophies.
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