Can United or City match Arsenals famous unbeaten season of 2003-04? James Robson and Martha Kelner canvass opinion
Arsenal players celebrate winning the Premiership 2004 Could this be the year when the new Invincibles are crowned?
United and City lead the way in the Premier League after five games played but both have got a long way to go before they can match Arsenals incredible achievement during the 2003-04 season.
Arsene Wengers side went an entire campaign without defeat in the league earning the crown of champions, as well as the tag of Invincibles.
United came close to emulating that feat last season, before seeing their unbeaten record fall at Wolves in February.
Five straight wins so far this term is their best start to a campaign since Ron Atkinsons team won their first 10 matches in 1985.
Meanwhile, City are also unbeaten, dropping their first points this term in last Sundays 2-2 draw at Fulham.
But who, if any, of the Manchester clubs can extend that run until the end of the season?
Legends of both clubs are torn as to whether Arsenals record will ever be repeated.
Colin Bell, citys most famous player, told MEN Sport: The way its going someones going to replicate what Arsenal did.
You could say Im biased so Im not going to say I think it could be United. You could toss a coin between City and United at the moment about who is the best.
Lets just say it was the right way round in 1968 when we won the league and they were second. The two clubs at the top, its great for Manchester.
Uniteds 1968 European Cup-winning goalkeeper, Alex Stepney, is less convinced: Id love to see it happen, but I cant realistically imagine it.
Records are there to be broken and its definitely feasible, but the game has changed a lot since the Arsenal side of 2003-04 did it.
The referees also have a lot ! to do wi th it and its to do with luck as well.
City hero Georgi Kinkladze believes his beloved Blues defensive frailties will cost them any hope of maintaining their undefeated start.
Mancinis attacking policy is magnificent, he said. But they will not go undefeated or win the league unless a suitable partner is found for Vincent Kompany.
Joleon Lescott is the weak link in the whole side. If a centre half could be found in the Terry Butcher, Tony Adams mould, Manchester City could be the best team on the whole planet. They would eat Barcelona for breakfast.
They are the best attacking side on the planet but until someone is found to replace Lescott they will finish behind United and definitely not undefeated.
Dennis Tueart added: I dont think its possible, basically because of the stress on both the City and United squads, which would take its toll over a long season. The challenge to the managers is to rotate the teams to keep everybody fresh. But the Premier League is tougher than ever and the Champions League represents one huge challenge.
Wilf McGuinness believes that if anyone can do it, its United. But the Busby Babe says the sheer number of games involved makes it highly unlikely.
It is possible, but I would say highly improbable, said. The Arsenal side that did it were unbelievable. It would definitely take some doing to emulate their achievements.
The games got harder since then there are more players from abroad and more competitions. Obviously Id love to see one of us do it, preferably United, but Im not sure. If I was to pick the most likely side to go undefeated it would have to be United.
Former United star Lou Macari added: It could happen for either side, but it will take a bit of luck as well as playing good football. It will be tough but both sides are capable. It does just take one hiccup in one match it to ruin your run.
What do you think? Have your say.
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United and City lead the way in the Premier League after five games played but both have got a long way to go before they can match Arsenals incredible achievement during the 2003-04 season.
Arsene Wengers side went an entire campaign without defeat in the league earning the crown of champions, as well as the tag of Invincibles.
United came close to emulating that feat last season, before seeing their unbeaten record fall at Wolves in February.
Five straight wins so far this term is their best start to a campaign since Ron Atkinsons team won their first 10 matches in 1985.
Meanwhile, City are also unbeaten, dropping their first points this term in last Sundays 2-2 draw at Fulham.
But who, if any, of the Manchester clubs can extend that run until the end of the season?
Legends of both clubs are torn as to whether Arsenals record will ever be repeated.
Colin Bell, citys most famous player, told MEN Sport: The way its going someones going to replicate what Arsenal did.
You could say Im biased so Im not going to say I think it could be United. You could toss a coin between City and United at the moment about who is the best.
Lets just say it was the right way round in 1968 when we won the league and they were second. The two clubs at the top, its great for Manchester.
Uniteds 1968 European Cup-winning goalkeeper, Alex Stepney, is less convinced: Id love to see it happen, but I cant realistically imagine it.
Records are there to be broken and its definitely feasible, but the game has changed a lot since the Arsenal side of 2003-04 did it.
The referees also have a lot ! to do wi th it and its to do with luck as well.
City hero Georgi Kinkladze believes his beloved Blues defensive frailties will cost them any hope of maintaining their undefeated start.
Mancinis attacking policy is magnificent, he said. But they will not go undefeated or win the league unless a suitable partner is found for Vincent Kompany.
Joleon Lescott is the weak link in the whole side. If a centre half could be found in the Terry Butcher, Tony Adams mould, Manchester City could be the best team on the whole planet. They would eat Barcelona for breakfast.
They are the best attacking side on the planet but until someone is found to replace Lescott they will finish behind United and definitely not undefeated.
Dennis Tueart added: I dont think its possible, basically because of the stress on both the City and United squads, which would take its toll over a long season. The challenge to the managers is to rotate the teams to keep everybody fresh. But the Premier League is tougher than ever and the Champions League represents one huge challenge.
Wilf McGuinness believes that if anyone can do it, its United. But the Busby Babe says the sheer number of games involved makes it highly unlikely.
It is possible, but I would say highly improbable, said. The Arsenal side that did it were unbelievable. It would definitely take some doing to emulate their achievements.
The games got harder since then there are more players from abroad and more competitions. Obviously Id love to see one of us do it, preferably United, but Im not sure. If I was to pick the most likely side to go undefeated it would have to be United.
Former United star Lou Macari added: It could happen for either side, but it will take a bit of luck as well as playing good football. It will be tough but both sides are capable. It does just take one hiccup in one match it to ruin your run.
What do you think? Have your say.
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