Band of Brothers is a tribute to the Special Forces, paratroopers; a part of the airborne wing deployed by the US Army to wage a war against Germany during the Second World War. They were extraordinarily skilled soldiers who were trained outstandingly well to face any circumstances and ace at it. Crafted to perfection they did the impossible and won the war.
Based on the writings of Stephen Ambrose, produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, Band of Brothers is an enticing tale of courage,determination,focus,team work,zeal,grit and bravery.
The similar traits were shown by the Gunners in the 2003-04 season. Certainly, it was the best Premier League season ever played by the club. Not only did Arsenal win the Premier League title, but the Gunners also managed to finish a whole season unbeaten,which included a 49 game ‘The Invincible’ winning steak. With that feat Arsenal became the first side since Preston North End in 1888-89 to have completed the title race in such fashion.
They were a force to reckon, on the lines of Major Winters, Captain Nixon, Sergeant Shifty, Randleman and everyone who fought with pride. The only difference here was that the Gunners, contrary to their name never used any sorts of guns/armory, instead used their feet and heads to conquer the Premier League.
They played like brothers, respected and uplifted each others’ game like anything. They were like soldiers out there on war, who knew just one thing – giving their best and marching on with honor.
In the show, they start their campaign from London and parade all the way from France, Holland, Belgium to Germany. If you look closely at the Arsenal side they had a similar pattern. France and Holland had a vital role to play. They had their best gladiators – Henry, Pires, Vieira and Bergkamp from France and Holland respectively.
Highbury was Arsenal’s DreamWorks, a studio where history was recorded. Arsenal was an unstoppable force under the leadership of Arsene Wenger. It was a fantasy team.At the back, apart from the keeper Lehmann, Gunners consisted of Sol Campbell and Kolo Touré, two agile and macho central defenders who struck up a fantastic partnership over the course of the season. Lauren was an attacking presence at right-back, while Ashley Cole proved why he was one of England’s best left-backs in the business.
You’d be amazed to know that the Arsenal defense was such a belligerent sight that they only conceded 26 goals throughout the campaign.
In the mid, the presence of ‘The Invisible Wall’, Gilberto Silva acted as the double protection which safe guarded the interests of the fortress from every possible external attack. The skipper Patrick Vieira led the wrath from the front with his towering presence and lung-bursting runs from central midfield. He was the complete box-to-box midfielder, someone who had a deadly amount of tactical intelligence, tenacity and amazing hold on the ball. His ability to act as the perfect interface between the attack and the defense was arguably the force that held the team together and made Arsenal’s counter-attacking style of play look even more adventurous.
Arsenal’s front regiment was no less. They had the most fearsome gladiators in their ranks. Fredrik Ljungberg contributed agility and goal scoring quality on the right flank, whereas Robert Pirès showed his class from left midfield with his sultry dribbling skills and absolutely lethal finishing from inside the box. Dennis Bergkamp, by then an Arsenal veteran into his ninth season at the club, was still a badass forward, while Thierry Henry remained the soul of club.
The King, Henry was undoubtedly one of the best players the club has ever had. He was a one man army at times and was a very smart footballer. Combined with an exceptional ability to sneak past opponents with his sheer pace, skill and composure, he timed his runs to absolute perfection. On a consistent basis, he was almost unbeatable. Ultimately, Henry went on to become Arsenal’s all-time leading goal scorer with 228 goals in all forms for the club.
What a line up! Throughout the season, Arsenal cultivated the style of one-touch passing, interchanging positions and keeping the possession which was mesmerizing to watch. I honestly miss those days! It’s been more than 12 years we’ve seen the PL title. I hope the Gunners see those good old videos, get inspired and show some character in the remaining games this season. I so want them to end it on a high,offering something to cherish for the Gooners.
FanGaadi 