The Gunners didn't waste any time getting off the mark when they travelled to Eindhoven in 2002, and will be hoping for a similar result on Thursday
It was a moment that saw Gilberto Silva write his name into the Champions League history books.
When Arsenal took on PSV on September 25, 2002, Arsene Wenger’s side were expecting a tough night against the Dutch outfit. But from the moment Gilberto struck after just 20.7 seconds, the Gunners were in cruise control.
They went on to win 4-0 at the PSV Stadion, with Gilberto’s volley from Thierry Henry’s cross breaking the previous record for the fastest-ever Champions League goal, which had been set by Alessandro Del Piero for Juventus against Manchester United.
The Brazilian’s record has gone on to be beaten since, but it’s still a moment he cherishes when he looks back on his long and illustrious career.
“It was a very happy moment,” he said. “When I knew it was the fastest goal in the competition’s history, I was amazed by the news. After, it was broken and it broke my heart a little bit!”
So now, 20 years on, where are the Arsenal starting XI that featured in that historic match? GOAL takes a look..
Getty ImagesDavid Seaman
A true Arsenal legend, Seaman won eight major trophies with the Gunners and made 564 appearances before leaving for Manchester City in 2003.
He called time on his playing days soon after and there haven’t been many TV shows that Seaman hasn’t popped up on since.
From Dancing on Ice to ‘Carp fishing with Seaman and Gazza’, the 59-year-old has done them all.
Still one of the nation’s favourite sporting personalities, Seaman often does football pundit work and also spends time working with goalkeepers at the Arsenal academy.
AdvertisementGettyLauren
What a player! An absolute warrior on the football field, Lauren is still revered at Arsenal to this day.
He won two Premier League titles during his time in north London and was a key figure in the legendary 2003-04 Invincibles side.
After leaving Arsenal, he had spells with Portsmouth and Cordoba before retiring in 2010.
He now represents Arsenal as a club ambassador and works as a football pundit on Spanish TV. Lauren also has a role working as a FIFA technical expert for talent development within African football.
Getty ImagesSol Campbell
Former Spurs star Campbell was a colossus for Arsenal after he crossed the north London divide in 2002.
The ideal replacement for Tony Adams, who was coming to the end of his career, Campbell slotted seamlessly into the back four and helped Arsene Wenger’s side win both the Premier League and the FA Cup in his first season.
Campbell was then the bedrock of the defence for the Invincibles campaign and formed an exceptional partnership with Kolo Toure.
In all, he made 146 appearances in the Premier League for Arsenal before leaving for Portsmouth in 2006.
He has had spells in management since hanging up his boots, with Macclesfield Town and most recently Southend United.
GettyMartin Keown
Keown is now known as a football pundit and makes regular appearances on the likes of talkSPORT and BT Sport.
He did briefly move into coaching after retiring as a player, working with Arsenal for a time. He was also briefly part of the scouting team under Arsene Wenger.
As a player, Keown won three league titles during his two spells with Arsenal.
His final game for the club was against Leicester City in 2004 when Arsene Wenger’s side completed their legendary Invincibles season.
