Wenger's new boys have his old guard on the run

Arsenal's 19-match unbeaten run is the best since the 'Invincibles' lost at Manchester United in 2004 after 49 matches without defeat and their impressive start to this season has been hailed for its style and energy.

But some of Arsene Wenger's senior players have been casualties of late and this really encapsulates the mood of youthful revolution at The Emirates.

Gilberto, for one, is finding it hard coming to terms with the fact that he is no longer an automatic choice and keeper Manuel Almunia has warned Jens Lehmann that he intends to freeze him out for the rest of the season.

William Gallas, captain since Thierry Henry's exit, can expect to scrap for his place when he recovers from injury because Philippe Senderos is in terrific form alongside the consistent Kolo Toure.

Gilberto spoke after the 1-0 win at Steaua Bucharest with the exasperated air of a man who cannot understand his sudden fall from favour. "I'm not the kind of player who accepts the bench," said the 30-year-old midfielder. "This kind of situation is quite hard to manage. It's important I keep calm and keep my mind very strong. It's down to me."

The Brazilian was exceptional last season, skippering the team when Henry was injured and weighing in with 11 goals. His reward was to return from the Copa America to read on the club's website that Gallas had been made captain and he had lost the vice-captaincy to Toure.

Then, after playing centre half against Spurs to solve Wenger's defensive crisis, he was unable to break back into midfield because of Mathieu Flamini's form.

"When you play one game in a different position and then in the next game you're not playing it is hard to accept," said Gilberto. "It's the first time I have been out of the team and I can confess it's been so hard."

Lehmann, who has an elbow injury, played for Germany last month. But the 37-year-old keeper started the season with errors against Fulham and Blackburn and Spaniard Almunia, seven years his junior, has conceded only two goals in eight games since replacing him.

"At the moment I am No 1," said Almunia. "I've played a few games in a row, I'm doing well and so are the team. We have put in some big performances and I don't think the boss should change anything.

"I believe I'm the best keeper and I think I can keep my place for a long time. I would like to play the whole season."

Robin van Persie was one of five who played with a slight injury against Steaua, reluctant to surrender their places.

He said: "I like the fact we're playing together week in, week out. Some teams like Liverpool switch and it is OK for them, but we are settled and we like it.

"If we can stay together, we can do amazing stuff in the future. We can win trophies, why not?"