Best 3-Man Attacking Units in the EPL

The Premier League has been graced by numerous formidable attacking trios whose synergy and prowess have left indelible marks on football history. These partnerships have not only delivered goals but have also redefined teamwork and attacking strategies in the modern game.

Today EPLNews brings you a fresh dose of nostalgia by remembering the achievements and contributions of the best attacking trios in Premier League history, in no particular order.

The United Trinity: George Best, Denis Law, and Sir Bobby Charlton

In the late 1960s, Manchester United’s attack was spearheaded by the legendary trio of George Best, Denis Law, and Sir Bobby Charlton, collectively known as the “United Trinity.” Their combined talents culminated in Manchester United becoming the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968. Individually, each player was honored with the Ballon d’Or: Law in 1964, Charlton in 1966, and Best in 1968. Together, they scored a remarkable 665 goals in 1,633 appearances for the club.

Arsenal’s Invincibles: Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Robert Pires

Arsenal’s 2003–04 “Invincibles” season remains unparalleled, with the team going unbeaten throughout the league campaign. Central to this achievement was the attacking trio of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Robert Pires.

Henry’s exceptional goal-scoring ability, Bergkamp’s creative playmaking, and Pires’ versatility on the wing made them a formidable force. Henry, in particular, set a Premier League record with 20 assists in the 2002–03 season, a feat later matched by Kevin De Bruyne in 2019–20.

Manchester United’s Treble Winners: Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, and Ryan Giggs

The 1998–99 season saw Manchester United clinch a historic treble, with the attacking prowess of Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, and Ryan Giggs playing a pivotal role. Yorke and Cole developed an almost telepathic understanding, combining for numerous goals, while Giggs’ pace and dribbling skills provided width and creativity. Their combined efforts were instrumental in United’s domestic and European successes during that period.

Liverpool’s Modern Marvels: Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Roberto Firmino

In recent years, Liverpool’s front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Roberto Firmino have been central to the club’s resurgence. During the 2017–18 season, this trio was dubbed the “Fab Three,” contributing a combined total of 91 goals across all competitions. Their synergy was crucial in Liverpool’s Champions League triumph in 2019 and their Premier League title win in 2020.

Chelsea’s Dynamic Trio: Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, and Arjen Robben

In the mid-2000s, Chelsea’s attack was bolstered by the combination of Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, and Arjen Robben.

Drogba’s physical presence, Lampard’s goal-scoring midfield runs, and Robben’s dribbling and pace made them a formidable trio. Their partnership was instrumental in Chelsea’s back-to-back Premier League titles in 2004–05 and 2005–06.

Manchester City’s Centurions: Sergio Agüero, Raheem Sterling, and Leroy Sané

Manchester City’s 2017–18 season was historic, as they became the first team to reach 100 points in a Premier League season. The attacking trio of Sergio Agüero, Raheem Sterling, and Leroy Sané played a significant role in this achievement. Agüero’s clinical finishing, Sterling’s improved goal-scoring, and Sané’s assists and pace on the wing contributed to City’s record-breaking campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Dynamic Duo Plus One: Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, and Dele Alli

While not a traditional trio, the combination of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, and Dele Alli has been pivotal for Tottenham Hotspur in recent years. Kane and Son, in particular, have developed a remarkable partnership, combining for 47 goals/assists, the most between two players in Premier League history. Alli’s late runs into the box and goal-scoring ability added another dimension to Spurs’ attack during their peak years together.

Leicester City’s Title-Winning Trio: Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, and Shinji Okazaki

Leicester City’s fairy-tale Premier League title win in the 2015–16 season was powered by the attacking trio of Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, and Shinji Okazaki. Vardy’s record-breaking goal-scoring run, Mahrez’s creativity and flair, and Okazaki’s tireless work rate and link-up play were central to Leicester’s unprecedented success.

Manchester United’s 2007–09 Attack: Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Carlos Tevez

Between 2007 and 2009, Manchester United’s attack featured the formidable trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Carlos Tevez. Their combined talents led United to consecutive Premier League titles and a Champions League victory in 2008.

Ronaldo’s goal-scoring exploits, Rooney’s versatility, and Tevez’s relentless energy made them one of the most feared attacking units in Europe.

Arsenal’s Early 2000s Trio: Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Freddie Ljungberg

Before the “Invincibles,” Arsenal’s attack in the early 2000s was spearheaded by Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Freddie Ljungberg. Henry’s pace and finishing, Bergkamp’s vision and creativity, and Ljungberg’s intelligent runs and goal-scoring ability were instrumental in Arsenal’s double-winning season in 2001–02.

These attacking trios have not only brought success to their respective clubs but have also left lasting legacies in the Premier League. Their understanding, creativity, and goal-scoring feats have set benchmarks for future generations and have provided fans with unforgettable moments.