McLintock's composure, stamina and intelligence was first class and it was highlighted with the FWA Player of the Year award in 1971. During this time, he achieved monumental status and became a regular for England. I don't know whether Newcastle would have played the game earlier on the Saturday but what can I do about the BBC? Injuries continually plagued the striker; however, he still maintained his calibre and skill but was forced to retire in 1945. The energetic Englishman is one of the greatest graduates of the Arsenal academy and a player who was a vital part of the Gunners' and Wenger's early noughties success. [87] Arsenal faced cup holders Liverpool the following round, whom they lost to in the 2001 FA Cup Final. A fearless and loved right back Lee Dixon was ever-present during the late 80's and 1990's success Arsenal achieved. The Scot was also a natural leader and captained Arsenal to the 1936 triumph. [42] In spite of the man disadvantage, Arsenal was awarded a late penalty which was converted in by Robert Pires it was conceded by Ugo Ehiogu for a trip on Ashley Cole, who subsequently was sent off. Four games later they suffered their third defeat of the season, at home to Newcastle, but it proved to be their last. Nonetheless, Davis was a strong midfielder for the Gunners, and he departed in 1995 to Norwegian side Stabk. Tenure: 2002-2008 Arsenal Appearances: 237 Arsenal Goals: 24Achievements: 2003/2004 Premier League title, 2002/2003 and 2004/2005 FA Cup titles, 2002 and 2004 Community Shield titles. That is certainly not to say that all of Wengers signings that season came off others included Richard Wright and 10million fox in the box Francis Jeffers butcome May the Gunners had 87 points and two trophies. He long held the record of Arsenal's top goalscorer before Ian Wright and then Thierry Henry surpassed him. To go a full Premier League season unbeaten was a simply incredible achievement which may never be done again in our lifetimes.
Integral in the North London giants' historic 1971 FA and League double, Graham was a fan favourite in North London. McLintock was a hard working, powerful defender who could cover almost any position on the pitch. [88] Against Gillingham in the fifth round, Arsenal twice had their lead cancelled out, before Adams, making his long-awaited return, scored the match-winning goal. When it comes to rankingArsne Wengers best ever Arsenal teams, the Invincibles of 2003-04 are in a league of their own. [62] Striker Michael Owen thought he had scored his 100th goal for Liverpool, which was acrobatically cleared off the line by Cole. An English veteran who enjoyed a strong stint in management, Ball died on April 25, 2007, as a footballing legend. Rocastle was an Arsenal youth, whose debut arrived in 1985. [114] Pires was named the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year, with five votes separating himself from Ruud van Nistelrooy; he said it was "a great honour" to receive the award, adding: "Times have been difficult with my injury, but this has given me something to smile about. [94] Chelsea threatened early with goal efforts from Le Saux and midfielder Frank Lampard, before Bergkamp fashioned the first real chance of the match he headed the ball over the top, which caught goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini off his line. [74] An inspired performance by Pires against Aston Villa on 17 March 2002 kept a point behind top spot; the win was followed up by a comprehensive defeat of Sunderland, where all three Arsenal goals were scored in the first half. The 200102 season was the 104th season of competitive football played by Arsenal. Keown won an outstandingnine major trophies whilst at Highbury and led from the front in each outing. The greatest Arsenal midfielder, hands down. The following season, Brady was a first-team regular and established a impressive partnership with Alan Ball. Rocastle is also one of 32 Arsenal legends honored by having their images painted on the side of the new Emirates stadium. ComeFebruary, Wengercompleted what would go on to be the Invincibles defence when he signed Kolo Toure for just 150,000. Tenure: 1997-2000Arsenal Appearances: 142Arsenal Goals: 41Achievements: 1997/1998 Premier League, 1998 FA Cup, 1998 Charity Shield. Fabregas arrived in 2003; at 16 years and 177 days, he became the youngest Arsenal player. Liam Brady is an Arsenal legend. Consistently conveying high-calibre performances, the Irishman was one of World Football's best midfielders during the 1970's and acquired the nickname "Chippy" due to his ability to chip the ball and his love for fish and chips. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. Tenure: 1973-1993Arsenal Appearances: 722Arsenal Goals: 14Achievements: 1988/1989, 1990/1991 League Titles, 1993 FA Cup, 1993 League Cup, European Cup Winners Cup Winners, 1991 Charity Cup. Part of what made the 2001-02 season special was how competitive it was at the top of the league. Most notably, Jack recorded 34 during the triumphant 1930/1931 season.
The former finished the season with 24 goals in the Premier League and the Golden Boot, Pires recorded a league-high 15 assists and won the Football Writers Association Footballer of the Year award, while Ljungberg scored 12 times in just 25 games and claimedthe official Barclaycard Premier League Player of the Season honour. There is little left to say about that goal that has not been said before, but that we all still talk about what was actually a very simple finish some 15 years on tells you everything you need to know about how wonderful Bergkamps touch and intelligence was to create himself the opportunity. The former England international scored 23 goals in the title winning 1988/1989 campaign before setting up Michael Thomas for the famous equalizer. A natural leader and a true patron of English football, the Northern Irishman became the backbone of the Gunners during the late 1970's and early 1980's. [70][71], Arsenal recorded a 20 win against Newcastle United on 2 March 2002. During Joe Baker's tenure at the Gunners, they never finished higher than seventh. The English goalkeeper adored Arsenal and was a brilliant shot stopper, particularly during the glory of the early 1970's. However, during his playing days, the NorthernIrishman was one of the most loved and hard-working Arsenal players of all time. Tenure: 2003-2011Arsenal Appearances: 303Arsenal Goals: 57Achievements: 2004/2005 FA Cup. The Englishman was small yet fierce whose attacking prowess and eye for goal were also hugely important to the Gunners. The 48-year-old is now the head of the Arsenal youth squad. [S] Sold. Tenure: 1999-2007Arsenal Appearances: 369Arsenal Goals: 226Achievements: 2001/2002, 2003/2004 Premier League titles, 2001/2002, 2002/2003 2004/2005 FA Cup, 1998 2002, 2003 2005 FA Community Shield 2002, 2004.
The Swedish dynamo was devastating during his spell at Highbury. Wilson had sharp reflexes and a fantastic leadership that many of his team mates commended. Fabregas returned to Barcelona, after years of speculation, in the recent summer for 35 million. Furthermore, the former German international 'keeper set the UEFA Champions League record for the most consecutive clean sheets, having not conceded a goal in 10 matches during the 2005/2006 competition, where Arsenal were runners up, Tenure: 2000-2004Arsenal Appearances: 173Arsenal Goals: 49Achievements: 2001/2002, 2003/2004 Premier League titles, 2002, 2003 FA Cup, 2002 FA Community Shield. Since then, the Spanish international has gone from strength to strength with each season, continuing to convey amazing maturity, skill, creativity and composure. [109] What looked to be a priceless win against Bayer Leverkusen at the BayArena as Arsenal for much of the second half were down to ten men, in fact turned into a draw, as Ulf Kirsten scored in stoppage time to cancel out Pires' 56th-minute goal. Tenure: 1984-1997Arsenal Appearances: 425 Arsenal Goals: 99Achievements: 1988/1989, 1990/1991 League Titles, 1993 FA Cup, 1993 League Cup, European Cup Winners Cup Winners, 1991 Charity Cup. The Arsenal Player of the Year in 1981, Samson was strong and powerful, surprisingly for a man of his size, the Englishman was also blessed with speed and balance alongside a devastating cross. A huge contender for the greatest Arsenal player of all time. Tenure: 1963-1974Arsenal Appearances: 308Arsenal Goals: 0Achievements: 1970/1971 League title, 1971 FA Cup, 1970 European Fairs Cup. 1993-2004Arsenal Appearances: 449Arsenal Goals: 8Achievements: 1997/1998, 2001/2002, 2003/2004 Premier League titles,1998, 2002, 2003 FA Cup,1998,1999, 2002 FA Community Shield, 1994 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. Van Persie recently achieved 100 goals for the club and despite little silverware success in his career at the Emirates, has always been a true leader and patron.
"[107], First half goals scored by Roy Makaay and Diego Tristn inflicted defeat for Arsenal in their opening group game against Deportivo La Corua. With an amazing partnership with Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Fredrick Ljungberg, Pires dazzled and starred, playing a major role in the domination of Arsenal during the early 2000's. [102] Vicente Engonga scored from the resulting penalty, which proved to be the winning goal, in spite of Wenger making attacking substitutions that threatened to go close. Tenure: 1987-2000Arsenal Appearances: 584Arsenal Goals: 12Achievements: League Championship 1989, 1991, 1998, FA Cup 1993, 1998, League Cup 1993, European Cup Winners Cup 1994. [111][112], In recognition of the team's achievement, Wenger was awarded the Barclaycard Manager of the Year, in addition to being named the League Managers Association Manager of the Year. Sylvinho had been sold to Celta Vigo in the summer amid talk of a dodgy passport, allowing Ashley Cole to establish himself as undisputed first choice at left-back, while Tony Adams and Lee Dixon were fazed out in their last seasons before retiring and being replaced in the team by Lauren and Sol Campbell, signed on a free transfer from Spurs. Cole was an Arsenal supporter growing up and made his debut as an 18-year-old in 1999 before going on to establish himself as the best left back in England. Thierry Henry scored the opening goal in the 43rd minute, before teammate Ray Parlour was sent off in the second half for a second bookable offence. The incident, which was not seen by either the referee or his assistants, became the first indiscretion to be disciplined through use of television evidence. Five years and a day after his death, April 1, 2006, was designated "David Rocastle Day," as part of the themed match day celebrations of Arsenal's final season at their stadium Highbury, a 5-0 win over Aston Villa. Tenure: 1997-2006Arsenal Appearances: 228Arsenal Goals: 9Achievements:2001/2002, 2003/2004 Premier League titles, 2002, 2003, 2005FA Cup, 2002 FA Community Shield. Tenure: 2003-2008, 2011Arsenal Appearances: 194Arsenal Goals: 0Achievements: 2003/2004 Premier League, 2004 Community Shield, 2005 FA Cup. [63][64], In their first league match of 2002, Arsenal hosted Liverpool at Highbury. Winterburn established himself as a premier left back in England and was part of the backbone defensive line that was so powerful as Arsenal took out the 1989 and 1991 first division titles. "[96], In the third round of the Football League Cup, Arsenal faced Manchester United at Highbury. [72] The move involved the striker receiving a low pass from Pires and under pressure from his marker Nikos Dabizas, he controlled the ball with one flick and went around before placing the ball into the right-hand corner. Tenure: 1988-2002Arsenal Appearances: 619Arsenal Goals: 28Achievements: League Championship 1989,1991, 1998, 2002, FA Cup 1993, 1998, 2002, 2003, League Cup 1993, European Cup Winners' Cup 1994. With his ponytail and amazing reflexes, the Englishman was a stalwart in the Arsenal goal for well over a decade. Gilberto joined Greek giants Panathinaikos in 2008, concluding an excellent career in the Red and White. The Frenchman was a record signing for Arsenal at the time, but proved a valuable buy nonetheless. Tenure: 1990-1994Arsenal Appearances: 116Arsenal Goals: 20Achievements: League title 1990/1991, FA and League Cup double 1992/1993. Robert Pires & the final touch of class which made Arsenal invincible. A quick and powerful forward who formed some lethal partnerships during his day, Radford is currently ranked fourth on the all-time Arsenal scorers list andis still very much involved at Arsenal.
Success is not always partnered with greatness. Goalkeeper Richard Wright was signed as an earmarked understudy to David Seaman, while midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst and striker Francis Jeffers were purchased in big money moves from Rangers and Everton respectively. [50] Henry's controlled effort looked to have been the winner for Arsenal, until a pass by Tugay caused goalkeeper Wright to "race out of his goal" the loose ball was collected by Dunn who shot into the empty net. [72] The opening goal scored by Bergkamp was described as a "really clever goal" by opposition manager Sir Bobby Robson. Arsenal's youngest ever player to debut professionally, Cesc Fabregas may just be the most technically perfect and intelligent player Arsenal has ever possessed.The Spaniard has been one of World Football's best players of the last decade, yet he is merely 24 years old. It cant quite compare to doing it at White Hart Lane, but itsnot a bad second best. Tenure: 1929-1937Arsenal Appearances: 261Arsenal Goals: 27Achievements: 1931, 1933, 1934, 1935 League championships, 1930, 1936 FA Cup titles. [95] The win meant Arsenal completed one half of an expected double; Wenger was pleased with the team's performance, adding: "We were very frustrated last year. Overmars was then sold to Barcelona in 2000 for an outstanding 25 million, making him the most expensive Dutch player of all time. Talbot's immense stamina and fitness ensured he rarely missed a game for the Gunners, and he constantly inspired others. Tenure: 1983-1992Arsenal Appearances: 277 Arsenal Goals: 34Achievements: 1988/1989 and 1990/1991 League Championship titles, 1987 Football League Cup, 1991 FA Charity Shield. [98][99] Wenger shrugged off the significance of the defeat and suggested that a spot in Europe, given to the winners of the competition, should instead be allocated to the Premier League: "I would give one more place to the championship because it's more difficult to play in the championship. Joining Highbury in 1971 as a 15-year-old, Brady made his debut as a 17-year-old and went from strength to strength with each game. [73] They were displaced by Manchester United the following night, albeit with the reigning champions having played a game more. Leeds United went the first 11 games unbeaten and topped the table in early November. Arsenal achieved so much with his presence, and Patrick Vieira is Arsenal's greatest midfielder. [105][106] With nothing to play for, Wenger fielded an understrength Arsenal team against Schalke 04, who "produced next to nothing in attack, looked poor in defence and were beaten by the time Sylvain Wiltord scored from Ray Parlour's cross. Certainly not Samir Nasri, but there a definitely a large array to choose from, so who makes the list? Parlour joined Arsenal in 1989 at the age of 16 as a trainee, and in 1992 he made his first team debut against Liverpool and famously conceded a penalty. Can you name Arsene Wengers 20 most used players at Arsenal? It really was an incredible squad. Merson departed for Middlesbrough in 1997 for 5 million. [53] An away trip to local rivals Tottenham Hostpur became magnified with interest, given it marked the return of Campbell following his move to Arsenal. [33] Returning to England they won games against Norwich City.,[34] and Barnet,[35][36] before the commencement of the Premier League. Tenure: 1971-1980Arsenal Appearances: 307Arsenal Goals: 59Achievements: 1979 FA Cup. The duo formed an impressive partnership but unfortunately, no silverware success ever emerged for the Gunners. But just who is worthy of the top 50?
A true midfielder who currently works with the Arsenal youth squad, Brady was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2006 in recognition for his influence on the English game. You see, for so many reasons, 2001-02 was a special season. Tenure: 1966-1972Arsenal Appearances: 308Arsenal Goals: 77Achievements: 1970/1971 League title, 1971 FA Cup, 1970 European Fairs Cup. Tenure: 1928-1934 Arsenal Appearances: 208Arsenal Goals: 124Achievements: 1930/31,1932/33, 1933/34 League Championships and the 1930 FA Cup. He's one of Arsenal's most loved players who amassed over 600 games in the Red and White, good for third all time in Arsenal's history. Securing his debut as an 18-year-old, Merson was a permanent presence in the Arsenal line up, able to fulfill a number of roles in attack. [42], Arsenal's league campaign started on 18 August 2001, with an away fixture at Middlesbrough. Jimmy Brain was an immensely prolific goal scorer for the Gunners and although he later left for Tottenham, the Englishman will always be an Arsenal legend. The Gunners are one of the most supported, most known, richest and most renowned clubs in World Football with their entertaining style of play, their rich history, their huge stadium, their amazing professionalism. Tenure: 1977-1995Arsenal Appearances: 447Arsenal Goals: 37 Achievements: 1988/1989, 1990/1991 League Titles, 1993 FA Cup, 1993 League Cup, European Cup Winners Cup Winners, 1991 Charity Cup.