Arsenal FC: 11 Great Gunners Goals You Have to See
Arsenal are one of the greatest clubs in the world and have established themselves as among the best clubs in the history of English football. Though they have not won trophies in the last six years, they have been very successful in the first seven years of manager Arsene Wenger's tenure.
Under the Frenchman, they have scored some excellent and very important goals which have played important roles in the success of the club.
There have been some great players in the Gunners' recent history such as Ian Wright, Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry, who have all scored some brilliant goals in the past.
Many other supporting players like Robert Pires, Cesc Fabregas and Freddie Ljunberg have also helped score vital goals for the Gunners. Here is a list of some of the best goals scored by the Gunners.
No. 1: Tony Adams vs. Everton
1 of 12This goal scored by Arsenal legend Tony Adams is probably not remembered for the quality of the goal but for the footballing philosophy introduced by Arsene Wenger, who provided the freedom for the defenders to express themselves on the pitch.
The hugely accomplished Arsenal defense of George Graham was asked to play with more freedom under Wenger and they proved they were quite capable on the ball as well.
The game against Everton sealed the Premier League title for Arsenal. What better way to win the title than two of the best defenders combining to score a superb goal.
The finish from Adams was perfect as was the chipped ball from Steve Bould. Wenger must have been impressed by the talents of the experienced duo. Bould would eventually leave the club a season later due to the emergence of Martin Keown while Adams stayed with the club until he retired in 2002.
No. 2: Thierry Henry vs. Manchester United
2 of 12Thierry Henry was arguably the best striker to play for the Gunners and this goal was scored when he was at his best. Though he had an excellent team to play alongside him, he was a key member of the side and could score brilliant goals just when they needed him to.
Henry's goal shows the quality of the Frenchman and why he is one of the best strikers in the last decade. Henry receives the ball just outside the box and it seems that there are not many options available for the striker.
However, he just lifts the ball and swivels around to chip it past the hapless goalkeeper who is completely beaten for that shot. The former Arsenal striker could score some scintillating goals and when it comes against Manchester United, it is always that extra special.
No. 3: Cesc Fabregas vs. Tottenham
3 of 12This is one of the more recent fantastic goals scored by the Gunners' former captain Cesc Fabregas against arch rivals Tottenham, which is another reason Arsenal fans have to see it.
In the game against Spurs in the 2009-10 season at the Emirates, the opening goal was scored by Robin van Persie in the 42nd minute through a smart finish from a cross from Bacary Sagna.
The Gunners were ecstatic after the goal and before the excitement had subsided, Fabregas had doubled their lead through a wonderful solo goal straight from the restart.
Van Persie intercepted a pass and the loose ball broke to Fabregas, who evaded three Spurs' players and placed the ball perfectly past Gomes, who could do nothing about that finish.
No. 4: Robin Van Persie vs. Charlton Athletic
4 of 12Robin van Persie is one of Arsene Wenger's best signings in his time at Arsenal. The Frenchman signed the striker on a bargain fee because of his disciplinary issues early in his career.
However, Wenger was able to develop Van Persie into a mature striker and eventual captain for the Gunners. This goal against Charlton shows why Wenger signed the Dutchman despite his problems.
Arsenal's free flowing style of play under Wenger means more opportunities to score goals. But this is a special goal from a talented player as there seemed to be little chance of anyone scoring from that cross from Emmanuel Eboue.
Eboue makes a good run down the right and hopefully crosses into the box. However, just as there seemed to be no Arsenal player, Van Persie arrives and delightfully scores a volley with his left foot that has to watched by Arsenal fans.
No. 5: Nwankwo Kanu vs. Chelsea
5 of 12If you have the time and you are a Gooner, you will not regret watching this video even if you haven't seen the game. It is certainly one of the best games of Arsenal in Wenger's time as the manager.
Chelsea, who were in good form, were taking on the Gunners and went two goals ahead at Stamford Bridge. It looked like they were heading to a victory, which would have been a huge win for the Blues.
However, Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu had other ideas and the lanky striker scored a superb hat trick in only 15 minutes to ensure three points for the Gunners. It was a great birthday present for Wenger, who had turned 50 then.
If you had to pick one of the goals as the best of the hat trick, it would probably be the third goal. He shows good technique to evade a defender and the goalkeeper to finish clinically from a tight angle.
No. 6: Thierry Henry vs. Real Madrid
6 of 12Thierry Henry had the knack of scoring great goals for Arsenal when they needed it. This is another example of a clinical Henry finish which eliminated Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Madrid were the favorites to win, especially at the Santiago Bernabeu. But Henry scored this goal and the Arsenal defense managed to hold well against the immense attacking threat of Madrid.
In the home leg, Arsenal managed to draw the game which eliminated Madrid from the competition. The Gunners marched on to the final where they were beaten by FC Barcelona.
Along with his strong and tall frame, he had great pace, technique, dribbling skills and excellent creativity. He caused nightmares for defenders because of his unpredictability and clinical finishing.
In this goal, he takes on several defenders and gets past them with good dribbling and quick directional changes. He finishes expertly past the keeper with his left foot.
No. 7: Freddie Ljunberg (Bergkamp Assist) vs. Juventus
7 of 12Dennis Bergkamp is one of the greatest players ever to have played for the Gunners. The fans absolutely admired him for his loyalty, passion and outrageous skill.
In this video, Bergkamp shows some of his superb skill, finding Freddie Ljunberg. Though Ljunberg played as a winger most of his time at Arsenal, he did have the quality to finish like a true striker and shows how to chip the goalkeeper.
It was a quality goal against a quality opposition like Juventus and the counter-attack coupled with that brilliant assist and finish is why this goal should be seen by all Gooners.
The Dutchman was blessed with supreme technique and could perform tricks that might not even be attempted by many.
No. 8: Robert Pires vs. Aston Villa
8 of 12Robert Pires was one of Arsenal's best players in the past decade. Though the Frenchman did struggle in his first season in the Premiership due to the physicality, he developed into one of the best players in the league with more playing experience.
He scored some brilliant goals and developed an excellent understanding with Ashley Cole and Thierry Henry in particular. The trio formed a deadly partnership when attacking down the left wing.
Pires had the technique, pace and finishing skills to trouble any defender in the world. This goal against Aston Villa is a prime example of how deadly he could be when he was in form.
It was a simple diagonal ball and though it does not seem a huge threat initially when it is played, Pires has a wonderful touch to take it past the defender. The second touch to chip Peter Schmeichel is even better.
No. 9: Thierry Henry vs. Liverpool
9 of 12You will have to accept the fact that I am a huge Henry fan and I had to include another video of his. This was another crucial game in Arsenal's history and Henry made sure of the points in this game.
After disappointing exits in the FA Cup and the Champions League, the Gunners, who were unbeaten in that season until then, were in danger of going downhill approaching the business end of the season.
It required a Henry hat trick to get them back on track and the "Invincibles" were established at the end of the season.
The Gunners were a goal down to Sami Hyypia's header and did not have a great start to the game. Theirry Henry latched on to a good ball from Pires and equalized through a calm finish.
However, Liverpool again managed to take the lead through a smart finish from Michael Owen just before halftime, putting the Gunners under pressure.
Arsenal responded brilliantly after the break scoring two goals to take the lead through a good finish from Pires and a wonder-goal from Henry.
The French striker scored once more to complete his hat trick and put Arsenal back on track to win the title via an unprecedented unbeaten season in the Premier League.
No. 10: Dennis Bergkamp vs. Newcastle United
10 of 12Bergkamp could perform feats which others may have never dreamed of attempting. He shows off that skill in this wonder-goal against Newcastle.
He flicks the ball, turns around and finishes it calmly past the keeper. I will not attempt to describe this too much because the legend himself explains how he scored this marvelous goal.
No. 11: Michael Thomas vs. Liverpool
11 of 12Michael Thomas played for Arsenal for around seven seasons and he will be remembered for this memorable moment in the history of the club. With the Gunners needing two goals to win in the game, Arsenal took the lead seven minutes into the second half and did have a great chance to win the league if they scored one more goal. However, Liverpool who were the favorites coming into the game stood firm until the final minute of the game when Michael Thomas scored an excellent goal and George Graham's side celebrated a famous victory.
Some Other Great Goals for the Gunners
12 of 12If you would like to see more great Arsenal goals, watch some of these videos. Any Arsenal fan would enjoy them.
