The search for the greatest player of all time at each of the 20 Premier League clubs continues, and today we’re focusing on Arsenal’s rich history of legendary players.
From the 1930s hero Cliff Bastin to modern-day stars like Bukayo Saka, the Gunners have been blessed with an array of talented players over the years.
Arsenal has a long and storied history in English football, having won 13 league titles, a record 14 FA Cups, and numerous other domestic and international honors.
Herbert Chapman built the club’s first great team in the 1930s, which won three consecutive league titles and set the tone for the club’s future success.
Cliff Bastin was Arsenal’s biggest star in the 1930s and found the net with regularity
Cliff Bastin was the club’s top scorer in the 1930s, netting 178 goals in 395 games, a record that stood for decades. He was a prolific goal-scorer and a true Arsenal legend.
Another key player from that era was Alex James, a diminutive midfielder known for his exceptional vision and passing ability. He was the architect of many of Arsenal’s attacks and was dubbed “Wee Alex” by the fans.
Ted Drake was a prolific goal-scorer who holds the record for the most goals scored in a single game, netting seven against Aston Villa in 1935. This feat has yet to be matched in the First Division or Premier League.
Ted Drake achieved the remarkable feat of scoring seven goals in one game against Aston Villa
The club’s success continued in the 1970s, with the team winning the Fairs Cup in 1970 and the League and FA Cup double in 1971. Frank McLintock was the captain of that side, and his leadership qualities were instrumental in their success.
Local hero Charlie George was a fan favorite, known for his flamboyant style and goal-scoring ability. He marked his FA Cup winner against Liverpool with a memorable celebration, lying flat on his back with his arms outstretched on the Wembley turf.
The Irish contingent played a significant role in Arsenal’s success during this period, with Liam Brady and David O’Leary starring for the club. Brady’s exceptional skill and vision earned him a move to Juventus, where he won the Serie A title alongside some of the greatest players of all time.
O’Leary, on the other hand, went on to make a record 722 appearances for Arsenal, a testament to his dedication and consistency over the years.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the emergence of a new generation of Arsenal stars, led by Tony Adams, David Rocastle, and Alan Smith. Adams was an inspirational leader who captained the team to numerous honors, including two league titles and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Rocastle was a dynamic and skilful midfielder who was adored by the fans, while Smith was a prolific goal-scorer who won the Golden Boot twice in the league.
The Wenger era saw the arrival of Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, and Patrick Vieira, three players who would go on to become Arsenal legends. Bergkamp’s creativity and vision were unmatched, while Henry’s pace and skill made him one of the most