I know not too long ago we had this thread topic. I guess I'm curious to revive it because Patrick is playing so well. Henry has always been my favorite, but Paddy's recent resurgence of form, plus his great attitude, make me very proud of his role with the club. It's amazing to consider how important Viera's been recently -- the game he missed against Blackburn only proves how crucial he is for the team (defensively, moving ball from defence to offence in counter-attacks, etc.). So, the question is, who is you favorite Gunner -- Henry? Viera? Bergkamp? Pires? -- and why are they your favorite? (Notice I didn't make this one of those dorky polls). --df
lord dennis - the love born with some AJAX wizardry - grew the day i saw him score in WC94 v ireland in orlando - cemented in WC98 v. argentina aka the wonder strike - i really thought he was gonna get his european cup this season - but i also like pires, gio, henry, freddie, vieira, gilberto and wiltord
Has to be Dennis Bergkamp, aka DB10, Iceman, the Non-Flying Dutchman, GOD. I lived in Holland from 93-95, which was just as his Ajax wizardry was coming to an end and his disapointing stint at Inter was beginning. But Jesus H. Christ if my jaw did drop when he scored that "wonder strike" against Argentina in France 98...I remember exactly where I was. I had just gotten home from watching my friends graduate from high school, and was watching the World Cup. (Aren't World Cups in Europe great? They start in mid morning and end in early evening...perfect!). All of a sudden, my man Bergkamp scores one of the greatest goals of all time, and I remember just sitting there on my couch with my mouth hanging open. It will always be Bergkamp for me! His contributions to Arsenal--not always in scoring amazing goals--have been unparalleled.
Have to stick with the one and only named jersey that I have from Arsenal (and also the only one I'll ever have since they have this new mickey mouse logo!). [size=+3]DENNIS THE MENACE![/SIZE] He may not do a lot these days but he's brought more than his fair share of wonder moments to the Gunners!
IAN WRIGHT WRIGHT WRIGHT Don't know how many of you were Arsenal fans, but back in the old dark days, Wrighty was the man, I tell you something, I beleive he could have given Henry a run for his money!
Definately would agree with Andy with the Tony Adams vote. For current players it'd have to be Sol. With the current squad of mainly Frenchmen both of these guys are a throwback to the gritty defensive tough style that defined Arsenal for as long as I can remember.
Picking who I DON'T like would make for a shorter list! I like Dennis Bergkamp, because he still sometimes scores amazing goals and makes them look like the easiest thing in the world. I also appreciate the fact that he's a tough guy, and isn't afraid to be a bully if he feels the situation warrants it. Just witness his elbow to Lee Bowyer a couple of months back-- Bowyer took a very theatrical spill, but IMO that little nudge was still deliberate on Bergy's part, and deserved. Bowyer's a goddamn caveman, and he'd been trying to start a fight for the entire match. I also like David Seaman, who's been a reliable goalkeeper, fast on his hands and feet, for so many years. He's not quite as quick as he used to be, but he still marshals his defense expertly, his distribution is right on the money, and he still pulls off incredible saves just when Arsenal needs them. I'll miss him when he retires. Those are the two that first come to mind for me, but honestly, who can forget Thierry Henry's incredible dashes around the defense to make his attempts on goal? What about Freddie Ljungberg's great imagination and absolute fearlessness in the box? Or Robert Pires' stylish, ragingly fast counterattacks? Or Sylvan Wiltord's crucial surprise goals in the most important matches? Or the sheer combined might of Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell, and Martin Keown, who together form the World's Toughest Defense? I think I like them all...
I'm with Topcow on this one, I'm a Wenger fan. As far as players go, I really admired Lee Dixon. Unsung, underappreciated, did the job week in week out. Seems like a really nice guy, too. I'm a Wiltord fan for many of the same reasons, although they have completely different pedigrees and backgrounds. I'm a little surprised at how many Bergy fans there are here, although I have to admit the guy's very charismatic, and you think almost anything can happen when he's in the game. Unfortunately, that hasn't really been the case this season - I don't even think he's scored a home goal yet.
Well, I have shirts for Adams, Bergkamp, Henry and Ljungberg. I want shirts for Pires, Vieira and Campbell. Does that answer the question? P.S - I also have a Petit shirt that I now wear when I play. Anyone know how to get the letters off a shirt without ruining it?
It's got to be Bergkamp for me, with Edu running a close second. I know, the guy doesn't play much, but he and Viera seem to pair well and shut down midfield. He also plays much differently from most Brazilians, in that it isn't about the beauty, it's about the result.
Bergkamp - reason I became an Arsenal fan. I've followed Arsenal since 96-97 so I haven't been a fan that long and haven't endured those years that Arsenal didn't win as described by long time followers and of course Nick Hornby in Fever Pitch. (then again, I am a Vancouver Canucks fan - ice hockey team if you don't know much about hockey) I didn't get footballitis until around France 98 anyhow - after this more and more games were shown in North America - now I can watch Arsenal every week pretty much! Thank the Good Lord for FSW (ESPN/TSN for CL and WC games!). Hopefully Euro 2004 games will be shown somewhere - probably PPV though. Anyhow, after Bergie, it's Henry - the guys I have jerseys for. Then it's Campbell to round out the 3 (probably my next name and numbered jersey).
Henry, then Pires - in order of my personal ranking of their adorability. But I respect them as players, too, really!
In this order: Lee Dixon, Ian Wright, Tony Adams, Bergie, Seaman, and Kanu. I don't know why on the Kanu-age, I just like him. No real reason, I just do. Dixon was the glue for the team, every week he held our side together. Wright, Wright, Wright!!!! He's Ian Wright, people. Adams, the ol' cap'n. We could use him out on the pitch today. Bergkamp is God. H is a class act. He's an awesome keeper, he supports all kinds of charities, he's just an all-around good guy and a real class-act. My 2 cents. Vive le AFC! OPArsenal
Ray Parlour. No flash - all grit and determination. Never the most gifted player on the pitch but certainly the most determined. 2002 F.A. Cup Final? Awesome!
I never get sick of any topic! I just started following the Prem 2 years ago. Henry is the scoring master! Vieira is an incredible midback and Sol is great defender! Pires is the best passer. I must be a poser, I guess, because Thierry Henry gives me the goose bumps as he should for any fan of the game.
I haven't been a fan for long but when I first saw Thierry Henry, I knew that this was the team to follow. Watching Henry just puts a smile on my face. But of course, as with any team I follow, I love em all.