Arsenal FC: Best individual goals of the decade gone by

Arsenal in the 2000s were a team that, like any other, had their highs and lows. From going unbeaten in the 2003-04 season, to almost losing out on Champions League qualification in their last season at Highbury. While Arsenal are known to be a club that creates and scores goals as a team, certain solo goals by talented players that played for the team in red and white are worth remembering, because these are moments of brilliance that are timeless. Here are my 5 best individual goals, in no particular order.

Cesc Fabregas vs. Tottenham Hotspur (2009)

If you watched this live – regardless of whether you watched it on the telly or you were there at the Emirates to see this happen, and you are an Arsenal fan, you will remember what was going through your head when Fabregas scored this goal – yes, even now, two years since this priceless moment. For those of you who were unlucky enough to miss it, all I can say is it was a special moment. I remember going ape-shit, running around my room yelling like a madman with a couple of my friends, but that’s just me.

Tip – Skip to 1:05 for Cesc’s goal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Qldzp0vJjtk

Dennis Bergkamp vs. Newcastle (2002)

Rated the best goal by Arsenal fans all over the world on Arsenal.com, there isn’t much to say about this goal other than the rather obvious fact that it is testament to the Dutch maestro’s class, vision and ability with the ball. Very few strikers would think of rounding a defender the way Bergkamp did; even less would be able to pull it off.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=k3n4CTLDn_w

Robin Van Persie vs. Charlton Athletic (2006)

This goal was probably one of RVP’s best goals in an Arsenal shirt, and can be considered the goal that got him noticed all over the world, in a game where RVP’s brace was enough to secure a 2-1 win over Charlton Athletic. It is hard to describe this goal in words without using numerous expletives, simply because to a large extent, the goal defies explanation. It shocked people all over the world, and it continues to do so to anyone who watches it even today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=yBlT8NH7c3s

Freddie Ljungberg vs. Chelsea (2002)

I unfortunately didn’t watch this live, but the FA Cup Final was a tale of two wonder goals. The first one being an absolute screamer on Ray Parlour’s part, a goal that almost made this list (I’ll throw in the link to the video for good measure, not worth missing out on), the second one being an incredible solo goal by Freddie Ljungberg, who’s red Mohawk had a number of Arsenal fans sporting red streaks in his honor. Ljungberg was on a run at this point, and after Parlour’s stunner in the 70^th minute, Ljungberg’s goal 10 minutes from the end clinched the FA Cup for us, and with it, the double.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=BsCF_F1twJ8

Thierry Henry vs. Liverpool (2004)

The magnitude of this goal can never, and will never be forgotten. After being dumped out of the FA Cup by United, and being eliminated by Chelsea in the Champions League, Liverpool held a 2-1 lead at Highbury, and Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge seemed to be unraveling.

And then came along Thierry Henry. After taking on quite literally the entire Liverpool defence, Henry coolly slotted past Dudek, and eventually ended the game with a hattrick as Arsenal won the game 4-2, going on to enter the history books by going an entire season unbeaten.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=YYG5DbF6fS0