It started drizzling with rain when I got to the station to catch my train to Stratford and pretty much didn’t stop until we got home after the game. It made conditions slippery and perfect for cup football.
Crystal Palace turned up full of confidence in the midst of a good run of form with a sizeable and very vocal crowd of support from South London. They filled the Clock End and made a lot of noise, particularly in the 1st half.
Arteta tried to balance his books by picking as strong a starting XI as possible whilst resting as many key players that he could and who needed a rest for the battles ahead over the congested festive period. In a way playing Palace twice in a few days is beneficial as we can’t have an Everton scenario this weekend vs an opponent who’s had a weeks rest.
Palace picked their strongest XI and went for it, an early long ball over the top caught Timber and Kiwior on their heels, Kiwior looked uncomfortable as his attempted clearance squirmed off of his head into the path of the imposing, immovable figure of Mateta who easily held off Jakub and slid the ball past a surprised Raya. Only 4 minutes on the clock and the Clock End was going bananas.
Arsenal did well to recover from that early blow and Palace maybe didn’t take advantage of the understandably disjointed Gunners, 8 changes from the previous weekend. The Arsenal defence, a back-four that had never played as a unit before was not as secure as we were used to and had its struggles but Kieran Tierney, who’d enjoyed the loudest cheer of the evening during the warm up, was rolling back the years as only he can. He gave it everything until subbed in the 2nd half when the tank was dry.
Arsenal applied some pressure in an effort to find an equaliser but it wasn’t clicking, Nwaneri was struggling to make an impact and wasn’t getting a lot of help from those in front or behind him, Partey wasn’t on his A game. Sterling went close from a free-kick and there were a few scrambles at the Palace end but Henderson looked fairly untroubled between the sticks.
Uncle Jorginho kept probing and looking for an opening but he wasn’t receiving much help from Merino and Ethan. The 1st half ended like a damp squib and Arteta reacted with two key substitutions. Off went Ethan,l – he’ll have much better days – and Partey; on came Big Bill and the Captain.
The impact of Martin and Bill was immediate, the defence reorganised with Timber going right-back and looking far happier and with Saliba cruising around the back four like the Bismark looking to pick off any Palace incursions, Kiwior looked more secure and McTesco just did his thing, it was great to see.
The midfield immediately began to move and generate danger and Palace began to drop deeper, Odegaard and Uncle J encouraged more movement from the forwards, Trossard woke up and was buzzing all over the place, Sterling looked threatening and Jesus was resurrected from his slumber. Sterling should have scored following great work from Tierney and then Jesus finally equalised, a surgical pass from Odegaard sliced open the Palace rearguard and Jesus showed great composure in lifting the ball over the onrushing Henderson, the roof flew off and Arsenal were back in business.
Smart work from Trossard, following another searching Odegaard long pass, saw Jesus swivel and almost score again, GJ was cooking!
Then Saka joined the party replacing Sterling and Lewis Skelly replaced the exhausted Tierney who gave everyone a wave as he left the field, was he saying goodbye? Great work from Odegaard and Timber put Bukayo away and he slid in Jesus who steadied himself before blasting past Henderson.I did hear some comments about it being off-side, but I couldn’t care less.
Palace pushed forward looking for an equaliser leaving Jesus lurking on the halfway line, Odegaard found him, of course he did, and our PL-misfiring Brazilian smashed another past Henderson after running half the length of the pitch – job done.
Eddie scored a consolation for Palace but it was a night for Jesus and we worshipped at his miraculous goalscoring return to form. Where it leads from here is really in the hands of the gods, but the return of our No.9 was like turning water into wine, a nice fruity red.
I’d seen a bit of Preston leading up to this evenings cup tie, so I knew it was a banana skin game waiting to happen, and it also seems that Arteta and his coaches were equally aware of the dangers. All the same, I was still a little surprised at how strong Mikel went with his selections, but then that actually showed the respect he had for his opponents. Of course the haters will accuse Arteta of being negative and cautious, but we all know that their minds are closed so disregard the noise, because this was a very good performance.
Zinchenko had sat out the last few matches despite the injuries we were experiencing, and he had even watched as Myles Lewis Skelly had been called upon before him in certain games from the bench, recently; but Mikel brought the Ukrainian back into the starting XI for this game, and he put in a strong performance at left-back/midfield.
Jurrien Timber, fresh from cramping up against Liverpool also began the game, I had expected Nichol to get another run out but Arteta used the Dutchman as the right-back and he also had a strong 45, both he and Zinchenko are players that need minutes in their legs to build them up in preparation for all the tough games we have coming next month, many away from home.
I wasn’t surprised to see Saliba begin the game, just to keep him ticking over, and he simply glided through the 90+ minutes like the class performer he is, alongside him Kiwior had a very impressive game making two assists. If these are the guys who we play at Newcastle this weekend I won’t be worried at all, I’ll be quite content.
In midfield Uncle Jorginho just strolled around, talking, coaching, prompting, creating and generally running the show, alongside him Merino showed how the minutes in his legs are paying dividends as he grows into the left 8 role.
Up front Martinelli, Sterling and Jesus all put in a shift and gave the Preston defence a torrid evening, floating around among them was Ethan ‘one of our own’ Nwaneri showing that he isn’t going to be subservient to anyone, if the shot is on he’s taking it and I’m immensely happy to see him do so.
The 1st 45 was pretty much played entirely in the Preston half, at times Saliba was our only defender as Zinchenko popped up on the right edge of the North End box and Kiwior was on the left edge. Preston to give them their due never faltered and defended as well as anyone we’d played against this season but they just couldn’t retain possession. The referee was very good and actually blew for fouls committed against us, which blew my mind as I’m so used to seeing our players kicked and the officials ignore it. Maybe Howard had a word with him?
Anyway Martinelli broke free on the left of the PNE box in the 23rd minute and was fouled, he took the free kick and lifted it to the far post where Kiwior headed the ball down and Jesus thumped it home. Simple as that and his 24 game goal drought was over. 10 minutes later Stirling did some good work down the right, switched it to Jesus who passed inside to Nwaneri. Jesus then darted between two defenders anticipating a return pass from Ethan but the pass never came because Ethan just took a couple of steps to his left before bending a beauty from the edge of the box into the far corner of the net. I’ve seen him do this many times in the academy but this was still a cracker and he celebrated calmly with his team mates because he’s a serious player and is destined to be an absolute superstar.
After half-time Arteta made a couple of sensible changes, no need to take too many risks, and on came Havertz for Merino and Partey for Timber.
Preston made more of a fist of it in the 2nd 45 and used their maximum number of substitutes to switch to a more attacking style, they even created a couple of half chances but the competent Setford along with his defenders smothered the danger and it was gone.
Around 57 minutes Nwaneri took a great free kick into the PNE box right onto the head of Jesus who kinda misheaded it clear, bless him, and the ball ran out to Kiwior who was lurking in the inside left. Our Polish ‘inside forward’ then bent a beautiful cross back into the box and Kai Havertz showed us how it’s done and thudded a header past Woodman to make the tie safe. Arsenal pretty much played out the rest of the game avoiding injuries and conserving energy.
Havertz did score a second but Jesus had taken the ball out of play before crossing, Nwaneri hit the bar with another whipped shot, Sterling missed two presentable chances when he tried to sidefoot home but I couldn’t help thinking that if in the same position that Trossard would have blasted them both high into the net. Jesus missed a few and as a group the team probably left three or four un-scored goals out on the pitch.
Bakayo Saka and Lewis Skelly came on for Martinelli and Zinchenko around the hour mark and Ayden Heaven made his senior debut on 80. That’s around six youngsters given their debuts by Arteta this season, who would have thought it?
Lewis Skelly was unfortunate not to earn us a penalty on 67 when he was bundled over at a corner but he hit the floor just before the corner was taken, so the referee just ordered a retake. In general the ref had a good game, yeah, really!
The evening ended well with Man City getting knocked out and Arsenal getting a welcome home draw against Crystal Palace in the next round.
It is Monday and we are more than half way through the second interlull of the season. I wonder how many club football fans would vote in favour of abolishing international games during the club-football season; I would imagine it to be close to 100%. I like watching the international games, but only if they are played at high intensity levels and any injuries would not have such an impact on Arsenal’s fortunes in the PL. This is clearly incompatible during the club-season, and as a result we are watching slow tempo, no risk and low intensity games, and it sucks. And yet we still have our star players returning home injured, with Saka the latest victim whilst Odegaard has missed many key games already.
In a past post I have suggested that the club-football season should not be interrupted and that all international games should be played after it. There would be plenty of time for all international games to be played during a now longer break period: all players can give their all without them and their clubs worrying too much about injuries, so there then would be the required focus and intensity during all the international games.
Anyway, we are where we are and we hope that Bukayo’s injury is not too bad. Saka has been immense with nine assists/goals in the PL already; that’s just one less than Haaland, and that without Ode and Ben in many of these games. I will never tire of watching Bukayo’s off and with the ball actions, and I don’t think I have ever watched a more efficient AND effective winger strut their stuff in the PL. I guess Mikel did bring Raheem Sterling in to deal with a possible Saka absence, and first signs have been good. Well, let’s see what will happen next.
The absence of Odegaard and, until recently, Mikel Merino, did not hurt us too much until now, and I am excited about what our team will be able to do once all are fit and available. I doff my hat to Thomas Partey who has carried our midfield over the last two months and has been quietly sensational. IF, and it is a big if, Thomas can stay fit throughout most of the season, Arsenal will have such a chance to make it all the way. And there is more to come from our midfield: Declan is not purring as yet, Merino has yet to settle into the team, and our captain’s return, whenever that may be (hopefully soon), will lift the whole team.
It’s this imminently strengthening of our midfield that makes me believe we are yet to see what this Arteta-Arsenal team is really capable of. The defence is solid, our full backs have become all-round monsters, our attack is starting to reach full fire-power; and with an ever stronger, more versatile, and fully-fit midfield, I think we can continue, and even improve, on our excellent start to the season.
Key in all of this is developing a style of play that suits the team and is as effective at home and away. In our away games we tend to sit back more and lean on our defence qualities, whereas at home we push up much more and aim to dominate teams in their own half. The former seems our more natural style of play and the latter is not working as well as as it should do. We are simply conceding too many goals at home, and leave ourselves with too much to do to get maximum points: sooner or later it is going to cost us. And for me this is the nr1 goal for our midfield: get the balance right between making us a defensive fortress and a ferocious attacking machine, home and away. Will Rice, Partey, Odegaard and Merino be able to do just that: what do you think?
You can kinda split this and any season up into sections, manageable sections, bites if you like, so that you can plan ahead but not too far because it could possibly give you sleepless nights if that’s in your particular personality.
For me it’s just totally exciting, I’m loving this season, it’s enough to make me want to croon, or maybe play a didgeridoo. I’ve so enjoyed the previous two seasons despite the ultimate disappointment of missing out to the ersatz club in Eastlands. This one feels a bit more serious if you get my gist?
Anyway, we’ve just come through what you could describe as our opening section, one that included some of the most difficult games we’ll face this season and as we take a deep breath during the Interlull it’s satisfying to see where we are?
Nicely tucked away among the main protagonists for the title and looking far more resilient and resourceful than in our previous two campaigns, No over-celebrating, not that I ever saw that as a problem personally and dealing with the oft repeated setbacks of injuries and two tier officiating with a Churchillian stiff upper lip.
We’re nicely situated in the Champions League mega table, keeping a low profile and allowing the many cretins in the media to rabbit on about other contenders whilst we prepare to accumulate the necessary points to finish top eight.
The much maligned League Cup has proved to be an enjoyable distraction allowing Arteta the latitude to play some youngsters this season after some previously terrible draws, some of these youngsters will be major components as the season progresses. The next tie in the League Cup will be tough but get through that and you’re only three games from Wembley and the chance of an early piece of silverware which might just be the catalyst for this group to do something special…
I’m looking at the next 10 fixtures, split by the final Interlull of 2024 thankfully. There are 6 PL games, the LC tie at Preston and 3 CL fixtures, but what is noticeable is that it’ll be very much Arsenal On the Road because 7 of those games will be away, necessitating a lot of tiring travel.
Arsenal on the road doesn’t actually bother me at all because this squad is set up to dig in and grind out the results when necessary. I think we sometimes look more vulnerable at home where expectations can be a tad unrealistic.
I never thought we’d beat Southampton 5-0 last weekend, football doesn’t work that way, but we did find a way to win and that’s all that matters. This team has improved from 12 months ago, our players have grown, our coaching staff have grown and our manager has grown and if you can’t take anything from that, then I’m glad I’m not in your world.
Fortunately this blog in general is one of endless sunshine, light and enjoyment.
Having first listened to the whole game and then watched it for the first time this morning, I have thoroughly enjoyed Arsenal’s contest with the Foxes, and I am glad that the boys were re-taught a lesson without having to pay for it. The excellent Arsenal.com radio commentary pictured for me a first half in which we totally dominated, and there was even a suggestion that, the way things were going, Arteta could give the youngsters some time in the second half. Getting that second goal in extra time created a real feeling that the game was in the bag.
But football is a great game because it has it’s own laws of logic and is always able to to throw a surprise at us. The Foxes scored very soon after the re-start from a free-kick, helped by a big deflection, and their tails were well and truly up. All of a sudden we had much less control in midfield and Leicester was particularly strong on their left side – our ride side – and soon we had another surprise: a superb technical effort by the all-round impressive Justin found the back of the net, and all of a sudden Arsenal’s two-goal lead had evaporated.
Now we had a real game on our hands, and Hermansen seemed determined to do a Raya on us with a number of superb stops from all sorts of efforts by the boys. It took till the 95th minute before we finally, and fortuitously, scored the winner. It was definitely deserved but it was still a bit harsh on the Foxes who I thought fought hard throughout the match and never allowed us to just play our game, including in the first half. As a result the boys had to work really, really hard to get the three points. It goes to show that there are no easy games and that we need to remain focussed for the entire game. Next time round we are likely to be less lucky and vital points will be dropped.
Eight quick observations:
We have our left side back. I wrote about this a short while ago: the arrival of Calafiori is great news for Martinelli. He pushed forward constantly and his style of play is reminiscent of Granit. Calafiori has a similar strong and versatile left foot and his strength and intelligence on the pitch also reminded me of our former Swiss maestro. Yes the Italian is our left full back and Xhaka was a midfielder for us, but their contributions to the team are very similar. Martinelli got plenty of service from the Italian and Declan, and with a goal and an assist I would imagine he slept very well last night.
Saka was once again quietly magnificent. Bukayo is the King of Assists with 5 in 6 games; and he has already created 20 chances, more than any other PL player except McNeil at Everton. He did not get another assists today, but despite Leicester double marking him and giving him as little space as possible, Saka was a constant threat. His first touch is fabulous, his passing is sharp, his decision-making is so mature and his unpredictability keeps astounding me.
We had two very good functioning wings but the middle is still a work in progress. With the Ode gone we lack a player that can open up defences right through the middle. I think we all feel that Nwaneri is the man to do it and sooner or later Arteta will have to start him in the nr10 position. He certainly made an instant difference when he came on, late in the game. Playing both Havertz and Trossard through the middle is certainly a work in progress: it feels like duplication at times.
I am a bit disappointed in Declan’s start of the season. He works as hard as ever, but his creative/attacking contributions are below par imho. He just does not seem his former self somehow, and I wonder what’s causing this.
Although, as per my third point, I am not sure whether playing both Havertz and Trossard centrally in attack is an entirely good thing, it cannot be argued that they both work hard and are excellent at positioning themselves dangerously in the box. Especially the Belgian is a master at this. At times I had forgotten he was on the pitch, and I guess the same goes for the opposition’s defenders. He worked himself into great positions and on another day he would have scored a hattrick. Both Havertz and Trossard ended up on the score-sheet, so maybe this combination is to be continued for a while.
Timber had a very good game in terms of supporting the attack, and especially Saka – who really is missing the Ode – is benefiting from this. Yet, there is work to be done in terms of defending our right flank. Timber is a fine defender but White and Saliba have a great mutual understanding of what needs doing when and where, and there were too many gaps in that area of which Leicester took full advantage. I thought Partey did well in supporting the attack, but he was also guilty of leaving too much space for the Foxes’ attacks in that area.
Still, the additions to the first team of the full backs Timber and Calafiori have made us a stronger team all round. We have two new beasts on the flanks and they really are adding another dimension to our play.
Finally, the press are trying to produce a new managerial heavy-weight rivalry between Giardiola and Arteta. These rivalries are of course fun to write about, and creating a rift between the two is therefore worthwhile. I think Pep’s lesser command of the English language is not helping here, as it can easily be misinterpreted. But I am sure that both Spaniards will not fall for it. On the other hand, both sets of players may well enter a period of bitter rivalry, and I am all for it. It looks more and more that Arteta is putting together a team that has the best of Graham and Wenger: steel, cheek, athleticism, style, quality, hunger and tenacity. A mighty red and white storm is coming towards Arsenal’s PL rivals, and they all know it.
A home draw against League One opposition made for a pleasant change and an opportunity for Mikel Arteta to give some of his current generation of youngsters some minutes in a senior match. It was my second visit of the season to the Emirates and I thoroughly looked forward to and was confident of seeing the Arsenal manager pick an interesting squad. He didn’t disappoint.
Bolton Wanderers are not the Bolton Wanderers of the Sam Allardyce era but they’re not a Sunday league team from the Hackney Marshes either, so Arteta needed to be sensible in selecting a balanced team that would allow our youngsters to perform safe in the knowledge that there would be some experience around to lend a guiding hand whilst allowing them the opportunity and freedom to express themselves. Bolton’s goal came from this freedom to express but the old heads steadied the ship and no damage was done. It’s all part of the learning process and why it’s irresponsible to expect the manager of a big serious club to play a team of kids in a senior game.
A brutal run of Premier League, Champions League and Internationals had eaten into the Arsenal squad so much so that 16 year old Jack Porter made his senior debut in goal, 18 months to two years before he was I feel properly ready, but needs must and young Jack performed well all things considered. He had a nervy start but did well when punching clear from a corner from amongst a gaggle of players. The defence didn’t pass back to him as often as usual but had the common sense to protect him and not put him under undue pressure. He could do little about the Bolton goal, probably going to ground a little early but given the experience of playing in front of several thousand Bolton fans who no doubt gave him plenty of helpful tips on his goalkeeping, he actually came out the game with plenty of positives.
Josh Nichols made a good impression in the US tour and he didn’t tarnish that impression with a solid and dependable display at right-back, Arteta was obviously happy with what he saw from Josh as he played the full 90+ minutes. He had to contend with a few robust Bolton challenges early in the game but as his confidence grew so did his performance and he can feel very satisfied with his nights work. Good things happen to you if you work hard and you have talent and Josh is proof of that.
Myles Lewis Skelly is a wonderfully gifted and versatile young man who fitted into the floating role from left back, joining the midfield and creating some excellent openings for his team mates. He linked up with Raheem Stirling faultlessly and as if he’d been playing 1st team for months, he is another from this impressive group who graduated together from Hale End, you won’t get quality like this every year despite your wishes to believe it’s so, but anyone whose watched youngsters come through the youth team as long as I have can tell when there’s a special class of youngsters and we are currently seeing a special group develop. Myles left the field with a leg injury which I hope isn’t too serious because he’s going to get plenty of minutes this season and Arteta will need him.
Ethan Nwaneri is the poster boy from this class of youngsters, every big club wanted him before he signed professional but he trusted Arteta and Arteta has trusted him. Ethan like Josh played the full 90+ minutes and he scored two goals. I’m sure that there’s plenty more goals to come from him and I’m certain he’ll get plenty more minutes this season. He has a beautiful low centre of gravity as he switches direction and sprints away from opponents, his first goal was a testament to his speed and anticipation as Stirling’s low cross evaded the onrushing Jesus but didn’t evade Ethan who tucked it away. His second goal came via the intelligent anticipation of Declan Rice who dispossessed a Bolton player and passed to Ethan, Declan ran for the return but Ethan had only eyes for the goal and put it away with aplomb.
Declan had earlier scored the Arsenal opener via a deflection from a Nichols low cross and overall enjoyed a satisfying evenings work before being substituted. Kai Havertz came on and scored the 5th after smart work from Stirling, I always enjoy seeing our tall German hit the net.
Stirling himself ended his goal drought after fine work from Jesus and the imperious Saka who showed us some of his many trick to bamboozle the Bolton left-back and put it on a plate for Raheem.
Kiwior got the chance to play centre back as did Califiori and both sailed effortlessly through the match eventually being replaced by Gabriel and another debutee in Maldini Kacurri. I didn’t see much after the Havertz goal as I had to leave early, therefore I missed the debut of Kabia who replaced Stirling on 81 minutes.
So 4 debutees and 2 earning their full debuts in a very compelling and competitive cup tie against experienced, seasoned professionals looking to cause an upset. In another era Arsene Wenger would be lionised as a purveyor of youth by playing 6 youngsters, but, alas some still carry a pathological dislike of our present manager so 6 youngsters playing in the 1st team will be dismissed and ignored. It says much about them I suppose!
Honourable mentions in dispatches for Jesus, who worked tirelessly but cannot buy a goal for love nor money, Jorginho who was like everyone’s favourite Dad going around spreading a calming influence and no doubt a calming word and Martinelli who despite doing enough running in recent matches to win a marathon still came on and fizzed about.
Credit to the players, credit to the fans, many able to visit the Emirates for the first time in ages, credit to the Arsenal coaching staff and credit to Mikel Arteta who proved irrevocably that he will use youngsters, but only if they’re good enough…
I don’t know about you but I have been enjoying the Euros until now. Some good footie on display even though mamy of the big nations still have to find their groove.
The Euro-Gunners have been playing very well and are gaining great experience this summer. Saliba has been solid, Saka made the best of not playing with a Ben White and an Odegaard, and thus starved of ingenuity and those necessary triangles to release him. Kai is being played in the Arteta-Arsenal role and has been pivotal for Die Mannschaft. And Ricey has been solid in perhaps too deep a midfield role.
The best, most organised football, other than from Spain, has come from the Alpine countries, Austria and Switzerland. But in a tournament anything can happen, especially when entering the play-off games, when (lack of) luck can play a cruel role. The quarter finals are all exciting prospects, and it will be now or never for the older stars of those nations.
To re-engage on the blog, here are some questions for you:
Which teams will get through to the semi-finals?
Who would you like Arteta to add to Arsenal and why?
Best defender in the Euros?
Best midfielder in the Euros?
Best attacker in the Euros?
Why is England playing so slow and struggle to break through the lines?
Dear Bergkampesquers and all those who knew this fine gentleman-Gooner from other blogs,
On 13 May Cyril, better known as GunnerN5 (GN5), sadly passed away.
Cyril had been posting on the blog for many years and his contributions have been immense. He was a prolific Arsenal-researcher and writer, and we have issued many of his posts here on Bergkampesque over the years. GN5 did a number of series of Arsenal posts, many of them also issued on the fine blog ArsenalArsenal. The highlight for me was without any doubt the series about the Arsenal 100-goal scorers posts (20 in total). These were well researched, full of facts and interesting bits, and the passion for Arsenal and football in general shone through in them. Cyril also promoted and then coordinated the football prediction competition over the last few years, and what a lot of fun and banter this has brought to the regulars on Bergkampesque!
GN5 was always keen to help and contribute to the blog, and there was no calculation or self-promotion in any of it. From the start, I wanted this blog to function as a digital pub where likeminded Gooners from the UK and around the world could meet and discuss anything Arsenal, football and anything else enriching our lives. A digital pub only works if it’s cosy with a good atmosphere of respect, banter and support for each other. Cyril for me was the wise, calm and warm older guy at the centre of the pub, always there to greet and crack a joke, always willing to contribute and support others, and with that fiery passion for the Arsenal right till the end. I don’t know anybody who supported Arsenal longer and had more knowledge of the club’s history and achievement than Cyril. Yet, what I truly loved about him was his humbleness and willingness to learn right till the end. He was forever curious and willing to listen to new opinions. Erasmus of Rotterdam once wrote: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow, study as if you were to live forever”; for me, Cyril epitomised this. He knew how to enjoy life and not grumble and he was always keen to learn more, allowing a healthy amount of doubt and humility to accompany him right till the end. He was also a family man, speaking warmly about his dear wife, daughter and son whenever he could.
In short, he was a great human being and Gooner and I will miss him dearly. Cyril loved a good wine, so let’s all raise a glass of red to him today.
TotalArsenal.
The post below has been published before, but in one of Cyril’s last emails he asked me to republish it. It is a great post about a great man by a great man.
Denis Bergkamp: 1995-2006.
Denis appeared in 423 games over an 11 year period and scored 120 goals.
Born in Amsterdam, Denis was the fourth of four sons. He was brought up in a working-class suburb; his father who was an electrician played amateur footballer in the lower leagues. He was named in honour of Scottish striker Denis Law but in order to comply with Dutch given name customs, an extra “n” was inserted into his first name, by his father, after it was not accepted by the registrar.
He was spotted by Ajax and was brought up through their famous youth system, joining the club at age 11 and making his professional debut on 14 December 1986. He scored his first senior goal for the club against HFC Haarlem on 22 February 1987 in a match Ajax won 6–0. He went on to make 23 appearances in the 1986–87 season, including a European debut against Malmö FF in the 1986–87 European Cup Winners’ Cup, Ajax won the competition, beating Lokomotive Leipzig 1–0. In later seasons he established himself as a first-team player for Ajax. This culminated in a period of success for the club, which won the Eredivisie title in the 1989–90 season for the first time in five years. Denis scored 29 goals in 36 games the following season and became the joint top goal scorer in the league. Ajax won the 1992 UEFA Cup Final, beating Torino through the away goals ruling. He was the top scorer in the Eredivisie from 1991 to 1993, and was voted Dutch Footballer of the Year in 1992 and 1993. In total, he scored 122 goals in 239 games for his hometown club.
Denis attracted the attention of several European clubs as a result of his performances for Ajax. He was insistent on playing in Italy. as he considered Serie A “the biggest league at the time” and preferred a move to either Juventus or Internazionale, on 16 February 1993, he agreed a £7.1 million move to Internazionale and made his debut against Reggiana on 29 August 1993. In his first two seasons at Internazionale, the club changed managers twice and Denis had a difficult time, troubled with stress injuries and fatigue from the 1994 World Cup, he only scored five goals in 26 appearances. Off the field, his relationship with the Italian press and fans became uncomfortable. His shy persona and his propensity to go home after matches was interpreted as apathy. Because of his poor performance on the pitch, one Italian publication renamed their award given to the worst performance of the week, L’asino della settimana (Donkey of the Week) to Bergkamp della settimana.
Denis left Internazionale and signed with Arsenal in June 1995 for a transfer fee estimated at £7.5 million. He became manager Bruce Rioch’s first signing at Arsenal and broke the club’s transfer fee record of £2.5 million. On the opening day of the 1995–96 league season, he made his full debut against Middlesbrough. He struggled to adapt to the English game and failed to score in the club’s next six league matches, prompting ridicule by the national press, he ended his first season with 33 appearances and a goal tally of 11.
The appointment of Arsène Wenger as Arsenal manager in September 1996 marked a turning point in his career. Wenger, who had moderate success coaching in France and Japan, recognised his talent and wanted to use him as a fulcrum of the team’s forward play. Both were advocates of a continental style of attacking football, and Denis was happy with Arsene’s decision to impose a strict fitness and health regime. Despite making fewer appearances in the 1996–97 season, he was more influential in the first team, creating 13 assists. The following season he was instrumental in helping Arsenal complete a domestic league and cup double. He became the club’s top scorer with 22 goals and recorded a strike rate of 0.57. In 1997/8 he was the recipient of the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award, becoming only the second foreign player to be recognised by his fellow professionals as the outstanding performer in English football.
After 3 seasons of finishing second more success finally came in the 2001–02 season. Arsenal regained the league, beating Manchester United at Old Trafford in the penultimate game of the season to complete the club’s second double under Wenger; Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2–0 to win the FA Cup four days prior. Denis played in 33 league matches, setting up 15 goals. After a 3 game red card suspension he made his return against Newcastle United on 3 March 2002. Early in the match, Arsenal midfielder Robert Pirès played a low pass from the left flank to Denis in the edge of the opponent area with his back to goal. Under pressure from his marker Nikos Dabizas, he controlled the ball with one flick and went around the other side before placing the ball precisely into the bottom right-hand corner to score. Arsene described the goal as “unbelievable”, adding “It was not only a magnificent goal but a very important one – I enjoyed it a lot”
Denis reached a personal landmark during the 2002–03 season, scoring his 100th goal for Arsenal against Oxford United in a FA Cup third-round tie. On 20 July 2003, he signed a one-year extension at the club. The 2003–04 season ended on a high point as Arsenal reclaimed the league title, becoming the first English team in more than a century to go through the entire domestic league season unbeaten Champions League over two legs. He committed himself to Arsenal at the end of the season, signing a further extension to his contract.
The team finished fourth in the league in his final season at Arsenal. After much campaigning from Arsenal supporters, the club designated one of its Highbury match day themes, organised to commemorate the stadium’s final season as home of Arsenal, to Dennis Bergkamp. “Bergkamp Day” took place on 15 April 2006 It celebrated his contribution to Arsenal; fans were given commemorative orange ‘DB10’ T-shirts – the colour of his national team, his initials and his squad number. Denis came on as a second-half substitute and set up the winning Pirès goal moments after Nigel Quashie had levelled the score. Fittingly, his 89th-minute goal proved to be his last for Arsenal in competitive football.
He was the focus of the first match at Arsenal’s new ground, the Emirates Stadium. On 22 July 2006, a testimonial was played in his honour at the new stadium as Arsenal played his old club Ajax.
Denis made his international debut for the Netherlands national team against Italy on 26 September 1990. He was selected for Euro 1992, where his national team were the defending champions. Although he impressed, scoring three goals in the tournament, the team lost on penalties to eventual champions Denmark. In the qualification for the 1994 FIFA World Cup, hep scored five goals and was selected for the finals, staged in the United States. He featured in every game for the national team, getting goals against Morocco in the group stages and the Republic of Ireland in the round of 16.
Against Wales in the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification on 9 November 1996, he scored his first hat-trick for the national team. The Netherlands finished first in their group and qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, held in France. Denis scored three times in the competition, including a memorable winning goal in the final minute of the quarterfinal against Argentina. He took one touch to control a long 60-yard aerial pass from Frank de Boer, brought the ball down through Argentine defender Roberto Ayala’s legs, and finally finished by firing a volley with the outside of his right foot, past the keeper at a tight angle from the right, he described the goal as his personal favourite in his career. His international career ended with 37 goals in 77 appearances.
In April of 2007, he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame by viewers of BBC’s Football Focus. A year later, he was voted second by Arsenal fans behind Thierry Henry in a list of the 50 Gunners Greatest Players.
This is a summary of his achievements in chronological order:
Dutch Football Talent of the Year (1): 1990
Dutch Footballer of the Year (2): 1991, 1992
Eredivisie Top Scorer (3): 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93
UEFA European Football Championship Top Scorer (1): 1992
UEFA European Football Championship Team of the Tournament (1): 1992
World’s Top Goal Scorer of the Year (1): 1992
UEFA Cup Top Scorer (1): 1994
Premier League Player of the Month (4): August 1997, September 1997, March 2002, February 2004
PFA Team of the Year (1): 1997–98
FWA Footballer of the Year (1): 1997–98
PFA Players’ Player of the Year (1): 1997–98
Premier League Goal of the Season (2): 1997–98, 2001–02
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (1): 1998
FIFA 100
English Football Hall of Fame
His statue now stands outside Emirates Stadium honouring him as one of Arsenal’s legends.
What a fab season Arsenal are having. After the painful losses against Fulham and West Ham mid-season, it really looked like this team was not going to be able to fight for the title anymore. Then came sun, sand and Mikel-cuddles in Dubai, and a rejuvenated team fought itself back to the top. Having a good season can happen to any team, but staying near the top is the real sign of progress and excellent management, and Arteta really deserves to be named manager of the season IMHO.
I am quite chilled about winning the League this time round. Arsenal are a bit like Red Bull and Verstappen a few years ago: we are getting stronger every season and we look like an unstoppable force. Man City’s hegemony, just like Mercedes’ did in Formula One a few seasons ago, is about to change; and if we don’t do them this season, we will have an even better chance next season.
I have felt for months that if Arsenal were able to beat both Spuds and Old Toilet’s finest away at the end of the season, we would become champions.
The boys have done the former, and I am so proud of them. Citeh know they have to win twice and we can sit back till Sunday. The pressure is now all on them, and they have it all to lose. It so good that this psychological pressure is not on us but on them.
A Pool win v Villa tonight would help to make the Spuddies wanting to win v Citeh tomorrow. But even if the Spuds don’t help us, which I guess we have to expect, the Hammers can still cause an upset on the last days. They are the sort of team to do something like that now and again.
Arsenal will of course have to beat the Toffees in our final game, and I am certainly not taking anything for granted. It’s just so good that it will go to the wire and that Arsenal have achieved this from within themselves. The latter is the big gain this season and it’s invaluable for the near future, come what may on Sunday.
A cheeky question to help us while away the time before we resume in earnest at City. It’s always a little unfair to compare teams of different generations but do consider that the Invincible team was ahead of its time.
Size: The Invincibles were big boys who were physically imposing. Our current team have an average height of 6′ 1″, look at our defensive unit: Saliba 6′ 4″ 204 lbs, Gabriel 6′ 3″ 173 lbs, White 6′ 1″ 168 lbs, Kiwior 6′ 2″ 163 lbs, Tomiyasu 6′ 2″ 183 lbs. Add to that Rice at 6′ 1″ 183 lbs, Partey 6′ 1″ 170lbs and Havertz 6′ 4″ 183 lbs and we have some serious tall and powerful players, all of whom know how to use their considerable frames.
Raya is 6 ‘ whereas Lehmann was over 6’ 3″, but Raya has distribution skills better than the German. And Raya isn’t mad. He wouldn’t grab Robbie Keane’s head, and he wouldn’t get sent off in the Stade de France. (Still simmering after all these years).
Arsene Wenger’s early teams from 1996 to the Invincibles were all imposing in terms of size and had a commensurate level of success. His thinking changed as he started to collect talented but smaller players, looking to emulate the Barca model of mobile tiki taka. We saw some magnificent football but were often frustratingly bullied by physically bigger opponents, and our successes were limited to three FA cup wins over the next decade and a half.
Mikel and Edu have 180’ed building a team of warriors which compare well with Arsene’s early teams.
Skill: Look at my composite team below and notice it is all Invincibles down the left and present team down the right. Skill levels, much like physicality seem to improve year by year and have we not been blessed over the years with the likes of Santi, Hleb, Rosicky, Cesc, Wilshere, Ramsey, Eduardo, Robin, Ozil and Sanchez demonstrating astonishing skills, but has anyone approached the level set by Bergkamp as much as our present pass master, Martin O? He’d be the first name on my bench.
So, if you were tasked to pick a composite team, would it look much like mine?
Raya
White Saliba Campbell Cole
Saka Rice Viera Pires
Bergkamp Henry
To answer my own question, with a nod to the 2008/9 team, I think this present iteration is the finest Arsenal team since the Invincibles. What do you think?
Bergkampesque 