On 31 March 2001, when Arsenal’s new No.7 scored a gem of a goal in the North London derby match with Tottenham Hotspur at Highbury, the crowd tearfully remembered one of their favourite sons, who used to wear the same No.7 jersey for the Gunners. Just before the match, more than 38,000 people observed a minute's silence without the faintest interruption after reports came in that David “Rocky” Rocastle had died in the early hours of 31 March 2001, aged 33. Born in Lewisham, south-east London, Rocastle, a fast, skilled, powerful outside right was one of three players from the same area who played a crucial part in the Gunners' success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Rocastle joined
Roy Keane vs Patrick Vieira – The Premier League’s Greatest Rivalry
One of the most debated topics in football is the rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi. Both players always show respect to one another and claim competition is healthy in pushing them to perform to their full potential. Their rivalry is rather tame in comparison to Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira's legendary battles against each other on the pitch. For much of the early 1990s Manchester United dominated the Premier League, winning four of the five titles between 93 and 97. Central to that success was their domineering and relentless midfielder from Ireland. Keane’s drive, determination and all-round excellence established him as the best midfielder in the country. When Eric Cantona suddenly retired in 1997, Keane was named United captain by Alex
Nacho Monreal Wife – Isabelle Lopez Ramos!
Nacho Monreal is married to Isabelle Lopez Ramos. In recent times, Nacho Monreal has become a regular starter in the Arsenal team. Away from the pitch, it looks like Monreal is doing well for himself! His Spanish wife is absolutely stunning, she gives Mustafi’s wife a run for her money. Let's be honest, generally Spanish girls are a lot more naturally attractive than women in the UK. Sun-kissed and fiery personality are the perfect combination if you can handle it! Unlike other wags at Arsenal, Ramos likes to keep a low profile and her Instagram profile is set to private. However, sometimes she gets into arguments with fans and sticks up for her husband, no matter how badly he performs. In
Shkodran Mustafi Wife – Vjosa Kaba
Shkodran Mustafi's wife is Vjosa Kaba, the German centre back married his long-term girlfriend in Gostivar, Macedonia in July 2016. They had a small, private ceremony so only close friends and family were invited! His wife is a former model and real estate agent from Albania. She was voted the most attractive woman in Switzerland in 2007 and the age of 19. Now that is an award to be proud of, she nearly has more silverware on her mantelpiece than her husband! The beautiful brunette is easy on the eye and has nearly 25,000 followers on Instagram. About one million followers less than her partner but still an impressive feat. She likes to share selfies and cute pictures of their new-born daughter.
Arsene Wenger – The History of His Managerial Career!
Arsene Wenger was born in 1949 in Strasbourg, on the French border with Germany. He was brought up in a series of small towns in Alsace, where his parents ran a bistro. A midfielder in his playing days, Wenger's career on the pitch never really soared, and by his late 20s, his attention had turned to coaching. After an apprenticeship coaching the Strasbourg youth teams and a spell as an assistant, he was appointed Nancy manager in 1984. Despite being relegated in his last season, he moved from Nancy to Monaco in 1987 and that was where his reputation really grew, with players like Glenn Hoddle, Patrick Battinston, Mark Hateley and Claude Puel, they won Ligue 1 by six points
A dismal draw in Southampton – Will Emery be sacked or not?
After a disappointing and shocking performance from Arsenal on Saturday, many are pointing fingers at certain players to take the blame. Arsenal scraped a mere 2-2 draw against Southampton and needed a 96th-minute equaliser from Alexandre Lacazette to rescue a point against the Saints as they took their winless run to six games. Premier League record goal-scorer Shearer could scarcely believe how critical the Gunners have become defensively and picked out four names that were especially poor on Saturday. Nigel Winterburn, ex-Arsenal and West Ham legend, also claimed that "the club are simply not strong enough at the back". Clearly, it is an alarming issue and Alan Shearer blatantly criticised who was responsible. "Where do we start? They were sloppy, so
Emery’s Power Struggle, Özil’s Occasional Sabbatical
The announcement of Özil’s contract extension in February 2018 was greeted with great optimism by Arsenal fans. At least, it meant the player wasn’t going to leave on a free and sent a statement to the other clubs that Arsenal were no longer a selling club and had the funds desired to keep hold of its most prized asset. Wenger’s departure in the summer after 22 years meant a change in managerial guard. In came Unai Emery - a coach renowned for his Europa League winning exploits at Sevilla rather than his tenure at the helm of PSG. Per numerous reports in the media Emery got the job largely due to his assurance of improving each and every player in
Tony Adams – Arsenal’s Greatest Ever Centre-back!
In modern-day football the idea of a player staying with one club for his entire career is rare. The transient nature of football today simply makes it impractical but even by the standards of football a generation ago Tony Adams was exceptional. Adams made over 600 appearances in his professional club career, all for Arsenal. He made his debut when he was barely 17, was appointed club captain at 21 and remained so until he retired 14 years later. For most of that time, he stood at the top of the game despite suffering the brutal effects of alcoholism that could easily have scuppered his career. Adams joined Arsenal aged thirteen in 1980, leaving school two years later to fully concentrate
Post Highbury Blues – The Emirates Stadium Mare
The more things change the more they stay the same; an ever popular phrase often associated with Citizens of countries fed up with the usual rhetoric of political parties in Government and in recent times synonymous with disgruntled Arsenal Fans after a loss or a draw. On 8th June 2006, Club legend Henry scored the last goal at Highbury courtesy an 81st minute spot kick. After 93 memorable years it was time to bid adieu to the stadium that had given us the double winning teams, Arsene Wenger, Tony Adams, Liam Brady, George Graham, Dennis Bergkamp and the Invincibles. Like the biblical story of the promise land, the pilgrimage from Highbury to the Emirates was expected to be a dream
Potential January Signings for Arsenal
Arsenal are still going through a transition period under the guidance of new coach Unai Emery after he was the man chosen to replace long-standing legendary manager Arsene Wenger last year. The former Sevilla boss began his reign strongly at the Emirates and oversaw an early surge with his inherited Gunners ranks. Although, form and fortunes have come to somewhat of a stall in recent weeks. They are now off the pace for challenging for the Premier League title and are instead fighting for a top-four spot. Arsenal are falling behind in pursuit of a Champions League place for next season as well, but they are now available at 7/2 with bet365 in the Premier League betting to turn proceedings around and secure