Sport
Arsenal players in the Premier League Hall of Fame
With constant success through the Premier League’s existence, many of Arsenal’s top stars have made numerous highlights down the years. Whether it was at Highbury or The Emirates Stadium, success have never been too far away from The Gunners. With 3 Premier League titles under their belts, many players in the red and white have gone on to enjoy legendary careers during their time in English football. With many iconic moments, it is no surprise that a few of Arsenal’s best and brightest have made their made into iconic lists – such as the rapidly expanding Premier League Hall of Fame. So just which Arsenal players have actually made it into the Premier League Hall of Fame?
Thierry Henry (2021)
Arsenal’s first inductee into the Premier League Hall of Fame was arguably their greatest in recent memory. Thierry Henry’s pace and touch made him a nightmare for defenders to handle and that was before it was matched with clinical finishing. During his main 8-season run with Arsenal, Henry scored a club-record 174 league goals in just 254 games. This came with Henry hitting 20+ goals for 5 straight seasons with a best of 30 goals in 37 during The Invincibles title win of 2003/04. Henry would score once more in a 4 game stint during the 2011/12 season crowning off an incredible run with The Gunners. During his Arsenal streak, Henry was twice named PFA Player of the Year and a 4xGolden Boot winner. All this is more than worthy enough to book one of the inaugural spots in the Premier League Hall of Fame.
Dennis Bergkamp (2021)
There are few footballers that could produce the skills that Dennis Bergkamp produced. The Dutchman had a deft touch that could control the ball with ease before producing exquisite finishes that English football has never seen before. Spending 11 seasons in the Premier League with Arsenal, Bergkamp was always a regular scorer and being a part of some of the league’s greatest striking partnerships. Never shy of goals, Bergkamp scored 87 goals for Arsenal and was a part of each of their title victories. His best haul came in Arsenal’s 1997-98 title-winning season where he scored 16 goals in 28 games. Bergkamp’s impact is solidified by 4 Premier League Player of the Month awards and two Goal of the Season trophies. A true legend of the game.
Patrick Vieira (2022)
When it comes to commanding the midfield, there are few who did it better than Patrick Vieira. A true powerhouse off the ball, Vieira could carry play forward as make key passes whenever the opportunity arose. He could also dish out punishment too with his physical style making it difficult for opponents to gain any passing rhythm. What cemented Vieira’s legacy was taking over the armband from Tony Adams in 2002 and helping Arsenal secure their third league title as they went unbeaten throughout the 2003-04 season. Not only was Vieira nominated for no less than 6 Premier League Team of the Season awards, he was named Player of the Season in the 2000/01 campaign. A midfield dynamo that is still revered to this very day.
Ian Wright (2022)
One of the most colourful characters of the early Premier League years, there was no stopping Ian Wright when he was bursting through on goal. After joining The Gunners in 1991, Wright was a goal machine that never let any chance get away from him. During his Arsenal career, Wright never failed to notch up double figure goal tallies with a best tally of 23 goals on two separate occasions. His consistent scoring saw Wright even break Arsenal’s all-time goal record in 1997 – a feat that stood until Thierry Henry broke the record in 2005. With an exuberant personality to match, Wright remains a beloved figure at Arsenal and still champions The Gunners to this very day.
Tony Adams (2023)
When it comes to dedicated Arsenal players, very few match the dedication that Tony Adams gave to the club. The towering defender was the lynchpin in a fearsome backline that anchored The Gunners throughout the 1990s. What made Adams such an impressive figure was the timing in his tackles and ability in the air to clear crosses whenever they were cleared in. Adams also served as the long-time captain at the club for much of their early years overseeing the club’s first two title wins. Spending his entire career with the club and playing over 670 games for Arsenal, Adams is revered in North London having been named in their Team of the 20th Century and was one of the first inductees into the English Hall of Fame in 2004. A true Gunner if there ever was one.
Petr Cech (2023)
Despite only spending the latter part of his career with The Gunners, Petr Cech was still a beloved figure at The Emirates. Before that, Cech proved himself to be one of the all-time goalkeeping greats during his long stint with Chelsea. During his 11 year run at Stamford Bridge, Cech’ lightning-quick reactions and athletic abilities made him one of the best keepers in the world. It was why Cech not only won 4 titles with The Blues but was named Czech Footballer of the Year a record nine times. After moving to The Gunners in 2015, Cech won a record fourth Golden Glove award in 2016 showcasing his commitment no matter which side he played for. With such a rich list of accolades, it is not surprising to see why Petr Cech is considered one of the best keepers to ever play in English football.
