Arsenal have produced a conveyor belt of talent from their academy over the years, some have gone on to be first-team stars whilst others have made a career elsewhere.
This season has seen the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly into the Arsenal first-team squad and both starred on recent international duty, fans questioned why Nwaneri wasn’t in Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Bukayo Saka and Jack Wilshere are also major players that have come through the Hale End system but academy players do not always make it on to the big stage with Arsenal.
There have been a number of successful careers away from the Emirates Stadium from players that were brought up in North London, one career in particular had an intriguing trajectory that Gunners fans will remember all too well.
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David Bentley’s career started at Arsenal
David Bentley is name that brings horrid vibes to the ears of Arsenal fans as one of their own could produce such an iconic moment against the Gunners for their arch enemies.
Bentley first made his Arsenal debut under Arsene Wenger in January 2003 during an FA Cup tie against Oxford United where Dennis Bergkamp was amongst the scorers in a 2-0 win.
The midfielder went on to make a further eight appearances for the club, including a famous match against Portsmouth in which the Invincible side managed to keep their record alive with a 1-1 draw.
Bentley won the Premier League in that 2003-04 season before being sold by Arsenal in 2006 to Blackburn following a successful loan spell.
It was at Blackburn where Bentley really made his name and after scoring 21 goals in 140 appearances, he caught the attention of another club from North London.
Bentley scored against Arsenal for Tottenham Hotspur
Bentley joined Tottenham Hotspur in July 2008 and went on to play 62 times for the club under the likes of Harry Redknapp.
He was even called up to several of Fabio Capello’s England squads and earned seven caps throughout his career on the right hand side of midfield.
Undoubtedly, his best moment for Spurs came in the North London Derby when Bentley, known for his excellent ball-striking ability, scored from around 40 yards out in a dramatic 4-4 draw.
Arsenal fans will never forget the hurt from that night, not only had one of their own scored against them for Spurs but the Gunners threw away a 4-2 lead going into stoppage time.
Bentley retired at 29 and is now a bar owner in Spain
A promising career was ended somewhat prematurely as Bentley played his last game of football at just 28 years of age and retired in 2013 after falling out of love with the game.
As per the Daily star, he is now a bar owner in Spain and helps to run the Sala Group, which has bars and restaurants in Spain and Gibraltar.
Bentley told the Athletic about his feelings on life after football, he stated: “I’ve learnt so many things being attached to businesses. With what I do now, every day is different. It really is exciting. Football; yes, it gives you comfort but in the end it became… it wasn’t exciting.”
The former Arsenal and Spurs midfielder has made an ever-lasting impact on the history of the rivalry between the two clubs.
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