Micah Richards has now revealed the one iconic Arsenal moment that stands out to him above all others in Premier League history.
One thing Dennis Bergkamp did in an Arsenal shirt wowed Micah Richards.
The Dutch forward produced numerous magic moments over the course of his eleven-year Arsenal career between 1995 and 2006. He made 423 appearances for the Gunners in total, across all competitions, and racked up 120 goals and 103 assists. He won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups, amongst numerous other honours in his time in north London.
The 54-year-old’s game was about far more than end product and silverware though. He captivated with his raw skill, technical ability, and graceful poise. He was a masterful passer of the ball and possessed a sublime first touch. The silkiness and class of his play saw Arsenal fans take him into their hearts. He is now a bona fide club legend, and has been immortalised in statue form outside the Emirates Stadium.
Did Dennis Bergkamp score the greatest ever Premier League goal?
There is one moment in particular that Bergkamp will always be remembered for beyond north London, though. His goal against Newcastle United in March 2002 was a thing of rare beauty.
In the first half at St James’ Park, Bergkamp received the ball from Patrick Vieira in his own half, before spreading the play out wide to Robert Pires on the left flank and making a dart up the pitch.
When the French winger played the ball back to Bergkamp he was on the edge of Magpies’ penalty area with his back to goal. Newcastle defender Nikos Dabizas was breathing down his neck when, with an exquisite first touch, the 79-cap Netherlands international flicked the ball behind him, beyond his marker, before spinning away and turning in the opposite direction.
Berkgamp went around the bemused Dabizas and got back on the ball. He was then able to hold off the scrambling Newcastle man and coolly slot the ball home beyond Shay Given.
It was this moment that Richards recalls so fondly. Reminiscing on The Rest is Football podcast, the former Manchester City full-back said, “remember his goal he scored against Newcastle, against Shay Given? Oh, it’s the best goal, I think, in the Premier League I’ve ever seen. I’m going that far.”
Declan Rice tipped to replicate Dennis Bergkamp impact at Arsenal
Bergkamp’s arrival at Highbury from Inter Milan, swiftly followed by the appointment of Arsene Wenger, ushered in a new era of success at Arsenal. Mikel Arteta is now trying to lead the club into another golden period. His signing of Declan Rice has been hailed as the most important piece of business Arsenal have done since the capture of Bergkamp.
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