There is no doubting that this weekend’s match against Chelsea is a huge game so early on in the season for Arsenal.
The champions of Europe currently top the Premier League after their opening five matches but are yet to really be tested after a fairly easy running.
It’s European action that has seen the Blues face their stiffest tests, being thrashed by Atletico Madrid 4-1 in the Super Cup, and then throwing away a two goal lead to draw 2-2 with Juventus at Stamford Bridge last week.
The Gunners however have travelled to battle Stoke City and Manchester City and have looked impressive so far.
This fixture usually throws up entertaining encounters and have played host to some spectacular strikes in the past. Here’s a look at five of the best goals that have been scored by Arsenal against their London rivals.
Kanu
23 October 1999
With the Gunners trailing 2-0 at the Bridge with just 15 minutes left to play, Arsenal’s Nigerian hitman decided to up his socks and single-handedly drag the visitors into the game.
After netting a brace, Kanu managed to find the top corner from an acute angle against the stranded Ed De Goey to complete the most remarkable of comebacks in a Premier League classic.
The winning strike makes our list.
Thierry Henry
8 March 2003
With the scores level in an FA Cup clash at Highbury, Thierry Henry took it upon himself to produce some of his genius magic to put Arsenal back in front.
After staying onside, Henry brought down a long to perfection before twisting past an onrushing Carlo Cudicini and prodding the ball into the back of the net.
The game finish all square, but that moment will be remembered for a long time to come.
Jose Antonio Reyes
15 February 2004
This day truly belong to the Spaniard on his FA Cup debut.
Having been at Arsenal for less than a month, Jose Antonio Reyes found the back of the net twice to give the Gunners a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in another FA Cup meeting.
His first goal for the club was a scintillating strike from outside the box to level the score, before he went on to add a second and give Arsenal the win.
Ray Parlour
4 May 2002
Who can forget one of Ray Parlour’s finest and most significant strikes during his Arsenal career.
With 20 minutes to go in the FA Cup final at the Millennium Stadium, the Romford Pele brought the ball forward before curling a belter into the top corner to send the Arsenal end of the ground into delirium.
The Gunners went on to win the game before adding the Premier League title just a few days later.
Nigel Winterburn
21 September 1997
With the game heading towards a draw, Nigel Winterburn left it until the 89th minute before popping up from his left-back position to bang in a stunning winner.
The full-back was in shock afterwards before being mobbed by his teammates as Arsenal went on to win the Premier League and FA Cup double that year.
The strike was a Winterburn and an Arsenal classic.
Matt Cotton
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