Arsenal always score fabulous goals, and 2012 was no different.
Whether carrying huge significance, or just sheer brilliance, the Gunners netted a ton of wonderful strikes in 2012 of many differing varieties.
Here is a compilation of WTTGT’s top ten Arsenal goals of the year.
10 – Yossi Benayoun vs. Norwich City
Yossi Benayoun may have only been at Arsenal for one season, but his effort, determination and skill was enough to win over many who had doubted his ability.
The Israeli scored some important goals over the course of the season, but his finest effort came in the form of this bending shot against Norwich City in the Gunners’ last home game of the 2011-12 campaign.
9 – Olivier Giroud vs. Coventry City
Billed with the task of becoming the ‘new Robin van Persie’, many were keen to slate Olivier Giroud at any given opportunity.
He had to wait a while for his first goal for the club, but Giroud showed his class with his delicious chip against Coventry City in the Capital One Cup back in September.
8 – Thierry Henry vs. Leeds United
No words need to be written about this. Textbook Thierry Henry. Legend.
7 – Lukas Podolski vs. Southampton
Whether Arsenal fans knew too much about Lukas Podolski before he came to the club is diverse. One clear thing that everyone knew about the German was that he has a lethal left foot, and he demonstrated that talent with a wonderful free kick against Southampton in September.
6 – Mikel Arteta vs. Manchester City
Both teams needed a win in this match. Arsenal were still in the march to finish third, while Manchester City were desperate to stay in the title race.
After dominating the match, the Gunners got their deserved-winner just a few minutes from time, as star man Mikel Arteta won the ball in midfielder before thumping a shot into the bottom corner past Joe Hart.
5 – Mikel Arteta vs. Aston Villa
The Gunners were already leading 2-0 against a poor Aston Villa side and the points were as good as ours.
But after winning a free kick at least 30 yards out, Mikel Arteta stepped forward to smash the ball into the top corner for the third goal of the match.
An effort that was all down to his tiny feet, according to Mr. Wenger.
4 – Santi Cazorla vs. West Ham United
Santi Cazorla has not been in England long, but did not need much time to display his quality.
A moment that has summed up the Spaniard’s time at the club since arriving in the summer was his peach of a goal at West Ham United, sending everyone the wrong way, and bending his effort into the far corner with his “weaker” foot.
Oh Santi how we love you.
3 – Robin van Persie vs. Tottenham Hotspur
With Arsenal’s hopes of third place slipping away, they needed something special to get them back into the game against North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
So who better than the Gunners player of the season, Robin van Persie, to bring the ball down on the edge of the box, turn, and then curl a fizzing shot past Brad Friedel into the Spurs net for the equaliser.
2 – Theo Walcott (3rd) vs. Newcastle United
It may only have been scored the other day, but still for me this goal is right up there with the best of the Arsenal strikes this year. On a hattrick, late on in the game with Newcastle United, Walcott takes the ball from practically the touchline, weaves his way through a few players before chipping Tim Krul.
He could have gone down and earned a penalty in the process, but the England international got back to his feet before adding his third goal of the game, taking the match ball in the process.
1 – Lukas Podolski vs. Montpellier
With Arsenal leading just 1-0, they needed to add a second goal to make sure of the result in the Champions League against Montpellier.
Step forward Lukas Podolski, who played a one-two with Olivier Giroud before slamming a thunderbolt of an effort past the goalkeeper on the volley. Marvellous, and my Arsenal goal of 2012.
Do you agree? Leave a comment below, or tweet me your thoughts!
Matt Cotton
rvp – everton