Mason Greenwood was one of many Getafe players going wild as they snatched a surprise win over Girona to help boost Real Madrid's La Liga title bid.
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Getafe beat Girona in shock result
Greenwood and team-mates ecstatic
Result huge boost for Real's title hopes
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Greenwood played the full 90 minutes as his side ran out surprise winners in a fiercely contested league fixture on Saturday. Jesus Santiago got the only goal of the game in the 33rd minute as Getafe ground out a 1-0 victory. That moment was cause for celebration for the mid-table club, with Greenwood joining his team-mates in jumping for joy at Santiago's effort.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The result is a huge one for Greenwood and Getafe, but is also massive in the La Liga title race. Girona's second league defeat in three matches see the gap between them and leaders Real Madrid extend to a massive ten points with nine matches remaining. Carlo Ancelotti's side saw out a 4-2 victory over mid-table Osasuna earlier on Saturday, but were dealt a blow with Vinicius Junior sidelined until next month.
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For Greenwood, though, Saturday's performance shows why the likes of Real, but more prominently Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, are reportedly keen on signing him in the summer. Despite not getting a goal or assist the Manchester United loanee was a threat throughout, and came close to scoring an absolute scorcher.
تُقام في الساعات الأولى من صباح يوم الأحد مباراة تحديد المركز الثالث في بطولة كوبا أمريكا، التي تستضيفها الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية في الوقت الحالي.
ويستضيف ملعب “بنك أوف أمريكا” مباراة منتخبي أوروجواي وكندا، لتحديد صاحب المركز الثالث في البطولة القارية.
كان منتخب أوروجواي قد خسر في نصف النهائي أمام كولومبيا بهدف دون رد، في حين خسرت كندا أمام الأرجنتين بهدفين دون رد.
وتُقام مباراة نهائي كوبا أمريكا بين منتخبي الأرجنتين وكولومبيا، فجر يوم الإثنين القادم. موعد مباراة أوروجواي وكندا اليوم في كوبا أمريكا 2024
تنطلق المباراة فجر يوم الأحد، 14 يوليو، في تمام الساعة الثالثة بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية. القنوات الناقلة لمباراة أوروجواي وكندا اليوم في كوبا أمريكا 2024
تعرف على القنوات الناقلة المجانية لبطولة كوبا أمريكا 2024
ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.
Bangladesh surprised even themselves by beating world champions West Indies in the recently concluded T20I series, according to the new coach Steve Rhodes. Though he praised the team’s comeback in Florida, where they won both matches after going down 1-0 in Basseterre, he also warned against complacency going into next month’s Asia Cup.
Shakib to undergo surgery
Shakib Al Hasan is likely to undergo a surgery on his left hand later this month. He sustained the injury during a 50-over final against Sri Lanka in January this year and only returned to action in the latter part of the Nidahas Trophy in March. Shakib continued to play with pain in the little finger of his left hand, using injections to get by. But now he has decided to have a surgery in order to recover in time for the Asia Cup in mid-September. “I have to undergo a surgery, so the discussion now is from where to get it done,” Shakib said. “I want it to happen as soon as possible. It will most probably be before the Asia Cup.”
Bangladesh arrived in Dhaka on Thursday morning after winning both the ODI and T20I series by margins of 2-1. It followed an ordinary showing in the Test series where they lost both games inside six days.”The Test series was tough,” Rhodes said. “We took a bit of a beating. But I am very proud of the way the boys came back strongly. Winning the one-dayers was something that we fancied. It was great to have achieved that. The T20s came as a bit of a surprise. We really did play well in the second and the third game. I am delighted that we have two series trophies. It was a great effort. I am very pleased for Liton [Das, who scored a match-winning fifty]. He played magnificently in that final game.”I think it would give confidence to the squad. There’s nothing better than winning. We have already played pretty well in ODIs previously, so we are optimistic. We don’t want to get carried away, but certainly, we are very pleased. We could have won the ODIs 3-0.”Rhodes said he wanted the Bangladesh batsmen to adapt quicker when they go overseas, although he did add that conditions in the first Test in Antigua – where Bangladesh were bowled out for 43 on the first day – was far from suitable for batsmen. Shakib Al Hasan and Nurul Hasan were the only Bangladesh batsmen to score fifties in the Test series, with Bangladesh’s tally of 504 runs in four innings being their lowest-ever series aggregate.”Our batting was exposed a little bit in the Test matches,” Rhodes said. “I think we need to generally tidy up a little bit and try to improve our Test-match batting. But we have got quality players. We just need to adapt to conditions and opposition a little bit quicker in away Tests.”I think in the first Test, the toss was crucial. The wicket seamed, bounced and swung. The West Indies attack – [Kemar] Roach, [Shannon] Gabriel and [Miguel] Cummins – with the Dukes cricket ball were very useful. Most batting [line-ups] would have struggled in Antigua.”Rhodes said that he will be on the lookout for taller and faster bowlers in Bangladesh, particularly for Test cricket, although he added he was quite happy with their performance with the white ball. Mashrafe Mortaza and Mustafizur Rahman did well in the limited-overs formats but they had to rely on the spinners in the Test series, despite conditions favouring seam bowling in Antigua. The rookie Abu Jayed’s seven wickets at 20.42 was the only bright spot.”I think both captains [Shakib and Mashrafe, respectively] in the ODIs and the T20s handled the bowling magnificently. We have some quality spin bowlers, and actually, the pace bowling [attack] proved to be more effective than the West Indies’. I am very happy.”For the Test matches, we have to try to find a couple of quicker and taller bowlers who can hit the wicket, which the West Indies bowlers did.”
No Clássico dos Milhões válido pelo Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-20, tudo igual entre Flamengo e Vasco. Na tarde desta segunda-feira, no estádio Nivaldo Pereira, o Rubro-Negro saiu na frente com gol olímpico de Max, mas viu o Cruz-Maltino chegar ao empate por 1 a 1, com gol de Caio Lopes no fim da partida.
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Após um início de jogo equilibrado com chances para ambas as equipes, o Flamengo abriu o placar aos 18 minutos do primeiro tempo. E com um golaço olímpico de Max. O meia canhoto cobrou escanteio com efeito e a bola passou por todo mundo até morrer no fundo das redes.Por outro lado, o principal destaque da etapa inicial foi João Fernando, goleiro rubro-negro, que salvou o Flamengo em duas grandes chances criadas pelo Vasco com Arthur e MT.
No entanto, um forte temporal e um episódio preocupante obrigou o árbitro a terminar o primeiro tempo de forma antecipada. Devido aos raios que caíam perto do estádio, um cinegrafista tomou um choque elétrico, precisou receber atendimento médico e foi retirado pela ambulância. Após um intervalo estendido, a chuva deu uma trégua e as equipes voltaram a campo.
Com a vantagem no placar, o Flamengo recuou e começou a apostar nas transições rápidas, mas desperdiçou grandes chances de matar a partida. O Cruz-Maltino aproveitou para crescer no jogo e pressionou o Flamengo pelo empate, que veio somente aos 44 minutos. Após defesa de João Fernando em chute de Artur, Caio Lopes aproveitou o rebote e concluiu para as redes.
Com o resultado, o Flamengo interrompeu a sequência de seis vitórias consecutivas no torneio. O Rubro-Negro chegou aos 21 pontos e desceu para a 6ª posição na tabela. Enquanto isso, o Vasco chegou aos 11 pontos e assumiu a 18ª colocação.
Pela próxima rodada da competição, o Rubro-Negro enfrenta a Chapecoense, no próximo domingo, na Gávea. Já o Cruz-Maltino tem pela frente o Internacional, fora de casa.
Glasgow Rangers went through a summer of change as former head coach Michael Beale was allowed to make widespread alterations to his playing squad.
The likes of Allan McGregor, Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, and Scott Arfield were allowed to leave on free transfers, whilst Antonio Colak and Glen Kamara, among others, were sold by the Scottish giants.
These exits allowed the English tactician to dip into the market to make nine new additions of his own to improve his side for the 2023/24 campaign.
Leon Balogun, Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers, Danilo, Jose Cifuentes, Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling, and Jack Butland all arrived on permanent deals, alongside a loan swoop for Brighton & Hove Albion forward Abdallah Sima.
Rangers striker Danilo.
Beale's recruitment did not provide him with the desired results to keep the board happy, though, as he was relieved of his duties last month and replaced by Belgian boss Philippe Clement.
However, not all of the ex-Gers assistant's moves in the transfer window were complete failures. One decision that already looks to have been a smart one is the sale of Colak to Italian side Parma, as the striker has struggled to find his form in front of goal this season.
Colak's goal record for Rangers
The Croatia international arrived at Ibrox from Greek giants PAOK in the summer of 2022 under Giovanni van Bronckhorst's management and had a mixed year in Scotland.
Colak hit the ground running for the Light Blues with a superb return of 14 goals and three assists in 24 competitive appearances for the Dutch head coach, which is a return of more than one goal every other game on average.
His form, however, dipped after Beale arrived during the break for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The experienced marksman only scored four goals and provided one assist in 15 matches under the English tactician's guidance.
He also failed to perform in Europe as his six Champions League appearances did not leave a positive impression. The lightweight lost a staggering 74% of his duels and failed to provide a single goal or assist in the competition, with two 'big chances' missed for the centre-forward.
Overall, though, Colak ended the 2022/23 campaign with an impressive record in the Scottish Premiership. He recorded 14 goals and one assist in 18 league starts for Rangers, although ten of those came within the first nine games of the term.
Livingston
Zero
Kilmarnock
One
St. Johnstone
One
Hibernian
Zero
Ross County
Two
Celtic
Zero
Dundee United
Two
Hearts
Two
St. Mirren
Two
This shows that the Croatian finisher came flying out of the blocks as a clinical and lethal goalscorer for the Gers but was unable to sustain it throughout the remainder of the season.
He struggled badly under Beale, as evidenced by his return of one goal every 3.75 outings, and his lack of form in front of goal made his sale earlier this year a reasonable one.
Colak's goal record for Parma
The Croatia international was ditched by Beale over the summer as Serie B side Parma swooped in to secure his services for a reported fee of £2.5m.
Rangers' then-boss hailed the number nine's class and how he handled the situation – referencing his decision to speak with the players and staff to say his goodbyes during pre-season with no bad feelings on either side.
It was, therefore, an amicable split that suited both parties. Colak was able to leave and find a new club after struggling during the second half of the 2022/23 campaign and the Light Blues were able to rake in a sizeable fee for a player who had been underperforming in the months leading up to the window.
Former Rangers striker Antonio Colak.
His woes have, unfortunately, continued in Italy as the 30-year-old dynamo has only scored three goals in 11 Serie B matches and has failed to establish himself as a regular starter for his side.
The ex-Rangers striker has only started three league games for the second division outfit and has struggled to deal with the physicality of the league, with a dismal duel success rate of 25%.
These statistics show that the former Malmo star has not offered a consistent attacking threat and has been bullied by opposition defenders, who have found it far too easy to get the better of him in physical contests.
His struggles throughout the 2023/24 campaign so far are emphasised by the fact that he has scored fewer goals than current Rangers striker Dessers, who has done little to impress since his move to Ibrox.
Dessers' goal record for Rangers
The Light Blues snapped up the Nigeria international from Italian side Cremonese for an initial fee of €5m (£4.3m), per journalist Fabrizio Romano, to bolster their attacking options.
However, the 28-year-old dud has not been able to provide a reliable presence at the top end of the pitch for the Scottish giants with his weak hold-up play and inconsistent finishing.
Dessers has scored three goals in ten Premiership outings and already missed a staggering ten 'big chances' in front of goal, which shows that he has not been able to make the most of the opportunities that his teammates have been providing him with.
Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers.
The right-footed flop has also lost a whopping 79% of his ground duels in the Scottish top-flight, with opposition players being able to comfortably dominate him on the deck.
His European exploits have also left a lot to be desired as the striker has failed to provide a goal or an assist in three Europa League outings, and has lost 81% of his duels.
However, Dessers did score in the Champions League qualifiers and managed one goal in the League Cup for Rangers earlier this season, which means that he has scored two more goals than Colak at club level during the 2023/24 campaign for their respective clubs.
Overall, Beale struck gold with the decision to sell the Croatia international for £2.5m during the summer transfer window as his woeful form in the second half of last season for Rangers and in the opening months of this term for Parma suggest that he would not have been a good option for Clement.
Colak has been outscored by Dessers and has not been able to start games on a regular basis in the second division of Italian football, which is why the Gers could look back on the fee they received for his services and be happy with their business.
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has revealed how he's been inspired by Muhammad Ali and is confident his team can win silverware.
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Onana inspired by boxing legend
Says strong mindset has helped him
Confident of success with Manchester United
WHAT HAPPENED?
Onana has endured a turbulent first season at Manchester United following his big-money move from Inter. The goalkeeper has come in for criticism after making some high-profile and costly errors for the Red Devils. However, the goalkeeper has improved since returning from a chaotic AFCON campaign with Cameroon and has spoken about how having a strong mindset, like his idol Ali, has been key.
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WHAT ONANA SAID
He told : "It's his mindset. It was not something easy. He had to pass through a lot of difficulties and he was only looking at the positive side, the positive parts. He was very positive and that is what I like.
"You know, no matter what happens in life, I've always said that it cannot rain forever, the sun will shine. And yet the sun will not shine forever, the rain will come. So just find a good balance, especially when you are a football player.
"When you have a bad day, a better day will come. It's not when you are having a bad day that you feel it will never change. It will change but it's not because you are having a good day that it will stay forever.
"Everything is temporary and you have to know how to manage that. When you are in a bad mood, take a positive. When you are in a good mood, take a positive. Just enjoy yourself and be happy, be with the people you love and always stay positive."
Onana also expressed his belief that United can go on and achieve tangible success: "I'm very happy to be here, like I said, I’m happy to be part of this family, a big group with great guys, young players, there’s some amazing ability here. It will come, you know. Principles, do your hard work, be positive and believe in yourself. It will come."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Onana has certainly taken time to settle into life at Old Trafford. The goalkeeper has said it took him "six to seven months" to feel good at Manchester United after his move. Yet it's been a difficult season for the whole club with United down in sixth place in the Premier League table, nine points behind Aston Villa in fourth. A shambolic European campaign also saw United dumped out of the Champions League after finishing bottom of their group.
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WHAT NEXT FOR ONANA & MAN Utd
Onana and Manchester United's only chance of silverware left this season is in the FA Cup. The Red Devils enjoyed a famous 4-3 win over rivals Liverpool last time out in the competition and will fancy their chances of making the final after being drawn against Championship side Coventry City in the semi-finals.
Glasgow Rangers continued their rapid improvement under Philippe Clement with an excellent 5-0 away victory in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday evening.
Dundee were put to the sword in what was the Gers’ biggest away victory in the league for over two years, with the 6-1 win against Motherwell on 31 October 2021 the last time the side scored five or more away from Ibrox.
It was a confident performance and one that should inspire confidence amongst the supporters, but there is still a long road ahead, and with a League Cup semi-final clash coming up this weekend against Hearts, Clement will be tested once again.
The Belgian has not been able to call on several members of his squad due to injury and this has impacted who he can pick for his starting XI at the current moment in time.
Nicolas Raskin is the latest player to join the treatment table after being stretchered off against Hearts last weekend and with Clement already missing Kemar Roofe and Tom Lawrence, there is still some more quality to come into the starting XI.
Glasgow Rangers managerPhilippe Clement.
The former Club Brugge manager could turn to the January transfer window, however, in order to add some much-needed squad depth to the side.
Rangers’ January transfer plans
Last week, the 49-year-old tactician discussed his plans for the coming months while speaking to the media, saying: "I am here to build the team and make them stronger – that is where my focus lies and not on any external noise.
“We need to work hard in the coming weeks and months to see what we need to do in January. With injuries, you need to find solutions but we had players who were able to step in and that is what I expect.”
Although previous manager Michael Beale spent a lot during the summer transfer window, these comments certainly suggest that Clement may be looking to add an extra body or two to the current squad.
A recent update has emerged from TEAMtalk regarding some transfer news, and it appears as though Rangers are keen on signing Jhon Arias, who plays for Brazilian side Fluminense.
The report claims that the Gers have been keeping tabs on the player, who can play across a multitude of positions, yet they are not the only admirers.
Fluminense forwardJhon Arias.
Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Burnley, and Leeds United have also checked Arias recently and his performances have evidently drawn plenty of interest from these clubs, and the Light Blues look set to face significant competition for his signature.
With the money on offer south of the border, it remains to be seen whether or not Clement will able to tempt the Colombian gem to Scotland with a promise of winning trophies and potentially playing in the Champions League, instead of a move to the Premier League.
Jhon Arias’ season in numbers
Throughout the 2023 season for his club, Arias has mainly operated on the right side of the midfield, either as a winger or dropping slightly deeper, yet he has produced some incredible numbers.
Across 53 matches for the Brazilian side, the 26-year-old has registered 22 goal contributions – nine goals and 13 assists – as Fluminense have reached the Copa Libertadores final against Boca Juniors which takes place on Saturday evening.
Indeed, during the continental competition, the winger is currently ranked third across the squad for goals and assists (five) along with ranking second for big chances created (three), first for key passes per game (2.3), and first for successful dribbles per game (3.3), showcasing his attacking talents on the biggest stage of them all.
His performances have powered his club to the final and another solid display against the Argentinian outfit could drive his price tag up further.
However, it remains to be seen how much the 5 foot 6 dynamo will cost and that may not be an issue that Rangers need to worry about until the January transfer window is close to opening for business.
Journalist Fernando Campos hailed Arias as "decisive" earlier this year, and said: “Jhon Arias has been one of the best players in the country since the beginning of last year and we don't talk about that much.”
The right side of the attack has been a weak point for the Gers this term and Clement has had to persist by using Scott Wright, and there is no doubt that the Colombian is a far better option than the former Aberdeen gem.
Scott Wright has an uncertain future at Rangers
It looked as though Wright was ready to depart Rangers during the summer, with a move to Turkish side Pendikspor all but sealed, yet nothing materialised, and he chose to stay and fight for his place.
Despite remaining, the winger has made just four starts all season while failing to score or grab an assist, and his attacking output has been disappointing, to say the least.
0
5
0
3
0.6
3
1
2
1.4
1.6
Indeed, since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, he has played 43 matches, yet managed to register just two assists, a woeful return, and this area of the team needs to vastly improve in the coming months.
Wright has not been able to produce quality shots or passes with regularity at the top end of the pitch and the Gers could now bring in a player with the ability to be a difference-maker.
Since the start of the 2022 campaign, Arias has played 114 matches across all competitions, scoring 25 goals and grabbing 30 assists, clearly indicating how impressive he has been going forwards.
If Clement is serious about challenging for silverware with the Light Blues and making progress in Europe, signing talented players such as Arias is the way to significantly bolster his squad.
The 26-year-old whiz has shone in South America over the previous few years, and it is clear his talent deserves to secure him a move to Europe sooner rather than later.
Players like Wright, who have underperformed since before Beale was brought in as manager, should not still be one of the main attacking options at the club, and it shows how far the Gers have regressed since winning the league in 2021.
Although they face stiff competition to sign the Colombian maestro in the coming months, Clement must act fast in order to convince him that his project at Rangers is interesting enough for him to move to Glasgow.
It would certainly signal a huge statement of intent if they pulled this move off, and it would further speed up Wright’s inevitable exit for the Glasgow side.
Arias' statistics suggest that the talented wizard has the ability to be a significant upgrade on the Scottish dud, if he can translate his form to Scottish football, and that is why the Gers must swoop for his services.
Jude Bellingham is loving life, with Lewis Dunk finding that out the hard way when being nutmegged by the Real Madrid star in England training.
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Midfielder starring in Spain this seasonKey part of the Three Lions' plansPreparing to face Brazil & BelgiumWHAT HAPPENED?
There is seemingly no stopping Bellingham right now, with the 20-year-old midfielder enjoying a stunning debut campaign at Santiago Bernabeu. He has already reached the 20-goal mark in 2023-24, despite missing games through injury and suspension, and boasts Kopa Trophy and Golden Ball awards in his ever-growing trophy collection.
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Bellingham has also become a key part of the Three Lions fold, with Gareth Southgate prepared to hand the hottest of prospects a leading role in international plans. England are currently readying themselves for pre-Euro 2024 friendly dates with Brazil and Belgium.
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During one session ahead of a meeting with the Selecao at Wembley, Bellingham casually rolled the ball through the legs of unsuspecting Brighton defender Dunk as a rondo routine suddenly got serious. As Dunk was left embarrassed, and the likes of Declan Rice put heads in hands, Bellingham raced off in a hilarious strutting celebration jog.
Manchester United haven’t exactly endured the best of starts to the 2023/24 campaign as Erik ten Hag has struggled to build on an impressive end to last season.
Having secured Champions League qualification with a third-place finish in the Premier League, United have proceeded to lose their opening two matches in the competition, while their domestic form hasn’t been much better.
Ten Hag has led his side to just four wins across eight league matches and if he thought things couldn’t get much worse, the Dutchman may be without one of his most consistent players due to a potential injury – Casemiro.
Is Casemiro injured?
The midfielder was part of the Brazil squad for their recent World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Uruguay, yet he had to come off towards the end of the 1-1 draw against the former due to suffering a sprained ankle.
According to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte however, the 31-year-old hasn’t trained with the national side ahead of the clash against the Uruguayans in the early hours of Wednesday morning and is a doubt for the game.
With Ten Hag already missing Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Lisandro Martinez to injury, it appears as though his problems are continuing to mount, and it remains to be seen whether Casemiro will be fit for the match against Sheffield United on Saturday evening.
Who could replace Casemiro at Man Utd?
If he is out for an extended period of time, the Dutchman has the ideal replacement in summer signing Sofyan Amrabat, who could impress in the heart of the midfield.
The Moroccan was a long-time transfer target for the Old Trafford side and joined on deadline day for a season-long loan deal which has an option to buy for £21.4m.
The midfielder has been deputising at left-back due to the injuries to Shaw and Tyrell Malacia and has performed well in a role which he is unfamiliar with.
Sofyan Amrabat
His performances in the league have been impressive from this unorthodox position, making one key pass per game while also averaging two tackles and recovering 4.7 balls per game, showcasing his strengths across different metrics.
With Casemiro potentially injured, however, Amrabat can slot into his most comfortable position – defensive midfield – to great effect in the coming weeks.
When compared to positional peers, the 27-year-old ranks in the top 11% for passes attempted per 90 (69.29), top 12% for pass completion percentage per 90 (88.1%) and the top 14% for progressive passes per 90 (7.12), indicating that he is among one of the finest on the continent for his passing ability and this will be integral in that deep-lying role if Ten Hag needed to deploy him in midfield.
Sofyan Amrabat
The £65k-per-week maestro also enjoyed a wonderful World Cup as he led Morocco to the semi-finals, becoming the first African nation to reach this stage in the history of the competition.
He had a major impact and journalist Carlo Garganese lauded him, saying: “Amrabat the best centre midfielder in the tournament. MONSTER.”
If he can replicate the sort of form he displayed in Qatar for United over the coming weeks, he will offer a steady presence in the heart of the pitch, becoming a perfect replacement for Casemiro in the process.
Arsenal boast a rich history littered with star-studded names, all of whom have contributed to their sustained stay at the apex of English football.
However, towards the back end of Arsene Wenger's stunning reign and as Unai Emery took his place, that position faltered.
The Spaniard endured a torrid period in charge, filled with media mockery and transfer missteps, resulting in his dismissal and returning them back to square one. David Moyes had proved just how difficult it could be to take the place of a departing legend, with the ongoing struggles felt at Manchester United still shrouding Old Trafford today.
So, that makes Mikel Arteta's efforts all the more impressive, having come in, acted with incision, and enjoyed a truly enthralling title battle last term with one of the greatest club sides in history.
They will be hoping to go one step further than their second-place finish this season, and are currently one of just two sides who remain unbeaten in the Premier League.
Looking back on their legends of the past, the Gunners will hope to inherit the spirit of their 2004 invincibles and emulate their unprecedented success. Although Thierry Henry stole the headlines for his offensive work, whilst Sol Campbell remained a rock at the back, it was Dennis Bergkamp who is remembered with similar fondness to the former, who is widely recognised as the club's and the division's greatest-ever player.
How good was Dennis Bergkamp?
Having joined from Inter Milan in 1995, there was much excitement surrounding his arrival, as an experienced international star with his best years ahead of him.
The Gunners had endured a slump in the mid-1990s, and were seeking to emerge from it with success. The fleet-footed genius was expected to be a spearhead to provoke such change, and upon Wenger's appointment, that vision was realised.
He was promoted to be their most influential player, with much of their attacking play surging through his magic feet. This saw him earn praise in 1998, claiming the PFA Player of the Year Award, before going on to win three English league titles alongside four FA Cups.
Nowadays, Bergkamp is widely regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation, with the bulk of his success actually earned in north London. Wenger has remained one of his biggest fans years on, having first noted in 2003: "Dennis has made an immense contribution to the club, not only as a great player but also as a great example and he's shown that again.
"I can't believe how quickly he has scored his 100 goals as all of his goals have been sensational."
Arsenal’s Dutch striker Dennis Bergkamp celebrates scoring againstBlackburn Rovers in the English premier league match at Ewood Park,Blackburn, January 30, 2002. NO INTERNET/ONLINE USAGE WITHOUT FAPLLICENCE. FOR DETAILS SEE FAPLWEB.COM REUTERS/Ian HodgsonIH/ASA
That latter notion is one absolutely supported by his fine repertoire of finishes, the pinnacle of which came against Newcastle United in 2002.
As Robert Pires fired a ball infield, slightly behind his magic teammate, the former Ajax superstar would take the deftest of touches around the onrushing Nikos Dabizas, pushing the ball left as he spun right. His grace would then turn into strength, fending off the desperate defender to finish coolly past Shay Given.
If one moment could sum up Bergkamp's Arsenal career, it would be that goal. Merely a footnote in his stunning spell at Highbury, he will forever be remembered as a legend by the Gunners faithful.
However, there was actually a moment during that lull at the end of Wenger's reign where they nearly captured a successor, and arguably an improvement on the magisterial maestro.
After all, for all the skill and elegance of the 79-cap gem, he cannot compare to the pure supreme efficiency of Karim Benzema – who was the subject of interest from those at the Emirates in 2015, with even a £48m bid having been mooted at the time.
Did Arsenal nearly sign Karim Benzema?
Wenger would be the man to admit their transfer failure, speaking to beIN SPORTS regarding their interest in the Frenchman, who went on to become a legend in his own right at Real Madrid.
With the former Lyon man having grown into one of the world's finest marksmen, the competition for a starting spot remained fierce with Gonzalo Higuain at the Bernabeu, which the legendary tactician had been made aware of.
Wenger would outline that in his interview when asked if he had tried to sign the forward: "Yes, because he was in competition with Higuain for a while. It was Higuain for three games, three games for Benzema. He played the game based on passing and connections, so he was an ideal player up front.
2022/23 (La Liga)
24
19
3
2021/22 (La Liga)
32
27
12
2020/21 (La Liga)
34
23
9
2019/20 (La Liga)
37
21
8
2018/19 (La Liga)
36
21
7
2017/18 (La Liga)
32
5
11
2016/17 (La Liga)
29
11
5
2015/16 (La Liga)
27
24
8
"He’s a striker who makes people around him better and sometimes you have strikers who score goals but they make players around them worse. He’s not one of them. If you put Benzema in the team, I would want to play with him."
As that link between the defence and attack, immediately the Bergkamp comparisons could emerge. However, the Dutchman could not compete with the goalscoring figures posted by the 97-cap finisher, who now plies his trade in Saudi Arabia.
How good is Karim Benzema?
Benzema's talent really needs no explaining, but to compare him with Bergkamp is to truly emphasise the true levels of his brilliance.
After all, merely sticking around at Real Madrid for 14 years is enough to outline his quality, as few boast such longevity at the pinnacle of football. The 35-year-old would feature 648 times for Los Blancos before his departure in the summer, having scored 354 goals and assisted a further 165.
Not only was he a mainstay across one of the club's most successful periods, leaving having won five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles among numerous other domestic honours, but he also stepped up in Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, going on to win the Ballon d'Or for his outstanding 2022 performances.
Journalist Zach Lowy would even outline his performances with Lyon during the start of his career as "the making of a legend", which was a notion certainly supported by these figures.
Meanwhile, for all his talents, Bergkamp would only manage 267 goals and 132 assists across his entire career, figures that Benzema surpassed for one club alone.
The 6 foot 1 marksman could have proved revolutionary for Wenger during a period where the title was there for the taking, and had he moved to the Emirates, perhaps they would have been the recipient of his golden years.
As such, they were forced to endure a quality of player that cannot lace Benzema's boots, with some of their finest-ever stars failing to come close to the levels of the current Al-Ittihad ace.