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The Gunners are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table, putting them in an excellent position to win their first title since 2004

So, here it is, then, the home stretch.

The international break is over and for Arsenal the cup competitions are done. Mikel Arteta’s side have nothing else in front of them other than their remainingPremierLeaguefixtures.

The Gunners are effectively 10 matches away from immortality.

It’s been 19 years since Arsenal were last crowned champions of England and they've not had a better chance to end that run over the past two decades.

After a quite remarkable 28 games, they are eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table going into this weekend’s game against Leeds United.

But now they are faced with arguably their toughest task to date: finishing off the job.

Some, like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Jesus and Jorginho, have been in this type of position before. But the majority haven’t, and nor has Arteta.

Whether that makes a difference remains to be seen, but so far Arsenal have shown little sign of feeling the pressure.

🏆 TOP STORY: Barcelona confirm Messi return talks

📣 HAVE YOUR SAY: Can Man City catch Arsenal?

🚨 MUST READ: How chasing Man City broke Liverpool

When they were beaten by City last month and kicked off top spot in the process, many expected them to fall away. It was assumed that City would just go on and cruise to the title like they always do.

But Arsenal won at Aston Villa the following weekend in dramatic fashion to return to the summit and have followed that up with a further five straight wins.

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  'The right level of competition and cooperation'

  “We have really good people and we have really good players,” Arteta said. "We have people and players who are curious all the time to improve, to learn, to be better. 

  "We have the right level of competition and cooperation because they really want to help each other, but they have to challenge each other as well to benefit the team and lift everyone to the standards we want.”

  Arsenal begin their final push on Saturday, against Leeds.

  With a trip to Anfield – a ground the Gunners haven’t tasted success at in the league since 2012 – looming large on the horizon the following weekend, three points are vital against Javi Gracia’s side.

  Thomas Partey is hoping to be fit, despite sitting out Ghana’s game with Angola on Monday, but William Saliba is out with a back problem which is causing growing concern.

  Jesus could be handed his first league start since November, however, and the Brazilian’s return to full fitness could be crucial over the next two months.

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  'We cannot control the outcome of other clubs'

  “I think it’s about what we do every single day,” Arteta said when asked the most important thing his side can do to maintain their advantage in the title race. “That’s what is going to decide our outcome. 

  “We cannot control the outcome of other clubs. What we can control is what we do every single day. How we behave, how we train, how we communicate, how our energy is.

  “Now, it has to be about enjoying the last part of the season with a real hunger to continue to do what we’ve done and, if possible, better.”

  The way Arsenal bounced back from the disappointment of losing against City says a lot about this young team.

  They could easily have folded after that defeat, especially as it came on the back of the loss at Everton and the controversial draw against Brentford.

  But instead they found a way to go again.

  The last-minute winner at Aston Villa, the Reiss Nelson goal against Bournemouth – whenever it has started to look like things might be slipping away, they have managed to pick themselves up off the floor and keep fighting.

  “The secret is probably the unity and togetherness that they have between them,” Arteta said. “They love to spend time with each other, they love to play with each other and they love to play in front of our people. 

  “They really have that sense of belonging to the club and that’s really powerful.”

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  The motivating factor

  Few would ever have expected Arsenal to be in this position when the season started back in August.

  The collapse at the end of the 2021-22 campaign, when they let a top-four spot slip away, was still fresh in everyone’s minds.

  But while many believed there would be a hangover from that disappointment, Arsenal’s squad instead used it as motivation.

  And, with the signings of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko adding proven winners to the changing room, the momentum has just continued to build from that opening-weekend win at Crystal Palace.

  “It’s something that has been part of the journey,” Arteta said of the painful end to last season. “I really liked what I saw the first day when we got back from holidays. People were hungry. 

  “The signings we made had a big impact on the team, they generated belief, they took the quality and leadership of the team to a different level. 

  “Then it was about trying to build that up every single day to a level where you start to believe you can be at the top and that you can sustain that level.”

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• The final sprint

  For Arsenal now, it’s about keeping their nerve; continuing to do the things that have got them into this position.

  They have some difficult games coming up, not least the trips to Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle.

  But they have faced those types of challenges already this season and more often than not, they have managed to come out on top.

  They have won at Chelsea, they have beaten Spurs home and away and they have overcome Liverpool and United at the Emirates.

  So, they don’t need to fear what is to come over the next 10 games; they need to relish it.

  Arteta’s side have led from almost the first kick of the season and now the finishing line is in sight.

  The final sprint is about to begin…

STV presenter Raman Bhardwaj has revealed Celtic are in discussions with Lowland League for their Colts side to play in their league next season.

The Lowdown: Celtic youngsters leaving in numbers

A number of Celtic youngsters have departed the club recently, including goalkeeper Liam Hughes, who left for Liverpool back in January and Cameron Harper, who joined New York Red Bulls in March.

Another Hoops shot-stopper in Vincent Angelini wants to quit Parkhead, and there have also been reports that winger Karamoko Dembele could seal an exit over the coming months.

However, news dropped by Bhardwaj may help the club keep hold of some of their prized assets in the long run.

The Latest: Raman Bhardwaj’s post

Bhardwaj shared the news late on Wednesday night of Celtic and rivals Rangers discussing with the Lowland Leagues to play in their league from next season on Twitter.

He added that if approved, it appears as if it would be for one season only for Celtic’s Colts outfit.

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The Verdict: Could be a huge boost to McKay

To us, should discussions go well and a move be agreed upon, it could be a huge boost in regards to new Celtic CEO Dominic McKay keeping hold of some of the club’s up and coming prospects in the long run.

It would allow Celtic’s academy players to be introduced to senior competition, should loan moves away to other first-team clubs not be available.

By giving the club’s youngsters to test themselves at senior level, not only may it help in their development, but it could also benefit the club when they look to keep hold of some in-demand starlets, something former chief Peter Lawwell often failed to do.

It could also help the Lowland League clubs in regards to finances. The appeal of playing Celtic and Rangers’ youth sides in competition could draw more supporters through the turnstiles, so it seems as if a deal may have a lot of perks for the Hoops.

In other news: 47 y/o drops Eddie Howe announcement claim, find out more here. 

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Sometimes all you want are classic, no nonsense black soccer cleats

Are you looking for a brand-new pair of soccer cleats? Whether you're going to grace the soccer field for the first time or are a regular player in your local team – having a good pair of soccer cleats makes all the difference. But style has also become increasingly important.

With players like Messi and Mbappe donning the latest colorway from big brands like adidas and Nike, it can be a feast for the eyes when trying to search for your next pair of cleats. From luminous color options to the simplicity of a pastel offering – there are so many options out there.

But, arguably, you just can't go wrong with a pair of black soccer cleats. It's classic and has been the go-to for so many soccer legends in the past. So, we've rounded up the best black cleats you can get on the market today, depending on what you want out of your game.

Click here to skip ahead to our round-up of the best black soccer cleats.

Our top three:

Best overall black soccer cleat: Nike Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite

Best budget black soccer cleats: adidas Goletto VIII

Best Firm Ground soccer cleats: adidas Copa Pure.1

FAQs:

What are the best soccer cleats?

There is no "best" type of soccer cleats – with so many ways to play the game these days, the best kind of footwear is all down to the player's individual needs.

That said, several brands have emerged over the past half-century as leaders in the industry – Nike, adidas, Umbro, and more. While there are many manufacturers to choose from, these headline names have built their brands into global success stories because they know how to deliver the goods.

What type of soccer cleats do I need?

The individual type of cleats will depend on what you hope to achieve with your game and where you will play. Soccer pitches can be split into roughly half-a-dozen different categories. Depending on which one you play on, you'll want to purchase a cleat that best enhances your performance on those particular surfaces.

What kind of surfaces are there for soccer cleats?

You can buy soccer cleats for five different surfaces – firm ground, soft ground, artificial grass, astroturf, and indoor courts – while in addition, you can purchase a sixth type, multi-ground, which covers varied combinations of the above. On tougher grass that's frozen in the winter? You'll want firm ground. On grass that's soaked in the rain overnight? Soft ground is your best bet. Five-a-side at the local sports hall? Indoor courts are the way to go.

• Shop: Best black soccer cleats

  Best overall black soccer cleats

  Nike Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite

  Nike$275.00 at Nike

  Want to deliver at the top of your game, with all-around control and command on and off the ball? Look no further than the Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite, a superior shoe that delivers on all facets of the game with intelligent construction and breathtaking mastery.

  To help you dominate on the pitch, Nike has included a Zoom Air unit that adds a gripping texture for a special touch. You can feel the explosive speed with Nike's speed cage inside the design. It's a light but durable material that locks the foot to the outsole for excellent lockdown without adding extra weight.

• Best budget black soccer cleats

  adidas Goletto VIII

  adidas$44.99 at Soccer.com

  You don't have to break the bank to buy yourself a pair of black soccer cleats, as these sleek, modern adidas Goletto cleats demonstrate. They include a complete lace closure for a snug fit, and the cushioned insole and padded ankle collar offer constant support and comfort.

  The cleats are finished off with stitched detailing, adidas' iconic three stripes in a glossy finish, and molded studs to provide excellent grip on firmer pitches.

• Best firm ground black soccer cleats

  adidas Copa Pure.1

  adidas$229.99 at Soccer.com

  The adidas Copa range is perfect for players who take more touches on the ball and are more creative. Think strikers and midfielders. The brand new Copa Pure.1 takes it back to the basics so that there's less fussing around with the cleats and more time enjoying soccer.

  They feature an elevated FUSIONSKIN upper, which is enhanced for a soft touch and a unique leather experience. The U-Throat collar constructions allow for ease of entry for all foot types and sizes, so you can rest assured that these are an option for everyone.

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• Best multi-ground black soccer cleats

  Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Academy

  Nike$74.99 at Soccer.com

  Channel your inner Rooney with the classic Nike Tiempo, a football boot that is straight to the point and worn by many iconic names in the sport. An all-black design with blue accented studs is completed with Tiempo text and an emblem on the back of the boot.

  The Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Academy is great for players who like playing the beautiful game, whatever the pitch surface. It's one of Nike's lightest Tiempo's to date and features a soft leather upper to give you the classic soccer look. A cushioned insole guarantees maximum comfort so you can concentrate on refining those essential skills.

Pep Guardiola has been handed a big boost at Manchester City this week, as despite concerns over Ilkay Gundogan’s wellbeing in midweek after he was on the end of a horror tackle, the German midfielder has confirmed on social media that he will be able for upcoming fixtures.

The former Borussia Dortmund man was one of City’s best performers in the 2-1 win against Paris Saint-Germain but there were serious fears that he would have to come off in the second half after Idrissa Gueye was shown a straight red card for his high challenge on Gundogan, which left him requiring treatment.

Whilst the 30-year-old finished the game, it would not have been surprising if he had carried on due to the adrenaline of the game only to realise afterwards that the injury was more serious than first thought.

However, after being asked by a concerned Man City fan on Twitter, Gundogan was quick to respond, reassuring fans that he is absolutely fine as he said: “All good. Thanks for all your messages”.

Therefore, it would not be a surprise to see him keep his place in Guardiola’s side for City’s important game against Crystal Palace at the weekend, where three points could seal the Premier League title depending on Manchester United’s result against Liverpool the following day.

The £36m-rated ace has been one of City’s top performers so far this season, averaging a 7.29 WhoScored rating for his performances in the Premier League, which is the fourth-best of any player in Guardiola’s squad.

His 12 top-flight goals also rank him as City’s top scorer in the league this season, so Guardiola will undoubtedly be relieved that the tackle from Gueye didn’t result in an injury and that the Germany midfielder should be available for the final few games of the season.

Hopefully he will be able to continue his impressive performances for City and help them potentially win the treble this season.

In other news… Forget Mahrez and KDB: “Exceptional” Man City beast ran the show against PSG

Mikel Arteta's side won 4-2 away at Brighton as they took full advantage of Manchester City dropping points to move further clear in the title race

Arsenal will end 2022 with a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League after a thrilling 4-2 win at Brighton. The Gunners were sensational at times at the Amex Stadium, with captain Martin Odeegard producing another sublime performance.

But Mikel Arteta's also made things difficult for themselves at times and had to endure some nervy moments at end as the home side fought back.

Arsenal got off to a dream start when Bukayo Saka netted after just 66 seconds, and Odegaard doubled the lead with his seventh league goal of the season before the interval.

Eddie Nketiah then added a third soon after the restart, before Kaoru Mitoma pulled a goal back for the hosts.

Gabriel Martinelli finished off a quite majestic Odegaard pass to restore Arsenal's three-goal advantage, only for Evan Ferguson to take advantage of a William Saliba error to make it 4-2.

Mitoma then seemed to have set up a grandstand finish when he slotted past Aaron Ramsdale with just three minutes remaining, but the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside – much to the relief of Mikel Arteta and the travelling Arsenal fans.

The win sees the Gunners stretch their lead over Manchester City to seven points following the defending champions' surprise home draw with Everton earlier on Saturday.

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  The Winners

  Martin Odegaard

  The Arsenal captain's drag back and nutmeg on Lewis Dunk was worth the entrance fee alone, as was his outrageous pass to send Gabriel Martinelli away for Arsenal's fourth goal. Odegaard is enjoying a superb run of form and backed up his excellent performance against West Ham on Boxing Day with another superb display here. The playmaker pulled the strings for Arsenal all evening and linked up especially well with Martinelli and Oleksandr Zinchenko down the left. His bit of skill to take Dunk out of the game and set up a chance for Martinelli was breathtaking and summed up his level of performance right now. Odegaard's goal, which made it 2-0 just before half-time, was his seventh in the league this season. No Arsenal player has scored more. He also now has nine goal involvements in his last eight games. The Norway international may not be the type of captain who screams and shouts, but he certainly leads by example with his performance on the pitch.

  Thomas Partey

  Bukayo Saka may have scored the goal after 66 seconds, but it was Thomas Partey who played the key role. Brighton had looked likely to launch a threatening counter-attack when Tariq Lamptey nicked the ball away from Odegaard. But, before the Brighton full-back could get fully into his stride, Partey slid in and robbed him of possession to start the move that led to Saka opening the scoring. It was Partey at his very best and a very similar piece of play to the tackle he produced on Declan Rice in the build-up to Saka's equaliser against West Ham on Boxing Day. Partey is so essential to this Arsenal team and that has been highlighted perfectly in their two fixtures over the festive period.

  Arsenal fans everywhere

  What a way to end 2022. There is still a long way to go this season, but Arsenal fans around the world must be pinching themselves right now. The Gunners start the new year seven points clear at the top of the Premier League and are playing the type of football every fan wants to see their team play. It's been a long time coming, but Arsenal have a team their supporters can be proud of, whatever happens between now and the end of the season.

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  The Losers

  Pep Guardiola

  This was not the end to 2022 that Pep Guardiola would have been hoping for. After Manchester City's win at Leeds, Guardiola would have been desperate to see his side cruise past Everton to close the gap on Arsenal to just two points at the top of the table ahead of the Gunners' game at the Amex. But instead, City stumbled to a 1-1 draw and handed the initiative back to Mikel Arteta's side, who took full advantage to take a seven point lead into 2023.

  William Saliba

  Saliba will be really disappointed with his part in Evan Ferguson's goal, which made it 4-2. He misjudged a relatively simple ball over the top, just as he did against West Ham on Boxing Day, and was punished when Ferguson got in front of him and rolled a finish under Aaron Ramsdale. Saliba has barely put a foot wrong this season but he certainly appears to have returned from the World Cup a bit rusty, which is perhaps understandable given his lack of game time with France. Arteta showed a lot of faith in the young centre-back when he put him straight back into the side following his return from Qatar and he will be hoping the 21-year-old will get back to his best quickly.

  Tottenham fans

  Not much to say about this really. Just look at the league table. Happy New Year!

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  Arsenal Ratings: Defence

  Aaron Ramsdale (7/10):

  Made a couple of sharp saves. Good performance in tricky conditions, although could have maybe done better with Brighton's second goal.

  Ben White (7/10):

  Arsenal looked far worse after he had been substituted.

  William Saliba (6/10):

  Poor for Brighton's second goal. Looks off the pace after the World Cup.

  Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

  Dealt with some dangerous situations well. Unlucky to be booked.

  Oleksandr Zinchenko (7/10):

  Linked up well with Martinelli going forward, but left some space behind him which Brighton took advantage of.

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  Midfield

  Thomas Partey (8/10):

  Just gets better and better this season. Excellent.

  Granit Xhaka (7/10):

  Linked up well with Odegaard and Martinelli.

  Martin Odegaard (8/10):

  On target again and lit up the game was some outrageous skill. Fabulous pass for Martinelli's goal.

It was a weekend of rivalries as Arsenal hosted Spurs while Chelsea got one over Manchester City in a fixture that's often decided titles.

What better way to kick off a weekend of Women's Super League action than with a record-breaking attendance at the north London derby.

Arsenal defeated Tottenham in front of more than 47,000 people at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon, with the hosts' 4-0 victory setting the tone for a thrilling set of fixtures that saw a number of other rivals go head to head.

Indeed, there were goals and talking points aplenty as Anfield was stunned in the Merseyside derby and Chelsea bounced back from a loss to newly-promoted Liverpool with a win over old foes Manchester City.

So, who were this week's winners and losers? GOAL takes a look below…

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  Winner: Maya Le Tissier

  Could this week be the week that Maya Le Tissier gets her first senior England call-up?

  On Tuesday, Sarina Wiegman will announce her Lionesses squad – to take on the U.S. women's national team and Czech Republic in October – but even if the Manchester United defender isn't in it, it won't be long until she is.

  After signing from Brighton this past summer, the 20-year-old, who ranked at No.7 in GOAL's 2021 NXGN list, has started life in the north west in sublime form.

  On Sunday, she was part of a United team that kept another clean sheet, but it's not just her defending that has stood out. After two rounds, nobody in the league has completed more passes than Le Tissier, who racked up a fine assist for Lucia Garcia in the weekend's 2-0 win at West Ham.

  She's composed, excellent on the ball and wise beyond her years already – and time is well on her side.

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  Loser: Steph Houghton

  Steph Houghton had a tough summer.

  The long-time England captain wasn't included in Wiegman's squad for the Euros that would end in the Lionesses' first ever major tournament triumph, with her "just not ready to compete" in the coach's eyes after being sidelined with an Achilles injury from January until the end of the season.

  Now, she faces a real battle to get back into the national team picture. With Wiegman in the stands as City visited Chelsea, it was a great opportunity for Houghton to show what she could do. However, while City played a lot better this time out compared to last week's defeat to Aston Villa, they still suffered a 2-0 defeat.

  Houghton didn't play badly overall, but there were two moments in particular from the defender that were hard to ignore: an under-hit back-pass that led to a great chance for Sam Kerr, and poor defending for the Blues' first goal.

  There is a lot of football for the 34-year-old to play before next summer's World Cup and a lot of chances for her to show her quality – quality that made her one of the league's best centre-backs the season before that injury lay-off.

  However, with players like Le Tissier also knocking on the door for England, getting back into that squad is going to become an increasingly tricky task.

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  Winner: Caitlin Foord

  Caitlin Foord is a player who does not get her dues.

  On Saturday, Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall picked the Australian to lead the line of his attack in the north London derby and she was absolutely superb – arguably the best player on the pitch.

  Her movement both in and out of possession is intelligent, her technical ability is wonderful and her creativity comes in such great variety, too.

  Foord has two assists in two games so far in this WSL season and had a huge impact off the bench in the draw with Ajax in last week's Champions League game, as Arsenal turned things around after a poor start.

  Any team will always be better with a player like her in it – and that was certainly showcased on Saturday.

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  Loser: Kelly Chambers

  It's two defeats in two weeks for Kelly Chambers' Reading, the only team in the WSL not connected to a Premier League club, and the coach had plenty of reasons to feel aggrieved about their latest loss.

  Deanna Cooper headed the Royals in front against Brighton, but the assistant raised her flag for offside despite the goal-scorer being several yards on.

  Given Chambers had also been frustrated with the officiating in the opening-weekend loss to United, so it was hardly surprising that she didn't hold back in her post-match interview.

  “We’re disappointed to not come away with anything today as I think the referees have cost us the game," Chambers said after the 2-0 defeat to Brighton. "If this is not addressed, it’s going to start costing managers jobs."

  Sadly, just two weeks into the season, officiating is under the microscope again in a league where referees are not full-time and there is no VAR.

While many professional footballers can use both feet, most players are naturally right-footed, meaning left-footers are a notable minority

Just as southpaws can be seen as tricky opponents to orthodox fighters in boxing, the fact that the majority of footballers are right-footed means that left-footed players can sometimes enjoy an advantage.

Interestingly, some of the greatest footballers of all time have been left-footed, or at least predominantly so, in addition, of course, to being supremely talented.

Goal takes a look at some of the best left-footed footballers in history.

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  Gareth Bale

  While his star has dimmed somewhat, Gareth Bale was undoubtedly one of the best left-footed players in the game. The Welshman exploded onto the scene as a marauding full-back-cum-left-winger at Tottenham before maturing into a star forward at Real Madrid, where he helped the club win four Champions Leagues.

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  Roberto Carlos

  Widely regarded as one of the best Brazilian defenders of all time, Roberto Carlos was a flying full-back with an extremely powerful left foot, which he used to his advantage for his national team and Real Madrid. Carlos had a ferocious free kick in his locker, which usually involved a long run-up and a strike with the outside of his fearsome left boot.

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  Ryan Giggs

  Ryan Giggs burst onto the scene for Manchester United as a fleet-footed left winger, whose dribbling ability routinely turned defenders inside out. The 'Welsh Wizard', as he was sometimes known, was a mainstay on the left flank for Sir Alex Ferguson's all-conquering Red Devils teams before adapting to a more central role as he got older.

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  Gheorghe Hagi

  Gheorghe Hagi, the greatest Romanian player of all time, was a left-footer and his prowess was such that he routinely drew comparisons to Diego Maradona. A squat playmaker, Hagi lined out for both Real Madrid and Barcelona during his career, having burst through as a stylish number 10 at Steaua Bucharest.

With 2020 approaching, Goal has decided to pick out the best players to have graced the league over the past 10 years

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  GK: Nick Rimando

  There may have been more talented goalkeepers to grace MLS over the past 10 years, but there have been none as consistent as Nick Rimando.

  On the heels of an MVP campaign, the Real Salt Lake legend kickstarted the decade with a historic 2010 season that saw him set the record for fewest goals conceded in a single campaign.

  Rimando made six All-Star teams this decade while saving a league-record 22 penalty kicks throughout his career, proving a consistently dominant keeper in a league where the position always seems to be in flux.

  As he steps away from the game, Rimando's stats speak volumes, leaving him with a legacy that sees him exit as unquestionably the most accomplished goalkeeper to ever play in the league.

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• Winslow Townson
  

  CB: Matt Besler

  For virtually the entire decade, Sporting Kansas City counted themselves among the league's top teams, contending year after year atop the standings.

  Matt Besler was a focal point for the entirety of that run, as he came to represent a team and a system that somehow achieved the same results despite the shifts around them.

  Originally drafted in 2009, Besler immediately became a fixture in the Sporting KC backline, and nothing has changed in the decade since. He has shattered several club records during that time, as he leads all players in games played, games started and minutes played both in MLS and in all competitions.

  The Sporting KC captain drew overseas interest after featuring at the 2014 World Cup, but he and teammate Graham Zusi committed their future to the team, where they have remained mainstays ever since.

  With an MLS Cup and three U.S. Open Cups to his name, Besler's team success rivals any in MLS, and his 2012 Defender of the Year and four All-Star appearances illustrate his success at an individual level as well.

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  CB: Chad Marshall

  If one were to make a team for the previous decade, Chad Marshall's name might just end up on the list, and the fact that his name is among the headliners on this one as well should tell you all you need to know about the defender's career.

  After becoming a fixture for the Columbus Crew in 2004 and captaining the side through the early half of the decade, Marshall became an integral part of the Sounders' surge to the postseason year after year once he was traded to Seattle.

  A three-time Defender of the Year, Marshall helped the Sounders claim a Supporters' Shield, a U.S. Open Cup and, ultimately, a highly-coveted MLS Cup in 2016 while forming the backbone for a team that was a contender from day one. He was often overshadowed as he never broke through on the international stage, but there are few defenders in MLS history as reliable as Marshall.

  Clint Dempsey and Ozzie Alonso's departures felt like a changing of the guard for the Sounders, but Marshall's retirement this past summer was truly the end of an era.

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  CB: Omar Gonzalez

  It's easy to forget just how good Omar Gonzalez was during his time with the LA Galaxy.

  The defender spent several years out of the American soccer spotlight after moving to Liga MX in 2016, and his resurfacing during the ill-fated 2018 World Cup qualifying disaster left many with a bad taste. Still, make no mistake, Gonzalez is one of the best defenders MLS has ever seen.

  The former Galaxy star won MLS Defender of the Year in 2011 and finished top three in the voting in 2013 and 2014. He helped anchor the Galaxy defense en route to MLS Cups in 2011, 2012 and 2014, proving a mainstay in one of the most dominant periods the league has ever seen. Gonzalez was ultimately the first defender to earn a Designated Player deal, and he was worth every penny.

  He was often overlooked and overshadowed by his illustrious big-name teammates, but Gonzalez was as vital to the Galaxy's early-decade dynasty as any of them. 

Who have been the Frenchman's best servants during an iconic 22-year reign in north London?

• Goal
  

  1How they line up

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  2Dennis Bergkamp

  A masterful technician who could make the game look easy at times. Bergkamp was never renowned for his goalscoring prowess but still managed over 100 goals during his time at Arsenal. Although he wasn't a Wenger signing it was Bergkamp who led the line for a new, entertaining Arsenal side under the Frenchman. Another player who has his own statue outside Arsenal's stadium.

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  3Thierry Henry

  Arsenal's greatest ever goalscorer. Three FA Cups, two Premier League titles and an Invincible season were part of Henry's honours list. The French striker had a blend of pace, skill and technique which was unrivalled in the Premier League. He even has his own statue outside Emirates Stadium.

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  4Robert Pires

  Pure class. Possessed a perfect touch, precise shot and elegant running style which made it look as if he was gliding across the floor. Pires epitomises those who say 'he's a Wenger player'.

After he’d broken onto the scene at Leeds, there would have been a sense of sadness at seeing Jack Clarke move on so soon after showcasing what he could do.

The winger made the step-up to the Premier League with Tottenham back in the summer of 2019, before being sent back on loan to Elland Road for the entire season.

The £9m arrival was once dubbed a “huge talent” by former Leeds assistant Carlos Corberan whilst Marcelo Bielsa hailed him as someone who has “the capacity to create a difference”.

There’s no doubting that he looked a real prospect when he first burst onto the scene, with Noel Whelan waxing-lyrical about him back in 2019, saying:

“He has got a great ability to glide past players. I don’t think I’ve seen a winger really as talented as that, where it looks effortless, just to take somebody on and he really does get you on the edge of your seat, he’s one of those exciting players.”

In fact, after watching the then 18-year-old shine in an impressive 2-0 win against Derby County in the Championship, Gary Lineker took to Twitter to rave about the teenager.

He said: “Not the first Clarke to strut his stuff at Elland Road, but Jack Clarke looks a player. Another talented young English footballer born in 2000.”

But, things just haven’t quite worked out for him since his move to Tottenham, with just three first-team appearances to his name for the Lilywhites.

Clarke has spent most of his time in the past couple of years out on loan at the likes of QPR and Stoke, and it’s been no surprise that according to Transfermarkt, his value is now at a measly £4.5m – exactly half what Spurs paid.

That’s a real indication of just how much of a step backwards his career has taken since Spurs signed him, and exactly why Victor Orta and co made a genius call in allowing him to leave in 2019.

It now seems like Orta  cashed out at the perfect time, getting good money for a young talent who had played just a small handful of first-team games for Leeds.

Meanwhile, Victor Orta pulled off an absolute masterclass for Leeds with this signing…