Nowadays, Arsenal’s side is full of the usual mixture of Spaniards, South Americans, and Englishmen but before the club used to be a stronghold for Irish talent
Although the Gunners do not have modern heroes such as Robbie Keane from Spurs in the ranks, they have some legends of the past. Judging by their recent run of form, manager Mikel Arteta would not hurt his squad by trying a few Irish players again.
Here is a list of the top five greatest Irish players to ever play in the Red side of London for Arsenal.
Niall Quinn
Quinn was not a legend at Arsenal, only just a bit-time player that later discovered his form and Manchester City and especially Sunderland. Spending seven years at the club starting in 1983, he only managed 67 appearances.
He never set Highbury alight but he did score 14 goals in his stay. Unfortunately he never qualified for a Premier League winners medal in the seasons where the club dominated England.
"I learned my trade at Arsenal, became a footballer at Manchester City, but Sunderland got under my skin. I love Sunderland."
25 years ago today, @reid6peter signed Niall Quinn. What a signing ❤ #SAFC pic.twitter.com/PaHsYyBTmG
— RokerRoarcom (@RokerRoarcom) August 15, 2021
Frank Stapleton
Now to a striker that the club wishes they could have back. Stapleton made 300 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 108 times. This good goalscoring record made him Arsenal’s top scorer for three seasons in a row.
He started at the Reds in 1974 and played there for seven years. His crowning moment was one of the FA Cup Final winning goals he scored in 1979. He later moved onto Manchester United for six more years.
Frank Stapleton in the iconic @Arsenal home kit worn for 13 years, from '69 to '82. The @umbro logo first appeared on the strip in 1978.#arsenal #football #podcasts #AFC pic.twitter.com/oyWhSupCQK
— shortswereshort (@shortswereshort) August 15, 2021
Pat Rice
The Belfast right-back started his playing career at Arsenal in 1967 and he would stay there for 13 years. He did it all for the club, winning FA Cups, English Leagues, playing in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
He also captained the team in 1977 for three years until moving to Watford. He would later return to Arsenal in a managerial role at the youth level before becoming the right-hand man to Arsene Wenger.
He was their assistant manager throughout their greatest years from 1996 until 2012.
7️⃣0️⃣ today!
Wishing a very special birthday to Arsenal legend Pat Rice ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iYZ61f4FJk
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 17, 2019
David O’Leary
A reliable defender by Jack Charlton’s standards, he never reached his potential with Ireland but does own credit to our greatest moment. The ball-playing center-back started at the club in 1975, becoming their record appearance maker over 18 years.
With 772 registered caps he is now ranked in the top 15 greatest Arsenal players of all time. Irish fans will still remember him better for slotting the penalty against Romania in 1990.
MEMORIES | The 1990 World Cup penalty shoot-out v Romania ⚽️
"A nation holds it breath… YES!" 👌
On Jack's 85th Birthday, let's look back at one of his finest hours 🙌Tell us your memories below!#COYBIG | #HappyBirthdayJack pic.twitter.com/oGN734Z2PW
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) May 8, 2020
Liam Brady
The greatest of them all, Brady was a maestro in midfield for Ireland. He was a once-in-a-generation player that owned the Gunners’ pitch for seven years.
With his left foot, he could find any player on the pitch with dangerous accuracy. He was voted the PFA Player of the Year in 1979 showing he was the pivotal part of the club.
He moved on to great success with Juventus and is still regarded as probably Ireland’s greatest player ever.
#OTD Legendary Arsenal Midfielder Liam Brady joined Arsenal as an apprentice!#arsenal pic.twitter.com/rITffpxbdH
— Gooner nirav (@only1henry) June 11, 2020
