Who is Arsenal’s best ever keeper?


Who is Arsenal’s best ever keeper?

By George Wilson
Arsenal have had some world class keepers over the years and that is something the fans are proud of.
But who is the greatest?
From innovating new methods, pulling off unbelievable saves and winning a great number of trophies - these five former No.1s have left a legacy at the club.

Jens Lehmann (2003-2008 and 2011)

The German shot stopper was between the sticks for Arsenal’s unbeaten Premier League season between 2003-04.
Based on that fact alone, Lehmann deserves a place on the list of Arsenal’s greatest keepers – furthermore he was a very solid keeper that was particularly good at organising his backline and making spectacular saves.
Mad Jens had his moments, and none were more high profile than in the Champions League final in 2006 when he was sent off for taking out Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o.
Unfortunately, the Gunners went on to lose that final 2-1 and Lehmann never fully recovered his true form and was shipped out to Stuttgart in 2008.
Nevertheless, Lehmann initially had the tough task of replacing another Arsenal great in David Seaman in 2003 and fully justified his position in the team.
His commanding displays and service to the club over six seasons make him an Arsenal legend.

Major Trophies: 1 Premier League, 1 FA Cup.

Pat Jennings (1977-1985)

Pat Jennings' inclusion on the list of all-time great Gunners shot stoppers is a touch controversial due to his thirteen seasons with local rivals Tottenham Hotspurs.
Spurs sold the player believing his best days were behind him. How wrong they were - Jennings played at Highbury for eight years putting in some of his best ever displays.
Jennings was unconventional and revolutionised the use of feet and other body parts to make saves.
But it was his calmness between the sticks which really differentiates the player - his self-assuredness would spread to his teammates and that was crucial in the big matches.
His best moment in an Arsenal jersey was the 1979 FA Cup final where he helped the club to a 3-2 victory over Manchester United.

Trophies: 1 FA Cup.

David Seaman (1990-2003)

People often overlook how good David Seaman was due to his calamitous mistake in the 2002 World Cup quarter final against Brazil as well as his iconic ponytail and moustache combination.
However, Seaman was a top goalkeeper and the backbone of Arsenal’s side for thirteen seasons making over 400 appearances for the club.
‘Safe Hands’ would make penalty saves look easy and that earned him the recognition as the best penalty keeper in the country.
But Seaman was an all-round goalkeeper that commanded authority and could pull off incredible acrobatic saves.
His most remarkable came In his 1000th career appearance, where Seaman clawed out Paul Peschisolido’s header from point blank range to secure Arsenal’s victory of Sheffield United in the semi-final of the 2003 FA Cup.

Trophies: 1 First Division Title and 2 Premier Leagues, 4 FA Cups, 1 League Cup, 1 European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Bob Wilson (1963-1974)

When Arsenal signed Wilson from Wolves in 1963 for £6,000, the player became the first amateur to demand a transfer fee.
Wilson is remembered for his bravery and for throwing himself into challenges without considering his own safety, but he was also an assured presence in goal when he needed to be.
The keeper’s greatest season was in 1970-71 when the Gunner’s won the FA Cup and league double as he was named the player of the year after being an ever-present figure in goal.
His contribution to Arsenal went beyond representing the club as a player, he was appointed goalkeeping coach after he hung up his boots and stayed for 28 years overseeing the development of Jennings and Seaman.

Trophies: 1 First Division Title, 1 FA Cup.

Jack Kelsey (1949-1963)

Kelsey began his career outside of football as a steelworker and that brawn was one of the reason’s Arsenal signed him in 1949 after being spotted playing for his local team in Wales.
The Welshman was famous for rushing out of his penalty area to prevent attacks and for his brilliant positional sense - which would often bail his team out of trouble.
But intelligence was his key attribute as well as his use of unusual techniques.
In a time before keeper’s gloves, he would rub chewing gum into his hands prior to matches to help the ball stick.
Though Kelsey never won a major trophy for the club, he left a legacy for his innovative methods and was the template for future Arsenal keepers to follow.

Trophies: None.

Special Mentions: John Lukic (1983-1990 and 1996-2001), James Ashcroft (1900-1908), Frank Moss (1931-1937), George Swindin (1936-1954)

Verdict: David Seaman

In terms of pure numbers then David Seaman must be considered Arsenal’s greatest keeper of all time.
The Englishman played more games and won more trophies than any of the club’s other greats.
HIs ability to make wonder saves makes up for his occasional lapses in concentration and for that ponytail.

Photo Credit: Getty Images


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