Arsenal fans complain, but what they’d give for these controversial stars!
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Arsenal are known for their strange and undying commitment to doing things ‘the right way’, but here’s a look at five of their biggest pantomime villains that they’d actually love to have in their ranks!
1) Diego Costa (Chelsea)
Heavily criticised for his antics in Chelsea’s recent win over Arsenal, there’s no doubt Diego Costa is the kind of player you love if he’s in your team, and hate if he’s not. Still, his mentality and fighting spirit is exactly the kind of thing this Gunners side has lacked for some time, something that wasn’t a problem when they had bigger characters like Patrick Vieira and Martin Keown in their more successful squads of the past.
2) Didier Drogba (Montreal Impact)
Another Chelsea great hated by Arsenal fans, Didier Drogba is similar to Costa in many ways in terms of his playing style, and also in his ability to get under the skin of opponents. Aside from everything else, the Ivorian legend is in some ways the complete opposite of everything Arsenal current embody – he comes alive in the big games and relishes winning at all costs.
3) Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
No longer at his best, but Wayne Rooney is another player who has done very well against Arsenal down the years, both for Everton and Manchester United. Some snobbish Arsenal fans will scoff about his ability, but there’s no question that at his peak the England captain was one of the best players in Europe, and would have fit in superbly alongside some of Arsene Wenger’s best players, adding a bit of bite and passion to boost.
4) John Terry (Chelsea)
Adored by Chelsea fans and loathed by almost everyone else, Arsenal fans have taken a particular dislike to John Terry in recent times. Still, he is much like former Gunners skipper Tony Adams in his ability, authority and leadership, not to mention an undying commitment to one club. Arsenal have never had a defence as good as that back four of old, and there must be some degree of envy when they see what a success Terry has been at Stamford Bridge.
5) Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City)
Arsenal fans have never forgiven Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross for his leg-breaking challenge on Aaron Ramsey – and fair enough. Still, it is hypocritical of Gooners to think they wouldn’t love a hard-man like him in their ranks. Of course rules have to be obeyed, but Arsenal have long been too soft and could do with a commanding player like Shawcross to send a message to their opponents!