Remembering “Rocky”. Who is the best PL striker to date?

Morning all.

31st March, a day of remembrance for all Arsenal fans old enough and privileged to have seen David ‘Rocky’ Rocastle in the red and white of Arsenal. It’s hard to believe twenty years have passed since he lost his battle with Cancer. Rocky might be gone, but he’ll never be forgotten.

Yesterday, more Arsenal related sad news broke as Lucas Torreira’s mum passed away after suffering with Covid-19 and ATV’s Claude Callegari has died at the age of just 58 years old. Very sad time for family and friends left behind.

In other news, Thierry Henry has ditched social media because, as he said, “enough was enough” and he had to make a stand against racism on social media.

Too toxic to ignore and it was time to make a stand. Things I used to hear in the stadiums and the streets are coming more and more into social media, especially in my community, and the sport I love the most, football. I thought it was time to make a stand and time to make people realise it is not OK to get abused online, it’s not OK to be bullied or harassed online. The impact it can have on your mental health is second to none, we know people are committing suicides because of it. Enough is enough. We need actions. It is too easy to get an account and get away with it at times. – said Henry, speaking to the BBC’s Newsnight programme on Monday.

I know I’ve said it before but what is wrong with people? Keyboard warriors, that’s all they are but they need stopping. Social media websites need to do more. Any abuse online is not acceptable.

Talking of Thierry Henry though, there’s been a bit of a debate on the Internet which I’m sure you’ve all by now about who’s been the Premier League’s best striker. Three names popped up, Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry or Sergio Aguero. Firstly, I’m amazed Ian Wright’s name is not included and secondly, I think Thierry wins the debate but then I’m biased.

Aguero – 2011-2021. Played 271, scored 181 goals

Henry – 1999-2007. Played 254, scored 174 goals, 175 counting the loan spell.

Shearer – 1992-2006. Played 441, scored 126 goals.

Ian Wright – 1992. Played 213 including West Ham, scored 123 goals.

The Premier League has seen a vast number of strikers come and go since it was formed in 1992. Some of them have been outstanding and that list is very long. Drogba, Yorke, Cole, Bergkamp, Anelka, Hasselbaink, Suarez, Giroud, Sherringham, Owen, Torres, van Nistelrooy, Van Persie, Rooney, Le Tissier, the list is endless really. Some might not have scored as many goals as others but nevertheless, their goals were crucial for their club at the time. Look at Van Persie for Arsenal, spent eight years at Arsenal but it wasn’t until his final two seasons did he really hit full fitness and top form. His goals in those two seasons pretty much secured Arsenal’s place in the top four in the League. Then he buggered off to Man Utd and won the League! Before this season, Aubameyang’s goal to game ratio was up there with some of the best too but it’s funny, if someone asked me who Arsenal’s best strikers have been, he wouldn’t be one of the first names to pop into my head.

Anyway, just for a bit of fun, if you could pick one striker from Premier League history and put him into this current Arsenal team, who would he be?

See you in the comments.

 

 

 

 

26 thoughts on “Remembering “Rocky”. Who is the best PL striker to date?

  1. Cicero says:

    Good morning Rico.

    It’s good that we can remember with pleasure the likes of “Rocky” Rocastle, A player who brought joy to Arsenal fans and sadness when he left.

    We have the chance this evening to watch one of our old boys in action. Someone who left Wenger’s Arsenal under cloud (of cigarette smoke) for a mere £10,000 and has since become one of the best in the world in his position Szczesney will most likely be in goal for Poland in their match with England and another old boy could be on the bench, Fabianski the Poland number two ‘keeper.

    .

  2. Cicero says:

    Just had a call from the GP surgery, they have brought forward from the 12th April to the 7th both my wife’s and my second vaccination. 👍

    Anyone know where to get a Covid Passport? 😉

  3. potter says:

    Having problems with the site , one day get nothing and now not taking posts and then suddenly there they are.

  4. Wavy says:

    Morning all.

    Rocky may be gone but he’s definitely not forgotten. I still have some ‘pictures’ in my head. Notably against the scum when, almost singlehandedly he took their defence apart. Magic

    On another slightly sad note, the club have just released the news that Joe Montemurow is leaving Arsenal Ladies at the end of the season. A great shame. He has done really well, won stuff and produced an open, flowing style of play that is impressive on the pitch and easy on the eye. Good luck to him, wherever he hauls up. Back in Oz I expect. He will be missed😢

  5. ScottfromOz says:

    Morning all.
    7 years ago I was in North London.
    I was lucky enough to go on a pub crawl with Rockys sister and her mates that they do every year to remember the legend.
    What a memory.
    Hope all is well, fellow Housers.

  6. ScottfromOz says:

    Sure is Rico.
    Supporters love players like Rocky, and clubs would do well to remember that, I reckon.

  7. Joaquim Moreira says:

    A “gesture that looked good” was that, from now on, no player would wear David Rocastle’s jersey number anymore and assign a venue in the stadium to his name.

  8. Sue says:

    Nice post, Rico (lump in throat 🥺)

    Did you watch the U21s? What a roller coaster!! Couldn’t believe conceding in stoppage time and bowing out.. that’s Arsenalesque!!
    Thank god this break is almost over…

  9. Limey says:

    Nice one Rico.
    Best striker of the Premier league era – Thierry Henry for me,he was just in a different class to anyone else on the pitch.
    So the U21s are out,good for Arsenal though.
    I hear Smith Rowe is probably out for the Liverpool game.I wonder if Arteta might rest Odegaard or Saka too,Europa League has to be priority.
    Guendouzi scored for France U21s.

  10. Sue says:

    I’d like to think so, Rico.. considering the amount of talent in the squad they were so poor…

    No, is it any good? I’ve just finished ‘Your Honor’ 👍

  11. rico says:

    I think it’ll be time up Sue, England’s under 21’s should be one of the favourites with the talent we have.

    Unforgettable has been brilliant, every series.

    I’m watching Your Honour too, a bit behind though.

  12. Sue says:

    Will have to have a look at that then 😉 How many series are there?
    The last episode of Your Honor didn’t disappoint, Rico!
    Watching England now – only to see Szczesny 😜

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