Arsenal: 10 best individual player seasons in the Premier League

There’s Only One Dennis Bergkamp – 1997/1998

Dutchman Dennis Bergkamp signed for Arsenal in June 1995 under then manager Bruce Rioch. It was a significant statement of intent from the club as Bergkamp came with an established pedigree having played for Ajax, Inter, and the Dutch national team.

Bergkamp’s Arsenal career got off to a slow start, but he found his form following the appointment of Arsene Wenger as manager in September 1996.

Arsenal completed the double in 1997/1998 with Bergkamp playing a major role.

The striker scored his first hat-trick for the Gunners in August 1997 at Leicester. His third goal that day was is worth taking a look at as it stands as one of the great Arsenal hat-tricks, with Bergkamp displaying incredible skill in controlling the ball and finesse. It is his personal favorite from his Arsenal career and was later voted the Goal of the Season.

In addition to his goals, Bergkamp created a solid partnership with strike partner Ian Wright and often played provider: his 12 assists in 97/98 were the second-most in the league that season.

Bergkamp suffered an injury in late April and was ruled out for the rest of the year, including the Gunners’ 2-0 FA Cup victory over Newcastle. Despite this setback he was the team’s top scorer with 16 league goals and 22 in all competitions. He also received numerous honors for his play that season. These included:

• Premier League Player of the Month – August and September 1997
• PFA Players’ Player of the Year
• FWA Footballer of the Year
• BBC Goal of the Season