Every Arsenal player to wear the #9 shirt since 2000 – ranked

3. Jose Antonio Reyes

The late Reyes was dazzling to watch on his day and although the manifestation of his genius was often fleeting, his two-and-a-half-year spell at Highbury is remembered fondly.

He was adored in Seville as a youngster before the Gunners swooped midway through their Invincibles season to complete a then club-record £17m purchase. His wonderful goal against Chelsea in the FA Cup two months after joining signalled his arrival, and Reyes would go on to score his fair share of crucial goals during that unforgettable 2003/04 season.

Reyes’ contribution to that incredible campaign is overlooked, and it wasn’t until the following season that the masses began to recognise his talent. In August 2004, the Spaniard was named the Premier League’s Player of the Month.

Inconsistency, homesickness and a strained relationship with Thierry Henry compromised the rest of his time in north London, but he did play a role in the club reaching the 2006 Champions League final.

2. Alexandre Lacazette

Lacazette’s five-year spell as Arsenal’s #9 drew to a close earlier this summer as he returned to Lyon on a free transfer.

The Frenchman’s stint in north London was fairly productive, but there’s no denying that he underwhelmed. Laca was once the club’s record-signing and he did enjoy a couple of outstanding years for the Gunners. He was voted as Arsenal’s Player of the Season for the 2018/19 campaign, for example.

The striker made over 200 appearances for the club, but he never developed into the leading marksman Wenger signed him to be.

He was often outshone by his partner in crime, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and by the end of his spell with the club, Lacazette had evolved into an out-and-out creator – almost a decoy for the Gunners’ younger and more exuberant attacking talent.

1. Lukas Podolski

Podolski might not have been blessed with Reyes’ talent, nor did he rack up as many appearances as Lacazette, but no Arsenal #9 since Anelka left town has endeared themselves to the supporters quite like the German sharp-shooter. He was beloved by the fan base.

His record wasn’t too shabby, either. In 82 games for the club, Podolski scored 31 times and added 17 assists. In his debut season, the German notched a hugely impressive 21 Premier League goal contributions – four of which came against Liverpool and Spurs.

https://twitter.com/Ruth452/status/1310534860356743170

Injuries blighted the start to his 2013/14 campaign, a season in which he’ll most fondly be remembered for his antics at White Hart Lane after a Tomas Rosicky stunner had handed the Gunners all three points in the North London Derby.

And while his time at Arsenal slowly petered out following the arrival of Alexis Sanchez in 2014, Podolski’s superb debut season combined with the mutual adoration between player and fans means he surely has to be regarded as the most respectable wearer of Arsenal’s number nine shirt this century.