arsenal

2021 has become a year for Arsenal fans to forget.After crashing out of the Europa League against Villarreal, the Gunners now face a season without European football, following a dismal Premier League campaign in which mid-table obscurity seems inevitable.

The last time this happened to the North London giants was in 1995, in a similarly poor season where they finished 12th in the Premier League and lost in the European Cup Winners’ Cup final to Real Zaragoza and THAT Nayim goal.
It was a different world back then, with British music ruling the airwaves, Pierce Brosnan’s first outing as James Bond, and Kate Moss proving to be the anti-thesis to the supermodels of the time.
1995 was also the start of a foreign revolution in the Premier League, with the likes of Dennis Bergkamp and Ruud Gullit arriving on our shores.
Arsenal’s flops crashed out of the Europa League and face a season without European footballCredit: Reuters
BRITPOP
In 1995, bands like Oasis, Pulp, Blur, Supergrass were regulars on Top of the Pops – and were the new pop, or as everyone unflattering called it ‘Britpop’.
That summer saw the biggest chart battle since The Beatles and The Rolling Stones fought it out for music supremacy, when Oasis and Blur released singles on the same week.
Blur’s Country House pipped Roll With It by Oasis to the No1 spot, but Oasis would have the last laugh.
Their album (What’s The Story?) Morning Glory, featuring mega-hits Wonderwall and Don’t Look Back in Anger, became the UK’s fifth best selling album of all-time and sold 22 million copies around the world.
Blur went head-to-head with Oasis in the biggest chart battle since The Beatles and The Rolling StonesCredit: PA:Press Association
Oasis became the biggest band in the world after releasing (What’s The Story?) Morning Glory in 1995Credit: PA:Press Association
THE NAME’S BOND
With James Bond movies now being thrust back into the spotlight thanks to Daniel Craig and a huge budget spent on stunts, it’s hard to imagine a time when the franchise was on the wane.
In the mid-90s, after some poor outings featuring Timothy Dalton failed to eclipse American action films of the same era, we were given a new Bond.
Smooth-talking Pierce Brosnan starred in GoldenEye, with soul icon Tina Turner singing a theme tune written by Bono and The Edge, and the baddie being Sean Bean.
It reignited fans belief that there was still life in 007 and had the fourth-highest worldwide gross of all films in 1995.
Hollywood provided us with some classics too, including animated classic Toy Story, the gruesome thriller Seven starring Brad Pitt and Braveheart.
While on TV, we were rolling on the floor laughing at Father Ted’s escapades on the fictional Craggy Island.
GoldenEye, starring Pierce Brosnan, gave the James Bond franchise a much-needed shot in the armCredit: Getty
Braveheart proved to be a box office hit in the cinemasCredit: Alamy
FOREIGN ARRIVALS
The Premier League was in full swing – with TV money aiding clubs in spending large sums on transfers.
Liverpool broke the British transfer record with the £8.5million signing of Stan Collymore from Nottingham Forest.
But in London, Arsenal and Chelsea went cosmopolitan as the foreign invasion begun.
Dennis Bergkamp and Ruud Gullit brought in new dawns at their respective clubs, and new fortunes too.
In fact, Bergkamp fired Arsenal back into Europe the following season.
Elsewhere in football, Ajax were European champions with a brilliant team that included the finest Dutch players of their generation, including Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davids, the De Boers, Marc Overmars and Patrick Kluivert.
The foreign invasion hit the Premier League with stars like Ruud Gullit signing for ChelseaCredit: PA:Press Association
Dennis Bergkamp arrived at Highbury and changed Arsenal’s fortunesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Ajax were European champions with a brilliant team including the De Boers and Nwankwo Kanu pictured holding the Champions League trophyCredit: PA:Empics Sport
SIMPSON VERDICT
The trial of the century, as it has been trivialised in documentary and TV shows, 1995 was the year O.J. Simpson was tried for the murders of ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, who were stabbed to death outside Brown’s LA home.
The trial lasted an incredible 11 months, before a verdict was finally delivered.
Ultimately, Simpson’s lawyer Johnnie Cochran was able to convince the jury that there was reasonable doubt over the validity of the blood-stained gloves found on the scene used as evidence against Simpson.
He alleged that a blood sample had been mishandled by lab scientists and technicians, as well as claimed systematic racism and incompetence on the part of the LAPD.
On October 3, 1995 O.J. was found not guilty on both counts of murder and walked free.
O.J. Simpson was found not guilty for the murder of ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman after a lengthy trialCredit: AP:Associated Press
A year before, Simpson was famously chased by cops in his Ford Bronco before giving himself upCredit: Corbis
MOSS IS THE HEIGHT OF COOL
In 1995, Kate Moss – then just 21 – was the epitome of cool in the fashion world.
With a look determined as ‘heroin-chic’, she was a maverick in a world of catwalk models known for being much taller and curvier than her slight 5ft 6in frame.
Famously, she appeared in her undies alongside Mark Wahlberg for Calvin Klein in 1995.
In her personal life, she was loved-up with A-lister Johnny Depp – who reportedly once poured her a champagne-filled bath.
However, their heady romance ended in 1998.
Kate Moss was the epitome of cool in 1995 and ruled the catwalkCredit: Rex Features
Moss famously dated Hollywood star Johnny Depp from 1994-98Credit: Getty – Contributor
DIANA REVEALS ALL
In November, 1995 Diana, Princess of Wales, sat down with journalist Martin Bashir for a Panorama special for the BBC.
The extraordinary interview saw revelations about her relationship with former husband, Charles, Prince of Wales, and the reasons for their subsequent divorce.
Diana also spoke about suffering post-natal depression after the birth of Prince William, as well as battles with bulimia and self-harm.
The programme was watched by nearly 23 million viewers in the UK, which equated to roughly 40 per cent of the population.
25 years after the interview, the BBC director general Tim Davie was forced to apologise to Diana’s brother Earl Spencer, for the use of fake bank statements falsely indicating people close to her had been paid for spying.
The late Princess Diana sits down with Martin Bashir for a Panorama specialCredit: Getty
A LEGACY BEGINS
Astonishingly, an unknown Tiger Woods was making waves in the golf world in 1995.
At the age of 19, he reclaimed the U.S. Amateur title at the Newport Country Club in Rhode Island.
Then, he participated in his first ever PGA Tour major at the 1995 Masters.
And he gave a very good account of himself – finishing tied in 41st and being the only amateur to make the cut.
It was the perfect dress rehearsal for his victory by 12 strokes just two years later.
Tiger Woods, 19, at the U.S. Amateur Championship in 1995Credit: Getty
That same year, Woods made his Masters debutCredit: EPA
TYSON RETURNS
As one sporting legacy began, another resumed.
Mike Tyson returned to the ring after a near four-year absence – with nearly three of those spent behind bars after a rape conviction.
His opponent at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas was seasoned fighter Peter McNeeley.

The showpiece only lasted 89 seconds with Tyson earning an easy victory via disqualification, after knocking McNeeley to the ground twice before his manager stepped into the ring to stop the fight.
But it set incredible PPV figures, including a then-record £40 million in pay-per-view buys with the fight being purchased by 1.52 million American homes.
Tyson later eclipsed that figure with blockbuster fights against Frank Bruno and Evander Holyfield twice.
Mike Tyson returned to the ring after serving time in prisonCredit: AP:Associated Press
Tyson made short work of Peter McNeeley – with the fight lasting only 89 secondsCredit: AFP
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A NEW owner would be music to the ears of Arsenal fans – especially if it’s the founder of streaming service Spotify.Billionaire Swede Daniel Ek, 38, is reportedly set to launch a takeover bid for Arsenal – with the help of Gunners legends Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira.
Billionaire Spotify Founder Daniel Ek is reportedly interested in taking over at ArsenalCredit: Getty
Ek supports Arsenal because his favourite player growing up was Anders LimparCredit: Allsport
As a kid growing up, I’ve cheered for @Arsenal as long as I can remember. If KSE would like to sell Arsenal I’d be happy to throw my hat in the ring.— Daniel Ek (@eldsjal) April 23, 2021

The song-streaming entrepreneur has supported the Gunners since he was eight and his favourite player – and compatriot – Anders Limpar graced Highbury.
Ek has been given an ear bashing by some of music’s biggest artists – who have complained about how much money they’ve been paid by Spotify.
That might stand him in good stead if he takes over at the Em-irate-s!
He has built up an empire worth £48billion, of which he is believed to have a 12-14 per cent share.
Ek and Arsenal could, of course, be a marriage made in heaven.
And if it is anything like his own nuptials, there will be no expense spared.
Ek invited pals including Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg to a stunning Lake Como setting for a lavish wedding.
Bruno Mars was on hand as the wedding singer, while Hollywood star Chris Rock officiated proceedings.
GUNNER FOR LIFE
Born and raised in a rough suburb of Stockholm called Ragsved, Ek grew up a Gooner.
He fell in love with George Graham’s Arsenal back in 1991 and it all stemmed from one player – Sweden legend Limpar, who was a Gunner from 1990-94.
Ek revealed himself as an Arsenal fan in 2018 in a tweet following a 4-1 win over Crystal Palace.
I’ve been an Arsenal fan since 1991 (Anders Limpar). Yet, the despair (normally it’s a roller coaster) this season has been something else. First real game I felt at peace.— Daniel Ek (@eldsjal) January 20, 2018

Ek, 38, fell in love with Arsenal when he was eightCredit: Getty
When he’s at his £43m home in Sweden, Ek never misses a game on TVCredit: PA

He wrote: “I’ve been an Arsenal fan since 1991 (Anders Limpar). Yet, the despair (normally it’s a roller coaster) this season has been something else. First real game I felt at peace.”
Ek never misses a game from his £43million home in Sweden, watching matches on TV.
TECH SAVVY
He was a self-starter. From 14, he owned his own business, he designed websites and taught youngsters how to use Photoshop, and the art of programming.
Incredibly, by 16 he was earning more than his dad, a mechanic, and mum, a childminder, combined.
Google snubbed him, however, because he didn’t have a degree. Perhaps they should have looked him up.
“At the time I was quite rebellious and didn’t take no for an answer, so I said, ‘I’m going to compete with them,’ ” he told the Financial Times.
Ek was a college dropout who was once snubbed for a job by GoogleCredit: Rex Features
Today, he’s co-founder of Spotify, worth around £48bn, and is close friends with Facebook CEO Mark ZuckerbergCredit: Getty – Contributor
BIRTH OF SPOTIFY
In 2008, Ek launched Spotify in Europe and three years later it arrived in the US.
The streaming service came after Napster – a controversial file sharing service that allowed subscribers to upload music to – had caused a major piracy row and was shut down.
But Ek was convinced Spotify could thrive.
He also believed that if he offered music for free on users’ computers with adverts, people would pay for a service on their iPhones which would remove ads.
That was enough to get several music companies onside, who allowed Spotify access to their archives for a fee.
Today, it boasts over 155 million subscribers – with many paying £9.99 monthly for a premium service.
It is said to be worth around £48bn, but amusingly-relaxed Ek doesn’t know how much is his share.
“Maybe 12 to 14 per cent, something like that,” he once said.
Spotify was launched in Europe in 2008, then three years later in the USCredit: Getty – Contributor
Spotify has over 155 million users with some paying the £9.99 monthly subscription feeCredit: Alamy

GUNNING FOR HIM
Last year, Ek had musicians gunning for him when he said it “wasn’t enough” for them to “record music once every three to four years”.
Stars including REM songwriter Mike Mills said Ek didn’t understand the work that goes into making hit songs and that they shouldn’t just be churned out.
Taylor Swift famously removed her entire back catalogue from Spotify in 2014, claiming artists didn’t receive enough money per stream. She reconciled with the company in 2017.
It has been estimated that Spotify pay around £0.0031 per stream – with some music stars getingt around £3,000 per one million streams.
WEDDING TO BEAT ALL WEDDINGS
With friends in high places, Ek was always going to have an incredible wedding day.
The setting was the beautiful Lake Como in Italy, where the tech guru said ‘I do’ to long-term girlfriend, Sofia Levander in 2016.
In 2016, Ek married longterm girlfriend Sofia in Lake Como, ItalyCredit: Facebook
The ceremony was officiated by Hollywood A-lister Chris Rock and Swedish explorer Johan Ernst Nilson was one of the star-studded guestsCredit: Instagram @johanernst
Ek chats to guests Zuckerberg and his wife PriscillaCredit: Facebook
Bruno Mars performed at Ek’s wedding receptionCredit: Instagram @brooke
Facebook co-founder Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla, as well as Swedish explorer Johan Ernst Nilson were some of the guests.
But incredibly, Ek had Hollywood A-lister Rock officiating the ceremony.
Music, of course, was a big theme. The couple walked down the aisle to Guns N’ Roses anthem November Rain.
Mars was hired as the wedding singer – performing during the reception and appropriately singing his hit Marry You.
FAMILY MAN
Before settling down, Ek lived the high-life: “Buying sports cars, going to expensive nightclubs, spraying people with champagne and things like that,” he once said.
But now, at 38, he’s more responsible with his cash.
“What I learnt is that it wasn’t for me and, in fact, I feel pretty empty after doing that.”

Ek is very much a family man and has two daughtersCredit: Facebook
Ek prefers nights in at his £43m home on the outskirts of StockholmCredit: PA

He is now a father of two, who dotes on his two daughters, Elissa and Colinne, and is said to prefer nights in at his £43m home on the outskirts of Stockholm.
Should he take over at Arsenal, you can bet he won’t be watching games on his big screen there.
There will be nice, plush seat waiting for him in the directors’ box.
That is the dream for the king of the stream.
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IT made for an infamous photocall and had Arsene Wenger boasting about a ‘British core’ of footballers that would serve Arsenal well in the future.The Gunners’ legendary boss was always criticised for pinning his hopes in overseas players – famously becoming the first manager to name an entirely foreign matchday squad for a game against Crystal Palace in 2005.
Arsene Wenger poses with the famous ‘British core’ of Arsenal stars in 2012Credit: Getty – Contributor
But in 2012, the Frenchman proudly stood behind five British stars signing long-term contracts with the North London club.
Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Carl Jenkinson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kieran Gibbs smiled for the camera as they inked their deals.
But where are they all now?
JACK WILSHERE
IN the case of Wilshere, it was what could have been.
After exploding onto the scene, most famously stealing the show against Xavi and Andres Iniesta in a Champions League tie against Barcelona, it all went down hill pretty quickly.
Injury problems plagued Jack, who had to have surgery on knee and ankle problems, while also spending 247-days on the sidelines with a hairline crack in his calf bone.
After a loan spell at Bournemouth, he left Arsenal for good and joined boyhood club West Ham.
However, from 2018-20 he made just 19 appearances for the Irons and struggled for fitness.
In January, he rejoined Bournemouth and is now playing in the Championship. He’s still only 29.
Jack Wilshere is rebuilding his career at BournemouthCredit: Getty
AARON RAMSEY
THE pick of the bunch, in terms of being an Arsenal hero, Ramsey will always have a special place in the hearts of Gunners fans.
In 2014, he ended the club’s nine-year trophy drought by scoring an extra-time winner in a FA Cup final win over Hull.
Three years later he repeated the trick – netting the decisive goal in a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Wembley.
All in all he scored 64 goals in 369 games, until in 2019 Ramsey was allowed to join Juventus when his contract expired.
He signed a mega £400,000-per-week deal with the Serie A giants, but in truth has been a major disappointment – with injures curtailing his progress.
Ramsey, now 30, has been linked with a move back to the Premier League – with Liverpool, Everton and West Ham said to be interested.
Aaron Ramsey has suffered for form at Juventus and has been linked with a move back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Alamy
CARL JENKINSON
JENKINSON and his family were Arsenal fans growing up.
The right-back even has a stone engraved in his late granddad’s memory in Armoury Square outside the Emirates.
So it was a dream for him to wear the red and white, which he did for 70 games.
However, Jenkinson always found himself playing second-fiddle in the first team. First, it was Bacary Sagna and then Hector Bellerin emerged.
‘Jenko’ had successful loan spells with West Ham, but he struggled after moving to Birmingham City (also on loan) in the 2017-18 season.
In 2019, Nottingham Forest signed the defender for an undisclosed fee, but the 29-year-old has appeared just 15 times in two seasons.
Carl Jenkinson has found himself on the fringes of the Nottingham Forest team since leaving ArsenalCredit: Alamy
ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN
THE youngest of Wenger’s ‘British core’ at 27, the Ox was often hit-and-miss with Gunners fans.
The £12million signing from Southampton looked like he was going to be a world-beater in his first season – drawing plaudits from Marco van Basten who called him a “gem”.
He was also nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year in the 2011-12 season.
Niggling injuries plagued him over the course of the next two seasons, while a serious knee injury in 2016 saw him miss the Euros for England.
Oxlade-Chamberlain appeared to be back to his best in the 2016-17 season in a new wing-back role, and was man of the match in a FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain won the league with Liverpool but has struggled with injuriesCredit: Getty
But that summer, Arsenal accepted a £35million bid from Liverpool for his services.
Towards the latter end of his first season, the Ox suffered a serious knee injury that kept him out of action for the majority of the 2018-19 campaign.
He returned to win a Premier League winners’ medal a season later. But in August he injured his knee and has only just returned to the first team fold.
KIERAN GIBBS
GIBBS broke into the Arsenal side in 2011-12, and for the next two seasons was a first team regular.
The left-back won three FA Cups with the club, although he lost his starting place to Spanish defender Nacho Monreal in the 2015-16 season.
Kieran Gibbs will link up with Inter Miami in the summerCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kierangibbs/

In 2017, the former Wimbledon youth star made the brave decision to leave North London for regular first team football at West Brom in a £7million deal.
He was relegated in his first season with the Baggies, but helped them win promotion two seasons later.
With his contract expiring, Gibbs, 31, has decided on a new adventure and will join David Beckham’s Inter Miami in the summer.
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