When it comes to football, some players stand out not just for their skill, but for the way they struck fear into the hearts of their opponents. This Halloween-themed lineup brings together a collection of fierce, intimidating footballers whose tough tackling, uncompromising attitudes, and occasional wild antics would make any opponent tremble. Here’s a Scary XI, featuring legends of the game who made their mark by being as fearsome as they were talented.
Arsenal entered Old Trafford on 24 October 2004 as football's untouchables, riding a 49-game unbeaten run in the Premier League that had earned them the legendary title of "The Invincibles." Their imperious form had seen them steamroll through the 2003/04 campaign without a single defeat, a feat unseen in English top-flight football since the late 19th century. But all good things must come to an end, and on a fiery afternoon in Manchester, Arsenal’s record-breaking streak came crashing down in controversial fashion.
Throughout the history of European football, certain teams have not only dominated their domestic leagues but have done so by astonishing margins. These seasons, where a club was head and shoulders above the competition, offer a glimpse into their tactical brilliance, squad depth, and the level of consistency that set them apart. Here’s a look at some of the most impressive title-winning margins from Europe’s top leagues.
October 18, 2005, will forever be etched in the memory of Arsenal fans as the night Thierry Henry cemented his place as the club's greatest-ever goalscorer. In a UEFA Champions League group stage clash against Sparta Prague, Henry’s brace not only secured a 2-0 victory but also saw him surpass Ian Wright’s long-standing record of 185 goals for the club.
The 12th of October 1996 marked the dawn of a new era for Arsenal Football Club as Arsène Wenger took charge of his first game as manager. The Frenchman, relatively unknown in English football at the time, quickly demonstrated the impact he would go on to have, guiding the Gunners to a 2-0 away victory against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.