Following his transfer to Galatasaray, there have been mixed reactions to Lukas Podolski’s Arsenal exit.
He established himself as a fan favourite by being a solid finisher and his off-the-pitch likeability. However, it’s always difficult to break into Arsenal’s starting level if one possesses almost zero other skill-sets than swash-buckling strikes, and Podolski fell victim to that.
Nevertheless there have been countless moments when the German smiley has gotten the crowd off their seats with some sizzling strikes. As he gears up to ply his trade in Turkey, we take a look at his top five goals in an Arsenal shirt, ever.
5. 3-1 vs Norwich, April 2013
With Arsenal having just attained a 2-1 lead in stoppage time, fans were glued to the screen in anxiety, hoping for the team to see it through and get one step closer to Champions League glory.
Enter Podolski, as he took a Walcott pass on the spin and, just around the D, nestled a magnificent one in the near post. The curvature on the ball and the velocity left Mark Bunn and Norwich with no chance to salvage anything.
4. 2-0 vs Southampton, September 2012
Settling into life at Arsenal after scoring and assisting at Anfield, Podolski had the confidence to call a set piece Arsenal won against the Saints, roughly 20 yards away from goal. One look at the goal once the referee blew his whistle was all Lukas needed, as he took three confident strides to the ball and pulsated it over the wall, sailing past the goalkeeper. Arsenal eventually went on to win the game 6-1.
3. 1-1 vs West Ham, December 2012
Arsenal were enduring a rough patch in terms of form and were trailing to a superb Jack Collison volley in the early exchanges. As the Emirates Stadium grew more volatile by the minute, Lukas Podolski sprung to life.
Taking a flick from Jack Wilshere on his left foot, it took him one “Luke” at the goal to fire in an absolute rocket from 25 yards. Later, he turned provider to several goalscorers and helped The Gunners win that game 5-1.
2. 1-1 vs Bayern Munich, March 2014
Arsenal’s mental fragility had practically knocked them out of the Champions League in the home tie itself, and Bastian Schweinsteiger’s tap-in in the away leg only served to add insult to injury. As fans looked toward an uninspiring exit from Europe’s elite, Podolski took matters into his own feet.
After him getting the better of a 50-50 challenge, Podolski raced along the byline and stood almost face to face with Manuel Neuer, perhaps the best goalkeeper at that time. With no one to square the ball to, he laced it right past the face of the charging Neuer and beat him at his near post. A glorious goal worthy of the occasion, after which Neuer famously said, “I know Podolski very well, and I know his left leg. The first thing I thought was not to save the shot but to hide my face.”
1. 2-0 vs Montpellier, November 2012
Taking the fictional prize is Podolski’s thumping volley in the Champions League group stage.
Olivier Giroud held the ball up well and chipped it onto the German’s path high in the air. With Oxlade-Chamberlain lying down on the ground looking for a foul, Podolski had little support, and little choice but to have a shot at goal.
And what a shot it was.
Inch-perfect, technically sound and positively heavy with pace, Lukas Podolski thumped a typical volley right onto the roof of the net, yet again showing the world what he can do.
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Supporters do have the tendency to get lost in the secondary aspects of the game. A striker’s primary objective is scoring goals – tracking back and man marking are bonuses or extras. Mesut Ozil, for instance, won’t get stick for not tracking back enough if he plays well in attack.
However, the problem with Podolski – famous as his left foot was – was that he was too uncommitted; perhaps more dedicated on social media than playing actual football. He definitely had the talent, but the jury is out on if he had the stamina, or the perseverance.
Having said that, his departure means Arsenal lack wide men. Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain are the only three out and out wingers in the team. Arsene Wenger can either choose to promote someone like Gnabry or delve for options in the market.
However, that’s a discussion for later. For now farewell to Lukey, a thanks for his important goals in the FA Cup 2013/14 campaign, and a plug for his hilarious banter on Twitter. Read Arsenal wishes him well!
