Although it’s not a traditional derby, Arsenal vs Liverpool has grown into one of the fiercest rivalries in England.
There was the famous title decider in 1989, as well as several big clashes in the 90s and after the turn of the century, all of which have contributed to a compelling rivalry, albeit one devoid of much of the animosity in many derbies.
And while neither truly competes for top honours now, these clashes still have meaning: last season, Liverpool’s 4-3 win on opening weekend ended up proving the difference in the race for a Champions League spot, as Arsenal finished in fifth place, just one point behind Liverpool.
The nature of this rivalry means it’s not too uncommon to see players turn out for both sides during their careers, and indeed it was only this summer that a player switched between the two clubs, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain heading north after deciding not to stay at Arsenal.
Here are five players to have played for both Liverpool and Arsenal in recent years.
ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN
Oxlade-Chamberlain spent his formative years at Arsenal, joining the club when he was just 17. He spent six years developing at the club, although it was an up-and-down spell as he struggled with fitness and conjecture over his best position. Ultimately, that’s what led to his move to Liverpool – he had become Arsenal’s regular wing-back, but wanted to play in midfield.
Oxlade-Chamberlain spent six seasons at Arsenal before joining Liverpool this summer.
YOSSI BENAYOUN
The Israeli midfielder who also played for QPR, West Ham, and Chelsea enjoyed some of his best seasons at Liverpool, and scored a brace in a famous 4-4 draw against Arsenal. He later joined the Gunners, where he was a fan favourite in the one season he spent on loan there.
Benayoun was a beloved player for both Liverpool and Arsenal fans.
KOLO TOURE
There was a time during his seven-year spell with Arsenal when it seemed Kolo Toure would end up being a one-club man. He was part of their famous Invincibles side, and later became the team’s regular captain. Once he left, however, he didn’t stop at just one move – after joining Manchester City and winning the Premier League title, he then moved to Liverpool, where spent three seasons and nearly won another league title.
Kolo Toure enjoyed his best years with Arsenal, but was an excellent servant to Liverpool, too.
JERMAINE PENNANT
Jermaine Pennant’s career was dogged by disciplinary issues, a problem that first surfaced when he was a teenager at Arsenal. He did score a hat-trick on his full league debut for the team, but only made a total of five starts in seven years. Pennant later joined Liverpool, for whom he featured in the 2007 Champions League final, which the Reds lost to AC Milan.
Believe it or not, Pennant has started in a Champions League final.
NICOLAS ANELKA
Nicolas Anelka’s world tour of football, which included stops in Spain, China and India, saw him play for several clubs in England, including Bolton, Chelsea, and Manchester City. It was at Arsenal where he first made his name, however, with three productive seasons under Arsene Wenger. His return to England came with Liverpool, where he spent a season on loan from PSG.
Anelka’s reputation as ‘Le Sulk’ started during his Arsenal days.
