Declan Rice’s magical free-kick double reignited Arsenal’s season as they thumped European champions Real Madrid on a historic Champions League night at the Emirates Stadium.
The England midfielder’s superb brace was even more incredible considering he had never scored a direct free-kick in his senior career.
Now a hero in N5, he joins a list of great free-kick goalscorers for the Gunners. Here, we rank some of the best free-kicks scored by those in red and white down the years.
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9
Mesut Ozil v Liverpool
2014/15 Premier League
Arsenal were flying when they took on Liverpool at the Emirates in April 2015, with Arsene Wenger’s side coming into the game on a six-game winning streak.
Backed to see off the Reds as they looked to overtake Manchester City in second place, the Gunners went ahead just before the break through Hector Bellerin.
Minutes later, Arsenal were awarded a free-kick on the right-hand side, with Mesut Ozil standing over it.
And despite placing it on the ‘keeper’s side, the German doubled Arsenal’s lead with a superb effort, which set the Gunners up for a 4-1 victory.
8
Cesc Fabregas v Aston Villa
2009/10 Premier League
With their title bid threatening to falter, Arsenal were struggling to break down a stubborn Aston Villa team that had been a thorn in the Gunners side.
Level on points with their opponents at the time, it was a must-win game. But with Arsenal toiling, a less-than-fit Cesc Fabregas was summoned to give the home side the advantage they craved.
Around 25 yards out, the captain stepped up to put his team in front with a superb curling effort that Brad Friedel could do nothing about.
7
Robin van Persie v Sunderland
2007/08 Premier League
Robin van Persie’s strike against Sunderland would probably still be travelling had it not nearly shattered the Emirates crossbar back in 2007.
His thumping early free-kick against the Black Cats was past Craig Gordon like a bullet, and was one of those you could watch over and over again.
The Dutchman then popped up late on after the Gunners had dropped a two-goal lead to take them to the top of the table.
6
Thierry Henry v Roma
2002/03 Champions League
Thierry Henry had such a knack for scoring great free-kicks, he could have his own ‘best of’ compilation.
But one of his finest has to be his clincher in the Stadio Olimpico against Roma in the Champions League, which not only secured a superb away win in the second group phase for Arsenal, but a magical European hat-trick.
Goalkeeper Francesco Antonioli had absolutely no chance.
5
Mikel Arteta v Aston Villa
2011/12 Premier League
Some free-kicks just stay hit, and Mikel Arteta certainly proved this against Aston Villa in the 2011/12 season.
During a routine victory for the Gunners, Arteta put the icing on the cake with a screamer into the net from miles out.
Shay Given appeared to have been expecting a shot into the opposite corner, but once he’d made the wrong decision, the ball was already past him.
4
Declan Rice v Real Madrid
2024/25 Champions League
This may be fresh in the memory, but Declan Rice’s first strike against Real Madrid was befitting of the occasion, not to mention a thing of beauty.
Having spotted the potential to curl one around the outside of the wall, Rice’s strike lit up the Emirates, handing Arsenal the lead over the European champions.
It was also Arsenal’s first direct free-kick goal since Martin Odegaard scored against Burnley in September 2021. The relief and ecstasy was tangible.
For the moment alone, it will likely be a special memory for years to come.
3
Thierry Henry v Wigan
2005/06 Premier League
Thierry Henry was up to his old tricks against Wigan in 2005, producing a superb free-kick – with a cold celebration to go with it.
Having built a reputation for taking free-kicks quickly, referee Graham Poll made it very clear he had to wait for the official’s whistle.
Clearly disturbed by this, Henry responded by placing an inch-perfect free-kick in off the post, leading him to ask the referee, “is that enough?”.
2
Santi Cazorla v Hull
2013/14 FA Cup
Arsenal had often been accused of lacking leaders, and when the Gunners were 2-0 down to Hull City in the 2014 FA Cup final, it looked like those concerns would re-emerge as their trophy drought threatened to extend further.
But after being handed a free-kick, Santi Cazorla scored perhaps his greatest Arsenal goal under the Wembley arch by torpedoing a strike past Allan McGregor in the Tigers net.
It set Arsenal up for the dramatic comeback that won them the trophy, and gave the supporters a moment to treasure forever.
1
Declan Rice v Real Madrid
2024/25 Champions League
The term ‘top bins’ has been around for a while now, but this may well be the ultimate epitome.
Having just scored a screamer past Thibaut Courtois in the Real Madrid goal, Declan Rice lined up what he hoped would be another screamer.
Buoyed by his earlier effort, Rice smashed home an all-timer to double the Gunners’ lead on the night and score what is surely the best free-kick the club has ever seen, with the ball arrowing into the top corner.
When you consider the importance, the opposition and the perfect execution, it is going to be hard for anyone to top this.
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