Santi Cazorla’s sparkling performance against Manchester City helped Arsenal pull of a surprise win…
Arsenal won their first match at the Etihad Stadium since October 2010 on Sunday, ending the Premier League champions’ 12 match unbeaten run and reinvigorating their own top four hopes.
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In what was arguably the Gunners’ best performance of the season, it was Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla who shone – scoring the first from the penalty spot, before providing the cross that led to the second.
Off the back of his match-winning performance, we rank the 12 Arsenal purchases from La Liga – including former Malaga man Cazorla, who arrived in 2012 – in order of their success with the North London giants:
12) Fran Merida (Barcelona, 2005)
Spent two years in the Gunners academy before making his Premier League debut in 2007. The midfielder would only go on to make five further top flight appearances, before leaving for Atletico Madrid in 2010. Now without a club.
11) Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla, 2010)
Was used sparingly by Arsene Wenger, remaining at the club until 2013 when he left for Bastia. Made 23 forgettable league appearances, scoring once and making several high profile mistakes.
10) Julio Baptista (Real Madrid, 2006)
Only ever showed flashes of his potential in an Arsenal shirt, scoring 10 times in all competitions during a season long-loan spell from Real Madrid. His highlight came in the League Cup, when he scored four times in a 6-3 win over Liverpool.
9) Davor Suker (Real Madrid, 1999)
Arrived shortly after his 1998 World Cup heroics with Croatia, where he inspired the tournament debutants to third place in France. However, he failed to produce in an Arsenal shirt, and soon left for West Ham United.
8) Nacho Monreal (Malaga, 2013)
Has proved to be a versatile and worthy back-up player since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium, particularly this season, when he has occasionally been asked to fill in as a makeshift centre back, as well as on the left hand side.
7) Jose Antonio Reyes (Sevilla, 2004)
Never quite fulfilled his huge potential at Arsenal. He managed 23 goals in 110 games at the club, winning the Premier League and the FA Cup before departing back to Spain, where he has since excelled for Atletico Madrid and Sevilla.
6) Manuel Almunia (Celta Vigo, 2004)
Spent many years as the understudy to Jens Lehmann, but came to prominence in 2006, when he played the majority of the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona. Took over as number one the following year, on his way to 175 club appearances.
5) Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid, 2013)
Yet to truly find his feet at Arsenal since his big-money move from Madrid the summer before last. The World Cup winner has bags of ability, and having now returned form injury, will hope to show that during the rest of the season.
4) Lauren (Real Mallorca, 2000)
Won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups with the Gunners, starring in the ‘Invincibles’ team of 2003-04. Made 242 club appearances, and even chipped in with 11 goals before joining Portsmouth in 2006-07.
3) Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona, 2014)
Despite only arriving at the club in the summer, the Chilean has already made a huge impact at the Emirates Stadium. He leads the goalscoring charts for Wenger’s side so far this season, with 18, and has undoubtedly been their stand-out performer.
2) Santi Cazorla (Malaga, 2012)
Has now scored 25 goals in 126 games for the club, following his strike against City on Sunday. He inspired the club to their FA Cup final victory over Hull City last season, and has proved himself to be an underrated talent.
1) Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona, 2003)
While it’s fair to say that his popularity has dwindled among Arsenal fans over the last few years, his success at the club cannot be denied. The Spaniard made 303 first-team appearances for the clubs, winning two major honours.
SEE ALSO: Arsenal transfer news