5. Sylvinho vs Chelsea - September 2000
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiWTWYsWfYU Sylvinho was not a poor left-back - after all, one would not last half a decade at the Nou Camp if they were. He was something of a fan favourite at Arsenal and was even included in the PFA Team of the Season during his final season. However, for the standard that Arsenal aspire to, it's no surprise that the Brazilian was ushered out the door as soon as the spritely Ashley Cole began to show how good he was. Adept in attack, Sylvinho was often caught out defensively, and the fact that he never truly made the left-back position his own in a Barcelona side that was screaming out for one, says it all really. However, like most Brazilian full-backs, he did have a penchant for the spectacular, and weighed in with some spectacular collectors' items. Arsenal supporters will fondly remember the delicious solo effort against Sparta Prague in the Champions League, but the goal that really struck a chord with their emotions occurred at Stamford Bridge 14 years ago. With Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Gianfranco Zola having given Chelsea the lead, Thierry Henry reduced arrears with 15 minutes remaining with an expert finish following a fine through-ball from the Brazilian left-back. As the Blues began to press the panic button, Arsenal rampaged forward, sensing an unlikely point was in store for them if they wanted. Former Gunner left-back Nigel Winterburn had scored a cracking goal on this ground in 1997, but this was one was even bitter. With just four minutes left on the clock, Sylvinho picked up a loose ball 20 yards from goal and cracked a ferocious shot into the top corner. The bend and fizz on the ball had shades of every Brazilian goal you'd seen in old videos of the 1970s World Cup, as it swirled past Carlo Cudicini, allowing Arsenal supporters to express their unbridled relief.