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Theo Walcott celebrates 10 years at Arsenal: Where does he rank among elite decade club?

Dennis Bergkamp and Martin Keown among just nine players to stay at the club over a decade in the Premier League era

Wednesday 20 January 2016 13:06 GMT

Theo Walcott celebrates a goal for Arsenal earlier this season (GETTY IMAGES)

Theo Walcott today celebrates 10 years at Arsenal and with it joins an elite club that have spent a decade at the club.

The England international becomes the first player since Dennis Bergkamp to reach the milestone and just the ninth to do so among those who at some point played for the club in the Premier League era.

Walcott, who has turned out over 300 times for the club, marked the occasion with a tweet that read: "Thank you to everyone who has supported me at the club, players, manager and the fans I can't thank you enough."

So how does the one-time fresh faced 16-year-old signed from Southampton compare to the other Gunners who totalled a decade at the club? Here, we take a look at the others in the group and what they achieved...

The 10-years-at-Arsenal club

Show all 9

1/9The 10-years-at-Arsenal club

The 10-years-at-Arsenal club

Theo Walcott: 2006-present

Trophies: FA Cup x 2

His move from Southampton as a 16-year-old followed by his call-up to the 2006 World Cup thrust Walcott into the limelight and ensured his progress was followed, and critiqued, mercilessly. A hat-trick for England against Croatia in 2009 is still the stand-out moment from a career too often hit by injury. Walcott has reached double figures for the season in the league just once.

2013 Getty Images

The 10-years-at-Arsenal club

Dennis Bergkamp: 1995-2006

Trophies: Premier League x 3, FA Cup x 4

For many the Dutchman is the greatest player to ever pull on an Arsenal shirt with his arrival at the club coinciding with one of the most successful periods ever seen in the red half of north London. A true magician.

The 10-years-at-Arsenal club

Ray Parlour: 1992-2004

Trophies: Premier League x 3, FA Cup x 4, League Cup x 1, Uefa Cup x 1

'The Romford Pele' always felt like an unsung hero in a hugely successful side, but he had his moments in the sun. His 30-yard strike in the 2002 FA Cup final triumph over Chelsea is considered one of the great moments in the competition.

The 10-years-at-Arsenal club

David Seaman: 1990-2003

Trophies: First Division x 1 Premier League x 2, FA Cup x 4, League Cup x 1, Uefa Cup x 1

A contender for Arsenal's greatest ever goalkeeper and the definite winner of the dodgiest haircut. A consistent performer between the sticks that saw his successful club career mirrored by 75 England appearances including brilliant performances at Euro 96.

1995 Getty Images

The 10-years-at-Arsenal club

Nigel Winterburn: 1988–2000

Trophies: First Division x 2 Premier League x 1, FA Cup x 2, League Cup x 1, Uefa Cup x 1

The left-back was a part of the legendary defence that infuriated and bullied opponents throughout most of the 90s.

2007 Getty Images

The 10-years-at-Arsenal club

Lee Dixon: 1988-2002

Trophies: First Division x 2 Premier League x 2, FA Cup x 3, League Cup x 1, Uefa Cup x 1

The right-back made over 450 appearances after joining from Stoke in 1988 and helped the club to a host of trophies along the way.

Bongarts

The 10-years-at-Arsenal club

Steve Bould: 1988-1999

Trophies: First Division x 2 Premier League x 1, FA Cup x 2, League Cup x 1, Uefa Cup x 1

Another cog in the incredible Arsenal defensive machine, Bould also joined the club from Stoke. He must have done something right, as Arsene Wenger appointed him as his assistant manager in 2012, a position he still holds today.

The 10-years-at-Arsenal club

Paul Merson: 1986–1997

Trophies: First Division x 2, FA Cup x 1, League Cup x 1, Uefa Cup x 1

As his punditry on Sky Sports reveals, Merson might not be the most eloquent of people but he was one of Arsenal's greatest midfielders. Having come through the youth academy at Highbury, Merson was named the PFA Young Player of the Year after breaking through. He would go on to score 78 league goals for them before eventually leaving for Middlesbrough.

The 10-years-at-Arsenal club

Martin Keown: 1985–1986 + 1993–2004

Trophies: Premier League x 3, FA Cup x 3, Uefa Cup x 1

Keown came through Arsenal's youth academy but was allowed to leave the club before they bought him back five years later. The admission they were wrong to let him go was a wise one, as his performances alongside Tony Adams and Winterburn were crucial to Arsenal's impenetrable back-line.

2003 AFP

Who do you think was the best from the group above? Let us know who and why in the comments below.

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