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Salem6
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|  | Highbury Highlights
« Thread Started on May 31, 2005, 11:32am » | |
FAREWELL: THE HOME OF FOOTBALL http://salem6taxigirl.proboards22.com/in....read=1147090223
1. First competitive match at Highbury (as Woolwich Arsenal) v Leicester Fosse 6 Sept 1913
What better way to start ‘Highbury Highlights’ than with Arsenal’s first game at the ground?
It came at the beginning of the 1913-14 season and Leicester Fosse were the visitors. Despite their move north of the Thames, the Club kept “Woolwich” at the start of their name until the back end of that campaign.
This was a second division fixture after Arsenal’s relegation at the end of the previous campaign. Benfield put Leicester ahead in the first half but George Jobey nodded in the equaliser before the break from Winship’s corner. Devine secured the points for Arsenal in front of a crowd numbering 20,000 from the penalty spot with 12 minutes to go after a Leicester defender handled.
The game was marred by an injury to Jobey. He received a kick in the back and was attended to by doctors and ambulancemen. He was later transported back to his house on a cart borrowed from a local milkman.
Highbury Highlights - Archive http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?article=281666
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Salem6
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| | Re: Highbury Highlights
« Reply #1 on May 31, 2005, 11:33am » | |
Highbury Highlights - red & white
2. Last game in the red and white kit v Everton 11 May 2005
The final home game of the 2004/05 campaign was a poignant occasion for a number of reasons.
![[image]](http://www.arsenal.com/images/PreviousSite/root/e/edu_flamini.jpg)
Edu says goodbye with a goal
The Club's decision to mark its last year at Highbury with a commemorative 'redcurrant' strip meant that the famous red and white shirt was making its final appearance at the famous old stadium.
Arsenal gave the colours a perfect send-off with an awesome display of attacking football to thrash Everton 7-0 and record the biggest win of any kind under Arsène Wenger.
Dennis Bergkamp marked what some thought would be his last appearance at Highbury with a dazzling performance, capped by a second-half goal. 'One more year,' chanted the crowd, and their wishes were granted when Bergkamp was offered a new deal.
It was an even more emotional night for Edu, who had decided to move to pastures new. He rounded off his Arsenal career in style with a penalty in front of the North Bank after his team-mates insisted he take the spot-kick.
Robin van Persie, Robert Pires (2), Patrick Vieira and Mathieu Flamini were also on target as the Gunners put on a show to remember. The next time they wear red and white, Arsenal will be at their new home.
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Salem6
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| | Re: Highbury Highlights
« Reply #2 on Jun 1, 2005, 4:06pm » | |
3. Largest attendance at Highbury - 73,295 v Sunderland 9 March 1935
![[image]](http://www.arsenal.com/images/PreviousSite/root/h/highbury_crowd.jpg)
The Arsenal fans squeeze in
Arsenal’s highest attendance at Highbury crowded into the stadium for a game against Sunderland on March 9, 1935 in the old first division.
A total of 73,295 people turned up, but they were not treated to a thriller as the match ended 0-0. George Allison’s side went on to win the championship that season.
Arsenal have recorded a greater attendance than this for a 'home' game. The Club used Wembley Stadium to host Champions League home games for two seasons - 1998/99 and 1999/00 - and 73,707 people watched RC Lens win 1-0 on November 25, 1998.
The biggest attendance at Highbury since the advent of the Premiership was on May 15, 2004 when 38,214 fans turned out to see Patrick Vieira lift the Premiership trophy after a 2-1 win completed Arsenal's famous unbeaten season.
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Salem6
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| | Highbury Highlights - Cooper v Ali
« Reply #3 on Jun 7, 2005, 8:36am » | |
4. Muhammad Ali v Henry Cooper world title fight 21 May 1966
![[image]](http://www.arsenal.com/images/PreviousSite/root/h/highbury_boxing.jpg)
The boxing ring sits on the famous turf
Highbury hosted one of the most important fights ever held in Britain on May 21, 1966 as Henry Cooper challenged Muhammad Ali for the World Heavyweight title.
A crowd of 46,000 — including Hollywood stars Lee Marvin and George Raft - saw the British champion put up a brave battle before being stopped in the sixth round due to a cut over his left eye.
Charlie George, than an apprentice, helped build the ring for the event and, in Arsenal Miscellany, Ken Friar said: “The logistics of transforming the ground into a venue suitable for a boxing match were amazing. The whole pitch was renovated and reseeded before it was boarded over.”
This fight is not to be confused with the 1964 fight between the two men when Cooper felled Ali, not yet a world champion, in the fourth round. That fight was held at Wembley and the Englishman was stopped on cuts in the fifth.
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Salem6
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| | Highbury Highlights - Wright's record
« Reply #4 on Jun 7, 2005, 8:37am » | |
5. Ian Wright breaks Cliff Bastin's goalscoring record 13 September 1997
![[image]](http://www.arsenal.com/images/PreviousSite/root/w/wright_record.jpg)
Wright celebrates after breaking the record
'Wrighty' cemented his place in Arsenal history on a magical day at Highbury.
The effervescent striker had moved to within one goal of Cliff Bastin's record tally of 178 with a double against Coventry over four weeks earlier but three successive blanks had kept him waiting.
Another anti-climax looked possible when Alan Thompson gave Bolton a shock lead at Highbury but Wrighty latched onto Dennis Bergkamp's pass to fire in the equaliser after 20 minutes.
That goal took him level with Bastin but, in the excitement, Wright removed his shirt to reveal a T-shirt with the words '179 - Just Done It!'.
He only had to wait five minutes to put that right. Bergkamp's surge took him into the box, his low shot was parried and Patrick Vieira slid in to knock the ball into Wright's path a yard from goal. He couldn't miss.
The record was his but, typically, Wright wasn't finished. He rounded off his hat-trick - and a 4-1 victory - in the second half and took home the match ball.
Few would bet against Thierry Henry doing likewise when the final season at Highbury gets underway. Wright ended his Arsenal career with 185 goals; the French striker finished the 2004/05 campaign just four short of that mark.
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Salem6
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| | Highbury Highlights - the North Bank
« Reply #5 on Jun 7, 2005, 8:38am » | |
6. Final game in front of the old North Bank 2 May 1992
![[image]](http://www.arsenal.com/images/PreviousSite/root/h/highbury_northbank.jpg)
The famous old North Bank
The old North Bank was one of the most famous terraces in football. The roof - built in 1935 and then rebuilt after being hit by a bomb during the Blitz - sheltered the heart and soul of Arsenal's support.
It stood proudly until the summer of 1992 when the bulldozers moved in to build the current North Bank Stand.
The final game in front of the old North Bank took place on May 2, 1992. It was a poignant occasion for many but, typically, Arsenal gave the terrace a rousing send-off.
Southampton were the visitors and, although the title had long since slipped away, Ian Wright still had the Golden Boot in his sights. Gary Lineker started the day a goal ahead of the Arsenal striker.
In many ways it was a routine home win for the Gunners. Kevin Campbell, Alan Smith and a Wright penalty put them 3-1 up but, with Lineker netting at Old Trafford, the Tottenham striker was still in pole position for the Golden Boot.
It stayed that way until stoppage time. Wright screamed for the ball deep on the left and was picked out by David Seaman's accurate throw. He shrugged off one challenge, cut inside another defender and hammered the ball into the bottom corner.
Arsenal had time for one more attack. Wright swung his leg at a right-wing cross, the ball flew off his shin and once again nestled in the goal at the North Bank end.
Wright had clinched the Golden Boot in the most dramatic fashion. Just as importantly, the North Bank crowd had one more magical moment to treasure as they left their terrace for the final time.
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Salem6
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| | Highbury Highlights - First game under floodlights
« Reply #6 on Jun 7, 2005, 8:39am » | |
7. Arsenal's first game under floodlights 19 September 1951
![[image]](http://www.arsenal.com/images/PreviousSite/root/h/highbury_floodlights.jpg)
Arsenal take on Hapeol Tel Aviv in 1951
This is the real Highbury high light. On September 19, 1951, the ground hosted its first major fixture under floodlights.
Herbert Chapman had been considering using this new innovation since the 1930s and had installed them at the training ground after seeing them used on the trip to Belgium.
Arsenal beat Hapeol Tel Aviv 6-1 as Highbury was illuminated for the first time.
Later the Club programme stated: “It was interesting to hear a remark from the terraces that a considerably better view was enjoyed than on a number of poor Saturdays when strained eyes were peering into the falling gloom just before the final whistle.”
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Salem6
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| | Highbury Highlights -Seven Gunners in England team
« Reply #7 on Jun 8, 2005, 11:28am » | |
8. Arsenal provide seven players in the England team 14 November 1934
![[image]](http://www.arsenal.com/images/PreviousSite/root/h/highbury_battle.jpg)
England take on Italy at Highbury
The foggy afternoon of November 14, 1934 saw Arsenal provide seven of England's starting XI for a friendly against world champions Italy, a record contribution which still stands today.
Fittingly, the game took place at Highbury and ended in a 3-2 victory for England. It was ultimately dubbed 'The Battle of Highbury' after a succession of bruising challenges and injuries at a time when substitutions were not permitted.
Frank Moss, George Male, Eddie Hapgood, Wilf Copping, Ray Bowden, Ted Drake and Cliff Bastin were the Arsenal players involved. Hapgood captained England for the first time while Drake and Male made their international debuts.
Italy played almost the entire match with 10 men after a tackle from Drake left centre-half Monti with a broken bone in his foot after two minutes.
Within 10 minutes the Azzurri were three goals down after a double from Eric Brook and a strike from Drake himself. In a fractious first-half, Hapgood left the pitch for 15 minutes to tend a broken nose following a stray Italian elbow.
Hapgood returned to action but, even with a man advantage, England were soon under pressure. Meazza scored twice in the second half to set up a thrilling finish but Arsenal goalkeeper Moss kept the Italians at bay.
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| | Highbury Highlights - tube station
« Reply #8 on Jun 11, 2005, 8:05am » | |
9. The renaming of Gillespie Road tube station 5 November 1932
![[image]](http://www.arsenal.com/images/PreviousSite/root/h/highbury_underground.jpg)
Arsenal - previously Gillespie Road
Arsenal are the only football team in London with an Underground Station named after them.
This is largely down to foresight of Herbert Chapman, who pushed hard for the Tube stop just behind the North Bank to be re-christened. “Whoever heard of Gillespie Road,” he said at one point in the talks. “It is Arsenal around here!”
The idea had first occurred to Chapman when he visited the newly-relegated Arsenal in 1913 as manager of Leeds City. It took months of lobbying and the change meant that thousands of tickets, maps and signs had to be replaced. Even machinery had to be re-configured.
Eventually, on November 5, 1932, Arsenal made its debut on the London Underground.
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| | Mee's heroes lift the Fairs Cup
« Reply #9 on Jun 13, 2005, 2:35pm » | |
10. Arsenal beat Anderlecht to win the Fairs Cup 28 April 1970
After 17 years without a trophy, the glory days returned to Highbury with a dramatic victory in the 1970 Fairs Cup Final.
![[image]](http://www.arsenal.com/images/PreviousSite/root/h/highbury_anderlecht.jpg) 
Frank McLintock parades the Fairs Cup around Highbury
Bertie Mee's side looked down and out against Anderlecht after slumping to a three-goal deficit in the first leg in Belgium, but a late header from Ray Kennedy gave them a glimmer of hope.
Frank McLintock's post-match rallying call lifted Arsenal's spirits and they were an irresistible force when Anderlecht travelled to Highbury for the second leg six days later.
Eddie Kelly's early goal was the perfect tonic and Mee's men piled on the pressure. They got their reward when John Radford levelled it up on aggregate with a second-half header.
Arsenal had the edge courtesy of Kennedy's away goal but Mulder hit the post to remind the Gunners they still had work to do. Then Jon Sammels made it 3-0 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate; Anderlecht were unable to respond.
The final whistle was the cue for Arsenal's fans to surge onto the pitch and celebrate with their heroes. McLintock, after picking up four losers' medals, finally had his hands on a trophy.
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| | Highbury Highlights - Busby Babes
« Reply #10 on Jun 14, 2005, 9:33am » | |
11. Man Utd win their last game on English soil before the Munich air crash 1 February 1958
![[image]](http://www.arsenal.com/images/PreviousSite/root/h/highbury_manutd.jpg)
United's Mark Jones, who perished in Munich
Manchester United's 5-4 victory at Highbury on Saturday, February 1, 1958 was memorable not only for the scoreline but also because it was the famous Busby Babes' last game on English soil before the Munich air disaster.
United came to Highbury with a team full of famous names, one of which, Duncan Edwards, opened the scoring with a thunderbolt
from the edge of the area. Bobby Charlton then beat Jack Kelsey to make it 2-0 on the half-hour. Tommy Taylor netted the third for the Red Devils and Busby's boys went in at the break with a seemingly unassailable lead.
Within 15 minutes of the restart Arsenal pulled one back through David Herd. Jimmy Bloomfield then slotted past Harry Gregg to make it 3-2, and with the ground in uproar Bloomfield dived to head a third for the home team.
In a thrilling finale Dennis Viollet finally restored United's lead before Taylor grabbed his second and United's fifth. Derek Tapscott typified Arsenal's fighting spirit with a fourth for the Gunners.
Within five days of this exhibition of English football five of that United starting line-up perished in the Munich tragedy.
Left-back and captain Roger Byrne, the entire half-back line of Eddie Colman, Mark Jones and Duncan Edwards, plus centre forward Tommy Taylor were all killed in the disaster.
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| | Arsène Wenger's first home game
« Reply #11 on Jun 14, 2005, 9:34am » | |
12. Arsène Wenger’s first home game 19 October 1996
Not a classic match by any means, but a significant day in Arsenal's history.
![[image]](http://www.arsenal.com/images/PreviousSite/root/h/highbury_wengerfirst.jpg)
Wenger waves to the crowd before his first home game
Arsène Wenger was officially in charge of the Gunners for the first time a week earlier when two clinical strikes from Ian Wright earned a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers. But this was the first time he had met the Highbury crowd.
The Frenchman received a rapturous reception as he headed for the dugouts before the game against Coventry. However, Wenger could not inspire his players to a second successive victory despite a host of chances.
By now, Patrick Vieira was already a favourite with the Arsenal crowd. The midfielder started the game while another early Wenger signing, Remi Garde, was on the bench.
The new manager kept faith with the 3-5-2 formation favoured by his predecessor, Bruce Rioch. Wenger brought Dennis Bergkamp off the bench but even he was unable to engineer a breakthrough as the Sky Blues defended stoutly.
In fact, the most notable incident was an injury to Steve Ogrizovic. The Coventry goalkeeper was stretchered off four minutes from time after a collision with Wright.
Wenger did not have to wait long for his first win at Highbury. A week later, goals from Lee Dixon, Bergkamp and Wright saw Arsenal overcome Leeds, managed at the time by former Gunners boss George Graham.
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| | Dennis fires Arsenal into Europe
« Reply #12 on Jun 15, 2005, 9:23am » | |
13. Arsenal qualify for Europe on final day of season 5 May 1996
![[image]](http://www.arsenal.com/images/PreviousSite/root/h/highbury_bergkamp.jpg)
Bruce Rioch's tenure at Arsenal was short-lived but it ended on a high note on the final day of the 1995/96 season.
The Gunners had adopted a more attractive passing game under Rioch, who deployed Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn as wing-backs and brought in established internationals David Platt and Dennis Bergkamp.
Those signings both played their part in a thrilling finish to the campaign at Highbury. Mediocre away form had cost Arsenal any chance of the title but a victory against Bolton would see the Gunners pip Everton to a UEFA Cup place.
It looked to be a foregone conclusion. Bolton were rock bottom and relegated, while Arsenal had a potent strikeforce of Bergkamp and Ian Wright.
Things didn't go as planned. With 14 minutes remaining, Andy Todd gave Bolton a shock lead. Ironically, it seemed that Rioch's former club would deny his new side a place in Europe.
With the crowd getting restless and time running out, Arsenal poured forward. Platt slammed the ball through Keith Branagan's legs with eight minutes to go to level matters, but the Gunners needed another goal.
Step forward Bergkamp. Two minutes after Platt's strike, the Dutch master collected a short pass from the England midfielder before finding the top corner from 20 yards. Highbury erupted, and Bolton were finally beaten.
Rioch celebrated but he was gone by the start of the following campaign. As for Bergkamp, that goal was a sign of things to come. Two years later he was named Footballer of the Year after inspiring Arsenal to their second Double.
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| | Highbury Highlights - Arsenal on air
« Reply #13 on Jun 16, 2005, 12:19pm » | |
14. Highbury hosts a broadcasting first 22 January 1927
Highbury has played host of couple of significant firsts in broadcasting history.
![[image]](http://www.arsenal.com/images/PreviousSite/root/h/highbury_buchan.jpg)
Arsenal's Charlie Buchan
The game on January 22, 1927 against Sheffield United was the first to be carried by BBC radio. Charlie Buchan’s strike was the first goal to be publicly broadcast. However Arsenal could not hang on to their lead and the visitors equalised to leave the final result 1-1 in front of a crowd of 16,831.
Ten years later sections of a game between Arsenal and their Reserves were televised. This was the first time a football game had been covered in this way.
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| | Highbury Highlights - Highs and lows in Europe
« Reply #14 on Jun 17, 2005, 9:24am » | |
15. Highs and lows in European competition 1963-2004
Highbury has witnessed some fantastic European nights down the years.
![[image]](http://www.arsenal.com/images/PreviousSite/root/f/fabregas_rosenborg.jpg)
It was 42 years ago when the famous ground first staged a European match. Staevnet from Denmark were the visitors for the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup clash but Arsenal ended up on the losing side. The Gunners still progressed despite the 3-2 defeat having previously won the away leg 7-1.
It was only seven years later that the Gunners recorded their biggest ever home win any European competition.
Romania’s Dinamo Bacau were thrashed 7-1 by Bertie Mee’s side, again in the Fairs Cup. The Gunners were 2-0 up from the away leg and two apiece for Jon Sammels, John Radford and Charlie George, plus a solo effort from George Graham gave them a 9-1 aggregate win.
Since 1998 Arsenal have participated in the modernised Champions League. Their biggest win the new competition came on December 7, 2004. Jose Antonio Reyes, Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas, Robert Pires and Robin van Persie all scored to give Arsenal a 5-1 win over Rosenborg.
European matches have not always ended in glory for Arsenal at Highbury. In 1982 the Gunners suffered their biggest-ever home defeat in European competition. Spartak Moscow came away 5-2 winners on the night in a UEFA Cup First Round clash and won the tie 8-4 on aggregate.
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