Highbury farewell - a great football moment
Posted by DavidM in Arsenal, Wigan, World Cup | 7 May 2006
I was lucky enough to get a ticket for Arsenal vs Wigan today, the last ever game at Highbury. Despite the most frantic of journeys to get there it has to go down as my all-time greatest football moment.
As an Arsenal fan (and apologies to Wigan fans reading this on the Wigan blog page) today was huge. The last game of the season, needing a win for a good chance of taking 4th spot from arch rivals Tottenham, against the backdrop of an historic farewell to Highbury.
The game itself was full of drama. The Arsenal crowd were in great voice for once and there was a party atmosphere for most of the first 45 minutes. The Wigan fans raised a smile from the home fans for their rendition of "Highbury is falling down, falling down, falling down". Arsenal had given the home fans red or white t-shirts so each blog was a solid mass of the same colour, making the blue in the away end stood out more than usual.
This was no walk-over for Arsenal - Wigan turned up to play and played well. The first half was tied at 2-2, and deservedly so, reflecting the occasional brilliance of Arsenal and continuous industry of Wigan. Arsenal went ahead, pleasing the crowd, then nerves kicked in as Wigan not only equalised but went 2-1 up. Henry's first goal levelled the scores before half-time.
There were cheers as we heard West Ham were ahead, then groans when Spurs equalised. With games tied, 4th spot would go to Tottenham.
In the second half the home crowd was increasingly nervous. Another goal from Henry put Arsenal ahead not just in the game but against Spurs in the table. We held our breath when the guy in front with a radio said West Ham had a penalty. This could seal it, but no, Spurs saved it. Everytime he cupped his ears to listen to the other game we all crowded in to hear the news.
Then a second goal came for West Ham and a fourth for Arsenal. There was only 10 minutes to go and Spurs would have to score twice to take 4th position. We heard they hit the woodwork twice but eventually, with barely a fingernail left on three sides of the stadium, the whistle went at Highbury and then at Upton Park.
The Arsenal crowds were jubilant, the Wigan fans were obviously unhappy with the result but stayed for the party with a succession of Arsenal greats, interviews, marching band, Roger Daltrey's specially commissioned song "Highbury Highs" (on which no-one joined in the chorus) and eventually fireworks. The Gooners lapped it up and the Wigan fans clapped and cheered along. The only thing I was disappointed with was that there was no 'thank-you' to the visiting fans for staying and being good sports.
90 minutes after the game ended Arsene Wenger led the countdown to the end of Highbury. Fireworks went up from all 4 sides and the crowd gave a final cheer. Then time for home.
I felt exhausted from the hectic journey there and from the nerves and excitement of the game, but for me it was the best football experience I've ever had. I'm sorry about the score for Wigan fans, but I'm glad you could be part of Arsenal's historic day and your fans were a credit to you.
Cheers
DavidM
Comments
Congrats to the Wigan People that stayed to the end , just a shame the 500 or so people in avenall road could not be let into the seats that the ones that left were vacant,still a great day though tinged with sadness
fantastic game and display from Arsenal.
the t-shirts idea was a winner and made the ground look spectacular.
well done to Wigan and Paul Jewell for a fantastic season for them as well.
