30th Anniversary Premier League.

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

This season marks the 30th Anniversary of the Premier League. Thought I would have a look back at some Classic Arsenal Matches from this period.

The first match goes back to the 1993/94 season. Arsenal made the trip to Suffolk, to face Ipswich Town at Portman Road. This match was played on Saturday 5th March 1994, kick off 3:00pm.


Ipswich Town v Arsenal

A crowd of 18,656 had descended on Portman Road. In the Ipswich Town team that day was Arsenal defender Andy Linighans Brother, David, who was also a defender. Up front, Ipswich had striker Chris Kiwomya, who would go onto sign for Arsenal the following season.
When the referee blew for half time, Arsenal were leading 3 - 0. Ian Wright had scored two, and an Ipswich player had scored an own goal.
Onto the second half, Ray Parlour got onto the scoresheet. Arsenal returned the compliment by scoring an own goal. Lee Dixon scored a brilliant own goal, to give Ipswich a goal.
Then towards the end of the game, Arsenal were awarded a penalty. Ian Wright stepped up to take it, and scored.
The full time result was, Ipswich Town 1 - 5 Arsenall . Ian.Wright scored a hattrick , a good result for Arsenal Manager George Graham's team.

 

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

The next match that I thought I would take a look at, comes from the 2006/07 season.
On Saturday 30th September, 2006, Arsenal made the short journey across to East London for the 3:00pm kick off. Arsenal were facing Charlton Athletic, at the Valley.


Charlton Athletic v Arsenal

A crowd of 26,720 was at the Valley to watch this London Derby. Arsenal were fielding there two big hitters up front, Thierry Henry and Robin Van Persie. While our Hosts Charlton were calling on Darren Bent, who was a proven goalscorer at his previous club, Ipswich Town, and now Charlton. They also had Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who had previously played for the likes of Leeds United, Chelsea and Middlesbrough. Which of these four goalscorers would do well in this match?
Charlton took the lead in the first half through Darren Bent. Arsenal equalised, Robin Van Persie with the equaliser. The half time score was 1 - 1.
Onto the second half, Van Persie scored his second goal of the match. What a Wonder Goal that it was as well!!! He scored with a volley, the travelling Arsenal supporters were positioned behind this goal. Van Persie went up to the Arsenal contingent to celebrate his goal.
This proved to be the matchwinner. Final score, Charlton Athletic 1 - 2 Arsenal .

 

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

The first Arsenal Home Match that I am looking back on, needs very little introduction.
This match was played at Highbury Stadium on Tuesday 1st February, 2005. Under the floodlights, Arsenal were hosting Manchester United.
This was to be a ding dong of a contest, on and off the pitch. 38,154 were inside Highbury to witness this encounter. The Fireworks started off early, as Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira built up the tension in the players tunnel.


Arsenal Manchester United .

In the first half, Patrick Vieira scored to put Arsenal in front. That lead was short lived, as Ashley Cole scored an own goal, to make it 1 - 1. Then Dennis Bergkamp scored to give Arsenal a 2 - 1 lead. At half time, Arsenal were winning 2 - 1.
Onto the second half, more drama was to come. For Man Utd, Wayne Rooney was the lone striker, getting support in midfield from, Christiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, and Ryan Giggs. It was Ronaldo who would next stamp his mark on the game. He scored two goals in the 54th and 58th minutes, to put Utd 3 - 2 up.
Future Arsenal player Mikael Silvestre was Sent Off for Man Utd in the 69th minute. Then in the 88th minute, defender John O Shea scored Man Utd's 4th, to give the visitors a full time victory of, Arsenal 2 - 4 Manchester United.

 

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

This match was literally a game of two half's. Arsenal made the long trip to the North East, to play Newcastle United at St James Park, or the Sports Direct Arena. This game was in the 2010/11 season, played on Saturday 5th February 2011.


Newcastle United v Arsenal .

A crowd of 51,561 was at the match. On the bench for Newcastle, was ex Tottenham and Arsenal defender Sol Campbell. It was Arsenal who got off to the best start. Theo Walcott scored in the 1st minute to put Arsenal 1 - 0 up. Then in the 3rd minute, defender Johan Djourou put the London team 2 - 0 up. Robin Van Persie scored in the 10th and 28th minute, to give Arsenal a 4 - 0 lead, just before the half hour mark. Arsenal were in control, the three points were in the bag? The half time scoe was 4 - 0 to the Arsenal. Only one team in it.
Onto the second half, and Abou Diaby got sent off for Arsenal, in the 50th minute. After this stage of the game, Newcastle slowly got back into it. Joey Barton scored with a penalty, then Leon Best scored to make it 4 - 2. Then Newcastle were awarded another penalty. Joey Barton again stepped up, and scored, to make it 4 - 3. In the 87th minute, Cheick Tiote scored the equalizer to make it 4 - 4.
Arsenal literally dropped 2 points. It was certainly a game of two half's.

 

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

This look back takes us to the Opening Day match of the.1993/94 season. On Saturday 14th August 1994, Arsenal were hosting Coventry City, at Highbury Stadium. The crowd at this match was 24,897. A low crowd due to the Clock End Stand being closed to redevelopment. The New North Bank Stand was now Open. A chance for Arsenal to put on a show for the New part of the Stadium.
Arsenal's New Summer signing, Eddie McGoldrick, signed from Crystal Palace, had to be content with a place on the substitutes bench.


Arsenal v Coventry City

Unfortunately, Coventry hadn't read the script, and came to spoil the Party. City striker Mick Quinn opened the scoring in the first half, to give Coventry a 1 - 0 half time lead.
Then Quinn scored twice in the second half, to give the East Midlands team a full time result of, Arsenal 0 - 3 Coventry City.
Could have a Headline of, 'A Pain Quinn the Arse'.

 

[GoonerJeeves]

Arsenal's New Summer signing, Eddie McGoldrick, signed from Crystal Palace, had to be content with a place on the substitutes bench.

Probably should have kept him there throughout his time at Arsenal. One of our least inspired signings in my time. You'd take Stefan Schwarz anytime over McGoldrick.

 

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

This match is a moment in History for Arsenal. It is the Final Premier League Match of the 2005/06 season. It is the Last Arsenal Home Match to be played at Highbury Stadium.
The opponents were Wigan Athletic, the game took place on, Sunday 7th May, 2006. For this season, Arsenal were wearing a Redcurrant colour home shirt, in recognition to there History.


Arsenal v Wigan Athletic.

Highbury's attendance for this match was, 38,349. The Arsenal supporters were given a Red, or a White T-Shirt to wear. It made for a great effect of Red and White sections in the stands.
Robert Pires opens the scoring for Arsenal in the 8th minute. Thierry Henry adds a second in the 35th minute. Wigan also score two goals in the first half, to give a half time score of, Arsenal 2 - 2 Wigan Athletic.
In the second half, Thierry Henry goes onto score two more goals, getting his hattrick. In the 66th minute, Wigan bring on Swedish midfielder Andreas Johansson. Unfortunately for Andreas, he makes the wrong sort of impact, as he is Sent Off in the 75th minute.
The Final Score is, Arsenal 4 - 2 Wigan Athletic. The Perfect Result for Highbury's Final Match.

 

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

This Match takes us back to the 1997/98 season, our Double Winning season. Arsenal traveled up to the East Midlands, for a midweek fixture. The opponents were Leicester City, at Filbert Street. The match was played on Wednesday 27th August, 1997.


Leicester City v Arsenal.

The attendance for this fixture was, 21,089. When I think of Leicester during this period, I think of the midfield that they had. They had Muzzy Izzet, Neil Lennon and Robbie Savage. Up front, there was Emile Heskey, who came up through the Leicester Youth teams. All of these players started this match.
It was Arsenal that got off to a good start. Dennis Bergkamp scores in the 9th minute, to put Arsenal 1 - 0 up. 1 - 0 is the half time score.
In the second half, Dennis Bergkamp scores again in the 69th minute, to put the Gunners 2 - 0 up. Job nearly complete. Emile Heskey gets a goal back for Leicester in the 84th minute. Then the game goes a bit crazy.
Leicester defender Matt Elliott scores in the 90th minute, to make it 2 - 2. Dennis Bergkamp then scores a Wonder Goal, to put Arsenal 3 - 2 up. Then with pretty much the last kick of the game, Leicester defender Steve Walsh scores Leicester's third.
That is how the match finishes. Final Score, Leicester City 3 - 3 Arsenal .
Dennis Bergkamp gets a hattrick.

 

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

Sorry, forgot to add this picture to the.previous Post.

 

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

We are taking a look back, at a North London derby match. This game certainly had goals, it took place during the 2008/09 season. Arsenal were the Hosts for this fixture, which was played at the Emirates Stadium on, Wednesday 29th October, 2008.


Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur.

A crowd of 60,043 attended this North London derby fixture. Arsenal started the match with an all French defence. The back four consisted of, Sagna, Silvestre, Gallas, and Clichy.
It was Tottenham that would strike first. Ex Gooner David Bentley scores a Wonder Goal, to put Sp**s 1 - 0 up. Silvestre equalises in the first half, to give a half time score of,. Arsenal 1 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur.
In the second half, Gallas makes it 2 - 1 Arsenal. Then Adebayor and Van Persie score, to make it 4 - 1. Arsenal look set to win the game?
Sp**s score a goal through Darren Bent, 4 - 2. In the 89th minute, Jermaine Jenas makes it 4 - 3, then, in the 90th minute, Aaron Lennon equalises for Tottenham.
What a game. Final Score, Arsenal 4 - 4 Tottenham Hotspur .
Eight Goal Thriller, with Eight different goalscorers.

 

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

Two 4 - 4 draws that Arsenal have played in, have been covered on this Thread. One of the Greatest 4 - 4 draws, was the match where Arsenal were playing away to Liverpool, at Anfield.
This was the 2008/09 season. The game was played on Tuesday 21st April, 2009.


Liverpool v Arsenal.

When Arsenal have played Liverpool at Anfield, you rarely get a boring 0 - 0. This match proved to be a Classic Anfield encounter.
A crowd of 44,424 was in attendance. The game see's Arsenal open the scoring. Andrey Arshavin scores in the 36th minute, to give the gunners a 1 - 0 half time lead.
Early in the second half, Liverpool equalise through there Spanish striker, Fernando Torres. In the 56th minute, Liverpool take the lead. There midfielder Yossi Benayoun (who becomes a future Arsenal player) scores. Arsenal score twice in the 67th and 70th minute, to take a 3 - 2 lead. Andrey Arshavin scores both, scoring a hattrick in the process.
The 72nd minute sees Torres get his second goal in the game, making it 3 - 3. Then in the 90th minute, Arshavin scores to give Arsenal a 4 - 3 lead. Arshavin scoring four goals at Anfield, 3 points going back to North London?
Unfortunately, No. Benayoun scores the equalizer in the 93rd minute. His second goal of the match. The full time whistle is to be heard next, signaling the end of a Blockbuster of a match.
Full time, Liverpool 4 - 4 Arsenal.

 

[balthazar]

Stats are rather grim. I feel we should have at least 3 more titles, 2007-2008, 2015-16, 2022-23.

Man Utd 13
Man City 7
Chelsea 5
Arsenal 3
Liverpool 1
Blackburn Rovers 1
Leicester 1

 

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

During the 2002/03 season, Arsenal travelled to Yorkshire, to face Leeds United, at Elland Road. The match took place on Saturday 28th September, 2002. A crowd of, 40,199 attended the game.


Leeds United v Arsenal.

Arsenal, wearing there all Blue away kit, took a 9th minute lead. Nigerian forward Kanu scoring the goal. We then increased our lead, Kolo Toure, playing in a midfield role, scored in the 20th minute. At half time, we were winning 2 - 0.
Arsenal then made it 3 - 0 early in the second half. Thierry Henry with the goal.
Leeds got a goal back towards the end of the game, Australian Harry Kewell with the goal.
But not long after Leeds had scored, Arsenal scored there fourth. Kanu getting his second goal of the game.
Full time, Leeds United 1 - 4 Arsenal.

 

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

This match was the final home match of the 2004/05 season. It was also the final home match that Arsenal would play in Red and White, at Highbury Stadium.
Everton were the visitors to North London, on Wednesday 11th May, 2005.


Arsenal v Everton.

A crowd of, 38,073 was at Highbury to watch this encounter. In the Everton team was ex Gooner goalkeeper Richard Wright. In midfield for the Merseyside team was current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
It was Arsenal that would strike first. Robin Van Persie scores in the 8th minute. '1 - 0 to the Arsenal'. Robert Pires scores Arsenal's second, three minutes later, 2 - 0. Partrick Vieira scores in the 37th minute, to make it 3 - 0. That is how it ends at half time.
Pires gets his second of the match early in the second half, 4 - 0. Edu scores with a 69th minute Penalty, 5 - 0.
Dennis Bergkamp stamps his mark on the goal scoring, 6 - 0. Then finally, Mathieu Flamini makes his contribution to the goals, scoring in the 85th minute. 7 - 0.
That is how the game finishes. A good send off to the Red and White colours at Highbury.
Final Score, Arsenal 7 - 0 Everton.

 

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

Arsenal travelled across to West London, for this London Derby Match, against Fulham at Craven Cottage. This match was played on Sunday 7th October, 2018, with a 12:00pm kick off.


Fulham v Arsenal.

A crowd of 25,401 was inside this Historic ground on the edge of the Thames. The Gunners take the lead in the 29th minute, as Alexandre Lacazette scores, 0 - 1. Fulham equalise just before half time through Andre Schurrle, 1 - 1.
Arsenal score there second of the match, again through Lacazette, 1 - 2. It then becomes 1 - 3, as Arsenal's Welsh midfielder, Aaron Ramsey scores. Striker Pierre - Emerick Aubameyang scores twice in the 79th (1 - 4), and 91st minutes (1 - 5), to give Arsenal a good away win.
Final Score :- Fulham 1 - 5 Arsenal.



Hope that Celebrity Fulham supporter Richard Osman, didn't find the game too 'Pointless'.

Richard thought Fulham might 'Tie' the match, 5 - 5.

 

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

This Match is one to forget for Arsenal, a Bad Day at the office.
On Saturday 22nd March, 2014, Arsenal traveled to West London, this time to play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.


Chelsea v Arsenal.

This match was Arsène Wenger's 1000th game in charge of Arsenal. A crowd of 41,614, was at Stamford Bridge to watch this London Derby. In goal for Chelsea was Petr Cech, (who later went onto play for Arsenal) he would be facing Arsenal striker Oliver Giroud, (who later went onto play for Chelsea).
The first half did not go well for Arsène's Historic match, as we found ourselves losing 4 - 0. To add to Arsenal's first 45 minute woes, Kieran Gibbs was shown the Red Card for handball. But the referee had sent off the wrong players, as it was Alex Oxlaide Chamberlain that had committed the offence.
Chelsea went onto score two more goals in the second half. Chelsea's sixth goal was scored by Mo Salah, who would later go onto sign for Liverpool. He came on in the second half of this match, as a 67th minute substitute.
Final Score :- Chelsea 6 - 0 Arsenal.

 

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

This Match should be a Sequel from the Last Match. 'A Bad Day at the Office, 2'.
Arsenal travelled up to the North West, to face Manchester United at Old Trafford. The fixture was early in the 2011/12 season, it was played on Sunday 28th August, 2011, with a 4:00 pm kick off. A crowd of 75,448 was at Old Trafford, to watch this encounter.


Manchester United v Arsenal .

The two forward lines had strikers, who would go onto sign for the opossing team. Danny Welbeck, Man Utd to Arsenal, and Robin Van Persie, Arsenal to Man Utd.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, Man Utd made the better start. They went into a 3 - 0 first half lead, goals from Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney. Theo Walcott pulled one back for Arsenal, just before half time.
Onto the Second Half, Wayne Rooney scored another two goals, scoring a hattrick. Ashley Young scored a second goal in the match, scoring two in the game. With Welbeck's goal in the first half, Nani and Park Ji-Sung, both scored a goal in the second half.
Arsenal scored a second through Robin Van Persie. Then to top off the bad day for Arsenal, Carl Jenkinson was shown the Red Card.
That was how it finished. Full time, Manchester United 8 - 2 Arsenal .

 

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

Arsenal were Home to Blackburn Rovers, at the Emirates Stadium, during the 2011/12 season. The fixture was played on Saturday 4th February, 2012. The Emirates had a crowd of 59,643.


Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers.

Arsenal took an early lead, Robin Van Persie scored in the 2nd minute. Blackburn made it 1 - 1 in the 31st minute, Morten Gamst Pedersen with the goal. Van Persie scored his second of the match, not long afterwards, and Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain scored Arsenal's third, to give Arsenal a 3 - 1 half time lead. Just before half time, Blackburn's Gael Givet was Red Carded.
In the second half, Van Persie scores his third, gets a hattrick. Oxlaide-Chamberlain gets his second. Current Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta gets a goal, then to compound Blackburn's misery, there player Scott Dann scores an Own Goal in the 93rd minute.
Final Score from the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal 7 - 1 Blackburn Rovers.