This is a post which only a few would be able to relate to. It's to wish a good bye to Arsenal's home-ground Highbury. Its only a few hours to go before Arsenal take position on the field (against Wigan) for the last time in Highbury, to end a 93 year old legacy. One of the best and well-maintained pitches in the football world will then be history for the gunners, as Arsenal move to a new ground- the Emirates Stadium which will be able to host an additional 30-40K fans.
Well, I remember that the first live premiership match that I saw on TV was at Highbury in the 1997-98 season (when they started showing EPL on ESPN), and I instantly fell in love with the team. This was the year that Arsenal won the double, beating Newcastle in the FA Cup final with Marc Overmars scoring a memorable goal.
Most people would not be able to understand this, but all Arsenal fans will defintely miss the green turf, the low angle cameras for the coverage, the shadows in a day game, and of course the cheering and merry-making that always accompanies an Arsenal goal. It will be an emotional farewell, especially for Wenger and his boys, for whom Highbury has been synonymous to home.
The best tribute that Arsenal can pay to Highbury is by winning it big against Wigan and making it a memorable affair for all the fans. However, the biggest present can come only from West Ham, who by beating or holding Tottenham tonight can ensure that Arsenal earn the pass to the Champions League. I have never cared about the Hammers ever... but will be supporting them in full force tonight!
Here is hoping that Highury does get the fitting farewell that it so richly deserves...
Update : A perfect goodbye... 4-2 win, with Henry scoring a hattrick, and West-Ham beating the Spurs 2-1. People talk about their favourite moments at Highbury... for me, one of the best moments at Highbury was yesterday, when Thierry Henry kneeled down and kissed the turf after scoring his hat-trick.
Well, I remember that the first live premiership match that I saw on TV was at Highbury in the 1997-98 season (when they started showing EPL on ESPN), and I instantly fell in love with the team. This was the year that Arsenal won the double, beating Newcastle in the FA Cup final with Marc Overmars scoring a memorable goal.
Most people would not be able to understand this, but all Arsenal fans will defintely miss the green turf, the low angle cameras for the coverage, the shadows in a day game, and of course the cheering and merry-making that always accompanies an Arsenal goal. It will be an emotional farewell, especially for Wenger and his boys, for whom Highbury has been synonymous to home.
The best tribute that Arsenal can pay to Highbury is by winning it big against Wigan and making it a memorable affair for all the fans. However, the biggest present can come only from West Ham, who by beating or holding Tottenham tonight can ensure that Arsenal earn the pass to the Champions League. I have never cared about the Hammers ever... but will be supporting them in full force tonight!
Here is hoping that Highury does get the fitting farewell that it so richly deserves...
Update : A perfect goodbye... 4-2 win, with Henry scoring a hattrick, and West-Ham beating the Spurs 2-1. People talk about their favourite moments at Highbury... for me, one of the best moments at Highbury was yesterday, when Thierry Henry kneeled down and kissed the turf after scoring his hat-trick.
7 comments:
I have never been to Highbury but you can see the quality of the playing service always. I only hope they take that with them to the New Emirates.
My favourite match was the 4-0 home win that won the 98 Premier League title. Oh, and by the way they beat Newcastle Utd in the FA cup final that season!
Still, view my blog for my own short Highbury tribute.
Matthew, Thanks for dropping by, and for pointing out the error as well. Have updated it. I am sure that the playing services will be migrated to Emirates, but I hope that the pitch is also as good as the one at Highbury
Hi nirav,
I understand what it means to leave behind a 93 year old sporting legacy. :)
And its so sad that we too have far older clubs barely managing to survive. :(
A kiss from an undemonstrative man on the field may yet indicate he will go !
A great run yet !
@Khelnayak - Yes... I guess there is no comparison between football in England and in India... the legacy in India is limited to just a bunch of people anyway
@Anand - Hmmm... I certainly hope not. I am hoping that it would be a Gerrard like situation last year... If they win Champions League, then maybe he would stay on
but i felt really sorry for spurs that day !! they were surely the better team than Arsenal throught this EPL season.
anyhow someone always has to lose :)
@Kon - I guess through the beginning of the season, Spurs were definitely better, but towards the end, Arsenal were on a great streak... yeah, but nothing much to choose between the 2 teams
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