Au revoir Highbury
On the seventh of May 2006, a bit of English football heritage died. It was the day on which Arsenal played their last match at Highbury – their home for the last ninety three years (1913 – 2006). They start next season in their swanky new stadium at Ashburton Groove, just a couple of blocks away from Highbury. Aerial pictures showing the two stadiums in proximity appear very poignant; Highbury’s ancient looking edifice pales in comparison with the gleaming all steel construction of the Emirates stadium. But as the fans trooped out of Higbury that evening for one last time, they knew that they had left a piece of themselves behind, a void that they may never be able to fill. (courtesy: Yahoo news)
However all was not gloomy at Highbury a few hours before that. Arsenal put on a champagne performance in front of their home fans to beat Wigan – the fairy tale team of this season. And once Tottenham Hotspurs 2-1 loss at West ham United was confirmed, it was time for the Highbury faithful to start celebrating. This turn of events meant that Arsenal would participate in the Champions league next season irrespective of how they fare against Barcelona in the Champions league final later this month. For Spurs it seemed like a cruel twist of fate, and condemned them to the UEFA cup next season. This may actually prove to be a blessing, as doing well in the second string event may prepare them better for a decent shot in the Champions league the following year. Just look at how well Middlesbrough has done in the UEFA cup this season. They might not have lasted long had they been in with the big boys of the Champions league this season itself.
For Arsenal though, the events of the evening did not unfold so favourably right from go. Wigan made a real fuss and came to the match without reading the script. The result – they were leading 2-1 about half an hour into the match and were making a serious case of damping all celebrations at Highbury. But when the chips are down for Arsenal, they always look up to to one man to bail them out. And Henry honoured them yet again. His hattrick thereafter silenced a recalcitrant Wigan team and yet again confirmed his status as the greatest Arsenal import, and probably the best ever to have graced the grounds of Highbury. Even Henry appeared so awed by the occasion that he knelt down to kiss the turf after this third goal.
This climactic last day brought the curtains down on yet another fascinating season in the world’s most popular football league. How things may turn out for Arsenal next season is not yet clear. Will they be able to convince Henry to stay on for longer? Or will Henry decide to follow in the footsteps of teammates Wiltord and Vierra and return to the continent. Even if he does so, no one can question the commitment he has shown by dedicating his prime years to the club’s service. There is no doubt that Arsenal and in particular Arsen Wenger have transformed Henry into the potent striker that he is today. But he has repaid all that and more many times over during his stay with the North London club.
The evening was nonetheless more than about Henry. It was drenched in the melancholy of saying goodbye to an institution of English football. There are so many fond memories that I personally have of Highbury even though I don't consider myself a true Arsenal fan: the low camera angle that brought you that much closer to the game, the sea of red and white cheering fans, and more recently the giant squirrel who popped up when Villareal were visiting and which refused to be shooed away (and which has since become something of an icon at Highbury)! Highbury will in the future no longer physically exist. It will soon be torn down to make way for an apartment complex (one wing of the stadium though being a heritage site will be spared). One banner in the crowd last night aptly summed up the mood - “ Gone forever, but not forgotten.” Where ever they may move, Arsenal will forever remain synonymous with Highbury.
Updates:
1. It gladdened me in some way to learn that season ticket holders would be able to buy the Highbury seats they occupied in the just completed season. That would be quite a nostalgic memorabilia to hang on to.
2. The fate of the invading squirrel is unknown. If you google up on "Arsenal Squirrel", you will be amazed to see the following this story has! In this news item courtesy Yahoo news, Arsene Wenger seemed impressed with the squirrel's performance and commented, "He was quite fast -- and dribbling." 
Good piece. I echo those sentiments. As for the best foreign import, it has to be a toss up between Bergkamp & Henry, though I think Overmars is worthy of mention too.
He scored some crucial and great goals and had scintillating pace, great technique and eye for goal. I rate him alongside Bergkamp and Henry.
View my blog for my own tribue to Highbury.
Posted by
Matthew |
May 08, 2006 12:12 PM
Good one... and hopefully Henry will now stay on :)
Had written a testimonial to highbury on my blog as well..
Posted by
Nirav |
May 09, 2006 4:51 PM
Nice piece !
Yes, Wigan almost stopped them in their tracks !
Yes, the transformation from a sidey left-winger to a magician is complete no matter what he does from here on.
Posted by
Anand |
May 10, 2006 7:57 AM
Matthew, Nirav and Anand - Thanks so much for dropping in guys! I do hope that Henry stays on.
Posted by
The elderly camel |
May 16, 2006 8:55 PM