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arsenalmemories · 8 years ago

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APRIL 18TH IN THE ARSENAL DIARY......... We start with the first of six birthdays as today in 1884 centre forward Gordon Hoare was born in Blackheath, London. He signed for Woolwich Arsenal on May 18th 1907 but didn't make his senior debut until April 1908. In 1909 he left to join Glossop North End but he returned a year later. He went back to Glossop in 1912 in search of more first team football. Between 1907 and 1912 he played 34 times for the Arsenal and scored 13 goals. In the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden he won a gold medal in the men's football. On this day in 1891 Royal Arsenal played Clapton at the Invicta Ground. Jenkins, Linton and Peter Connolly got the goals to give the Royals a 3-1 win. A George Davie goal earned a draw for Royal Arsenal at the Invicta Ground on this day in 1892 against Bootle. At Prestfield Stadium today in 1894 Woolwich Arsenal took on New Brompton (now Gillingham FC). With Joe Powell, William McNab, Arthur Worrall and Peter Mortimer all on target it finished with a 2-4 win for the Gunners. In Division 2 today in 1896 it was Woolwich Arsenal versus Darwen at the Manor Ground. An Adam Haywood goal wasn't enough with Darwen winning 1-3. It was final Woolwich Arsenal matches for four players. Caesar Jenkyns finished with 27 appearances and 6 goals, centre forward Bob Gordon also scored 6 in his 20 matches. Midfielder Sam Mills managed to score 3 times in 25 games, while striker Peter Mortimer hit 23 goals in 48 matches. They all left at the close of the season with Jenkyns signing for Newton Heath, making him the first Arsenal player to move from Arsenal to Manchester United essentially. Woolwich Arsenal lost 0-2 in Plumstead today in 1903 when they played local rivals Millwall Athletic in the London League Premier Division. This was the last game against Millwall under its Athletic guise, after this they became just “Millwall”. On this day in 1906 Woolwich Arsenal travelled to play a friendly against West Hartlepool (the club went out of existence in 1910). Jimmy Blair scored and Bert Freeman hit a hat trick for a 0-4 victory. At the Manor Ground on this date in 1908 Woolwich Arsenal played Everton in the penultimate match of the Division 1 season. Charles Lewis and Jack Mordue both scored in a 2-1 Gunners victory. Woolwich Arsenal would finish 14th. Today in 1914 saw the biggest crowd to date at Highbury of 35,000 to watch Woolwich Arsenal play out a 2-2 draw with Clapton Orient in Division 2 with John Flanagan getting both the Gunners' goals. The draw meant that the Arsenal would not be in the promotion places. This game is most significant because it was the last time that we played under the name Woolwich Arsenal. In the London Combination today in 1919 Arsenal were at Selhurst Park to play Crystal Palace. When Jackie Rutherford hit a brace and Joseph Hughes scored it meant a 0-3 win for the Arsenal. West Bromwich Albion were the visitors to Highbury today in 1922. Harry White and Jack Graham goals earned a 2-2 draw with the Baggies. Sam Haden's goal on this day in 1924 ended as consolation when Everton beat Arsenal 3-1 at Goodison Park. This date in 1925 saw Leslie Knighton's last league win as manager of Arsenal in a 5-0 drubbing of Burnley. Sam Haden was on target again as was Henry Woods and Jimmy Brain enjoyed himself with a hat trick. The next two matches were defeats and Knighton was sacked. He had won 34.33% of the games in total, the worst of any long-term manager to this day. In 1927 on this date Herbie Roberts (picture top left) made his league debut for Arsenal against Aston Villa at Villa Park. John Barley got a goal and Bob John scored twice in a closely fought 2-3 Arsenal win. Roberts went on to make a total 335 appearances after signing from Oswestry Town in 1926 for £200. A badly-injured knee in October 1937 ended his playing career. He retired in 1938 and became trainer of Arsenal's Southern League team. With Alf Baker and Joe Hulme scoring at Ayresome Park today in 1928 Arsenal got a 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough. Alex James got a vital goal today in 1930. It earned a 1-1 draw at Highbury with Leicester City and although relegation looked possible for Herbert Chapman's side, Arsenal won the FA Cup for the first time and avoided the drop, but only by three points. A special date today in 1931 because having come 14th in 1930, Arsenal won the league for the very first time with two games to spare, by beating Liverpool 3-1 at home during a 9 match unbeaten run to the end of the season. Jack Lambert, Cliff Bastin and David Jack celebrated more than just their goals. 1934 and today the Gunners were at Fratton Park. With Arsenal not scoring Pompey nicked a 1-0 win at home. Ted Drake's goal today in 1936 meant a 1-0 Arsenal win over Aston Villa in London. This was Arsenal’s only win in the last six games of the season and one of only two in the last 14 as the three times champions fell from grace. Defeat for the Gunners today in 1938 at Griffin Park. They couldn't find the scoring touch and were beaten 3-0 by Brentford. Ted Drake was knocked unconcious during the match and was carried off on the shoulders of coach Tom Whittaker. With Arsenal using White Hart Lane as their home ground during the war they welcomed Brighton & Hove Albion today in 1942 in the London War Cup. The Seagulls scored an own goal, Cliff Bastin and Denis Compton both scored and Reg Lewis struck twice as Arsenal won 5-1. Doug Lishman got both Arsenal goals in Islington today in 1949 giving Arsenal a 2-0 victory over Blackpool. Lishman went one better today in 1953. His hat trick made the final score 3-1 against Stoke City in London making it five wins in a row with Arsenal scoring 18 goals to go top of the league. Defender John Chenhall (picture bottom left) played his last Arsenal match. He had played as an amateur for Maidstone United before signing professionally for Arsenal in November 1945. As a left back he only made 16 first team appearances as cover for Joe Wade before moving on in July 1958. There were 21,299 spectators at Bramall Lane today in 1955 and they watched a 1-1 draw between Sheffield United and Arsenal. Don Roper saved a point for the Gunners. Arsenal were in France today in 1956 for one their many friendly fixtures with Racing Club de Paris. There were 30,000 in Paris to watch a high scoring affair. Jack Kelsey conceded three in the Arsenal goal but with Vic Groves and Jimmy Bloomfield finding their scoring boots and Cliff Holton netting twice, the English side ran out 3-4 winners. From Jimmy Bloomfield scoring in Paris to Bloomfield Road, the venue for Arsenal's fixture today in 1959. Joe Haverty and Len Julians both got goals to give Arsenal a 1-2 victory over Blackpool. On this day in 1960, outside right Gordon Nutt (picture top right) and centre forward Len Julians (picture middle right) played their last games in Arsenal jerseys. Not the best of exits as Arsenal lost 3-0 to Fulham at Craven Cottage. Julians was only at the club for two seasons in which time he played 24 matches and scored 10 goals. Competition for the front spot was too great at the time and he moved on to Nottingham Forest in 1960. Winger Gordon Nutt had joined from Cardiff City in 1955 but just three games after joining he cracked his shin bone at Everton. For much of his five years in Islington he was confined to the reserves but overall he made 51 senior appearances and scored 10 goals. In the summer he would leave to join Southend United. The opponents on this date in 1961 were Blackpool again. This time the Seasiders were at Highbury where a solitary goal from David Herd made it 1-0 to the Arsenal and the points stayed in London. Irishman Frank O'Neill (picture bottom right) made his second and final Arsenal appearance before returning to his homeland when Arsenal sold him to Shamrock Rovers for £3,000. This date in 1964 was the final match of the season. A demoralising 5-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield meant two wins in the last 11 games for Arsenal and an exit to Liverpool in the 5th round of the FA Cup. Despite ending 8th manager Billy Wright was given more time, but worse was to come. Today in 1969 former Arsenal player Stefan Schwarz was born in Malmo, Sweden. The midfielder was signed by George Graham for Arsenal from Benfica in the summer of 1994. He played 49 times and scored 4 goals but in the summer of 1995 new manager Bruce Rioch signed David Platt and Stefan moved to italy signing for Fiorentina. Another one of several former players celebrating their birthday today is Matthew Upson. Upson was born in Hartismere, England in 1979 and was signed by Arsene Wenger in May 1997 from Luton Town for £2m. First team opportunities were limited by the presence of experienced, proven defenders like Tony Adams, Steve Bould and Martin Keown but Matthew managed to get 56 senior appearances under his belt in his six years at the club. After loan spells with Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Reading he was sold to Birmingham City in 2003 and shortly after was given an England call up by Sven-Goran Eriksson. Arsenal didn't play again on this date until 1981 when they travelled to Portman Road. Goals from Peter Nicholas and Kenny Sansom gave the Gunners a 0-2 win over the Tractor Boys in front of a crowd of 30,935. For the highlights click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOMZyqbKP5U&feature=youtu.be The next birthday to be remembered today is that of former goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. Lukasz was born in Kostrzyn nad Odra, Poland in 1985. He joined Arsenal from Legia Warsaw in 2007 and had seven years at the club. Before leaving for Swansea City on a free transfer in 2014 he had vied with fellow countryman Wojciech Szczesny for the first team spot. His final act as an Arsenal player was to lift the FA Cup after serving throughout the trophy campaign and aiding Arsenal's victory over Hull City in the final. A win for Arsenal today in 1987 at Plough Lane after Paul Davis and Paul Merson goals made it 1-2 against Wimbledon's 'Crazy Gang'. It was Merson that was on target again today in 1990 as Arsenal shared the points with Liverpool in a 1-1 draw at Highbury. See the goals here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1zKqPZRgbU Meanwhile on the same day in Warsaw, Poland, one of Arsenal's future keepers Wojciech Szczesny was born. He like his compatriot Fabianski joined from Legia Warsaw. For Wojciech he was 16 and he got his place in the academy in 2006. He made his senior debut in the Carling (League) Cup against West Bromwich Albion in 2009 and after seeing to see off the competition of his fellow Pole and sharing the Golden Glove award with Chelsea's Petr Cech in 2014 he started the 2014/2015 season but was seen to make someone careless mistakes. New signing David Ospina once fit after injury got his chance and remained as first choice with Szczesny spending the second half of the season on the bench in Premier League matches but featuring in the FA Cup. Szczesny went on loan to AS Roma in the summer of 2015 as Arsenal acquired Petr Cech from Chelsea. Kevin Campbell got the Arsenal goal today in 1992 as Arsenal nicked a 1-1 draw with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. The goals are here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLwgwTK45u8 Also today in 1992 Samuel Galindo was born in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The midfielder joined Arsenal's academy in 2010 from Real America. He had unsuccessful loan spells in Spain and back in his native Bolivia and although still on Arsenal's books as of January 2015 he remained in Bolivia on loan with Sport Boys Warnes but has since been released by the Gunners. Arsenal were at Wembley Stadium today in 1993 for the Coca-Cola (League) Cup final against Sheffield Wednesday. Goals from Paul Merson and Steve Morrow meant Arsenal won the trophy 2-1 but unfortunately Tony Adams dropped Morrow in the victory celebrations and the injury he sustained kept him out of the FA Cup final which Arsenal also won after a replay. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oa6rQEKFwS4 Into the Premiership era and on this date in 1998 Arsenal beat Wimbledon 5-0 at Highbury. Tony Adams, Marc Overmars, Dennis Bergkamp, Emmanuel Petit (his first Arsenal goal) and Christopher Wreh were all on target. It was the first time Arsenal had beaten Wimbledon at Highbury in six attempts. All the goals are here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2trW1udNjs Today in 2007 David Dein parted company with Arsenal, Sacked? Resigned? Well the club statement was: "On behalf of the Board I would like to express our gratitude to David Dein for the many years of loyal service he has given to the Club. We sincerely regret that irreconcilable differences between Mr. Dein and the rest of the board have necessitated a parting of the ways." In 2009 today despite a Theo Walcott goal, Arsenal lost 1-2 to Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. The goals are here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXU07qWRtbk Back to the Premier League and today in 2010 Theo Walcott was in the goals again along with Mikael Silvestre but the Gunners suffered a 3-2 defeat to Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium. Finally, on this day in 2015 Arsenal played their 28th FA Cup semi-final. Their opponents at Wembley Stadium were Championship side Reading. The teams couldn't be separated in the first half an hour but shortly before half time Mesut Özil lofted a pinpoint ball into the box that was taken beautifully by Alexis Sanchez who used clever footwork to create a position to slot the ball through the legs of the Reading keeper to make it 0-1 to the Gunners. The Royals started brightly after the break and eventually got their reward with an equaliser. With no more goals before 90 minutes the game went into extra time. With Alexis Sanchez getting a second for Arsenal it finished 1-2 to Arsenal as they reached the final for the second year in a row. Here are the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22H8dpq_QUk

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arsenalmemories · 8 years ago

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12TH OF APRIL IN ARSENAL HISTORY..... We start with a birthday, on this day in 1873 right back John 'Jack' Graham (picture top left) was born in Derby, England. He signed for Woolwich Arsenal from London rivals Millwall Athletic but only made one appearance for the first team in his season long stay (against Gainsborough Trinity on the 14th of October 1899). He left for Fulham in 1900. At Manor Field today in 1890 the visiting side were Great Marlow. The friendly ended in a 3-1 win for Royal Arsenal with two goals from Humphrey Barbour and one from Hope Robertson. Woolwich Arsenal were away for a friendly against a Westerham & District XI on this day in 1894. There were nine goals to savour for the small crowd of 700 with the Arsenal running out 3-6 winners. Tommy Bryan, William McNab (2), Arthur Elliott (2) and Peter Mortimer all on target. Woolwich Arsenal went into the match at the Manor Ground on the back of a 7-0 win over Crewe Alexandra. They made it 13 goals in two matches with a 6-1 victory against Wallsall Town Swifts thanks to the goals of Gavin Crawford and Bob Buchanan Charles Hare (2) and Peter Mortimer (2). With one match left to play those two goals by Mortimer made him top scorer for the season with fourteen. Although Alex Main scored for Woolwich Arsenal today in 1902 it was defeat at the Hawthorns as they went 2-1 down to West Bromwich Albion. The club had to mix and match players today in 1905 as they played two friendlies, both away from home. One team went to play West Norwood where they got a 0-7 victory. John Coleman scored a hat trick and Alfred Crowe and Bill Linward hit two a piece in a easy win. The other team were up against Southend Athletic and did not fair so well as they were defeated 2-0 on the south coast. Also on this day in 1905 midfielder Herbert Lawson (picture top right) was born in Luton, England. He joined Arsenal from Luton Clarence in october 1924 and stayed for two and a half years. He never really secured a place in the first team and only made 16 senior appearances in which he scored 2 goals. He left to sign for Brentford in 1927. 1909 and today saw Sheffield Wednesday in Plumstead. There was an element of good fortune in Woolwich Arsenal's 2-1 win as it needed a Harold Lee strike and an own goal by the Wednesday. It was a final appearance for centre forward Sam Raybould (picture bottom left) who had signed from Sunderland the previous year. He played in 30 matches in all but never recreated the good form in front of goal that he had showed when he was a Liverpool player and only scored seven goals for Woolwich Arsenal and he left for Chesterfield at the end of the season. Something happened on this day in 1913 that had happened before and hasn't happened since. Derby County were at the Manor Ground and Charles Lewis scored but the Rams won the match 1-2. That defeat meant that Woolwich Arsenal were relegated with two matches left to play. Fortunately that is a sentence that will not have to be repeated in any other history posts. Centre forward Joseph McLaughlan played for the last time in an Arsenal shirt. he had joined the Woolwich side in 1911 and played 16 matches scoring three goals along the way before leaving to join Watford in the summer. His career was cut short though as he sustained shrapnel wounds fighting World War I. Away to Clapton Orient in the London Combination today in 1919 where wartime guest Jimmy Chipperfield scored both Arsenal goals in a 2-2 draw. The Gunners were back at Millfields Road today in 1920 to play Clapton Orient in a friendly. Tom Whittaker got a Gunners goal but Arsenal were well beaten 5-1. Highbury welcomed Sunderland on this day in 1924 but sent them home empty handed as Henry Woods and Sam haden both scored in a 2-0 victory for Arsenal. The majority of the 24,217 fans left Highbury in jubilant mood today in 1930 as they had just watched Arsenal thrash Sheffield United 8-1. Goals from Alex James, Cliff Bastin and Joe Hulme complimented a brace from William Johnstone and a hat trick from Jack Lambert. It was down the road to White Hart Lane to play the shitty Middlesex side in the Football League War Cup today in 1941. Leslie Compton's goal meant it ended 1-1 between the north London enemies. In Islington today in 1947 it was four goals, one goalscorer as Ronnie Rooke stole the show in Arsenal's 4-0 win over Middlesbrough. Arsenal had one player unavailable for selection as Mr Alexander Rooney Forbes was off winning his first international cap for Scotland. It was Alex Forbes that got Arsenal's goal at Burnden Park today in 1952 but it wasn't enough and Bolton Wanderers won the match 2-1. Jimmy Bloomfield, Vic Groves and David Herd all scored for Arsenal at St James' Park today in 1958. In a nip and tuck affair things ended 3-3 between Newcastle United and the Gunners. When West Bromwich Albion came to London today in 1963 it took a goal from Alan Skirton and two from Geoff Strong for Arsenal to take the points in a 3-2 victory. George Graham's Highbury goal on this day in 1969 could not stave off defeat and Arsenal went down 1-2 to visitors Leeds United. Sylvio Mendes Campos Júnior celebrates his birthday today. 'Sylvinho' was born in São Paulo, Brazil in 1974. Arsene Wenger signed the left back from Corinthians in 1999 making him the first Brazilian to play for Arsenal. Sylvinho made his penetrating runs down the flank in 80 matches for the club and scored 5 goals. It was the emergence of Ashley Cole that meant less opportunities for the Brazilian and in 2001 he sought more first team football and was sold to Celt Vigo for £3.5m. He moved on to Barcelona and returned to England in 2009 for one season with Manchester City. He is currently assistant coach at Internazionale. The exact same thing happened on this day in 1975 as in 1969. Brian Kidd scored the goal this time but it ended with Leeds nicking a 1-2 win in Islington again. FA Cup semi-final day today in 1980. Arsenal faced Liverpool at Hillsborough but neither side could find the back of the net and they would meet at Villa Park in four days to try it all over again. One of those horrible days today in 1982 as despite a John Hawley (picture bottom middle) goal the bitter neighbours from down the road beat the Gunners 1-3. Arsenal were now in a run of just one win in six as Arsenal slipped to 10th, the club’s worst position since 1976. Michael Thomas got the goal at Upton Park today in 1988 that gave Arsenal a 0-1 win over West Ham United. Into the Premiership era and it was defeat for Arsenal at Highbury today in 1993. No goals for the Gunners and Aston Villa took the points with a 0-1 win. On this day in 1994 Arsenal had the second leg of their European Cup Winners Cup semi-final. After a 1-1 draw in France, Paris St Germain were in London. Kevin Campbell was the hero of the night as his goal put the Gunners into the final to play Parma. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKWX7VXS3VI Back in the Premier League Arsenal were beaten at home today in 1995 when once again they failed to score and Liverpool took it 0-1. Back to winning ways in the league on this date in 1997. Leicester City were at Highbury and Tony Adams and David Platt goals made it a 2-0 win for the Gunners over the Foxes. Thierry Henry got the goal today in 2006 that saved Arsenal a point in a 1-1 draw with Portsmouth at Fratton Park. It was this day in 2013 that former Arsenal man Brian McDermott took over as manager of Leeds United, but the chaotic nature of the ownership of the club eventually saw him leave and return to the more stable Arsenal. Finally, the Gunners had another FA Cup semi-final to negotiate today in 2014. Opponents Wigan Athletic gave Arsenal a hard time at Wembley Stadium but the first trophy since 2004 came a step nearer after Per Mertesacker's (picture bottom right) goal meant it finished 1-1 and Arsenal scraped through in a penalty shoot out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8gvzLfRfgc

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arsenalmemories · 8 years ago

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11TH OF APRIL IN ARSENAL HISTORY........ On this day 1891 Royal Arsenal were back at Leyton's ground to play Old Carthusians in the London Charity Cup final. After two previous matches finished in a draw on the 4th and the 8th it was settled today. Peter Connolly scored for the Royals but Old Carthusians won the trophy by two goals to one. It was one of the regular revenue boosting friendlies with local rivals Millwall Athletic today in 1896. Goals from Bob Buchanan and Patrick O'Brien gave Woolwich Arsenal a 2-2 draw at the Manor Ground. 6,000 turned out out in Plumstead today in 1898 for the visit of Burton Swifts. Two goals from David Hannah and one from Adam Haywood made it a 3-0 victory for Woolwich Arsenal in Division 2. The club's second ever manager took charge today for the first time. William Elcoat (not his brother George as the Arsenal website still states), made complete changes to playing staff during his one season in charge but by the next season under Frank Bradshaw only two of those players survived, goalkeeper Roger Ord and centre back John Dick. 1903 and today Woolwich Arsenal were at Filbert Street to take on Leicester Fosse. It ended in a 0-2 win for the Gunners thanks to the goals of John Coleman and William Gooing. Woolwich Arsenal were at Muntz Street today in 1908 for their Division 1 fixture against Birmingham. Harold Lee and Charles Lewis saved the day with their goals making it a 1-2 victory for the Arsenal. At the Manor Ground today in 1910 Woolwich Arsenal took on the already Championship winning side Aston Villa. Charles McGibbon got the only goal of the day for a 1-0 win to the Gunners. There were protestations from other clubs that Aston Villa had played a reserve side giving Arsenal an advantage but it was enough to avoid relegation as it meant we finished 18th out of 20 with the bottom two going down. It was a trip to Elland Road on this date in 1914 to play Leeds City. Leeds City were later expelled from the league for financial irregularities and went out of existence. With no major club left in the city, Leeds United were formed. On this day however 22,000 turned out for what ended in a 0-0 draw. Leeds were managed by one Herbert Chapman and this is believed to be the first time that Arsenal owner Henry Norris and Chapman met and the pivotal day that Norris saw the man he wanted in London. On this day in 1919 Henry Norris wrote an open letter complaining about the behaviour of the London Combination’s committee, in relation to their holding an appeal hearing without him present to represent Arsenal’s position. As has been mentioned in previous history posts the issue was all over Fulham playing ineligible players in a match against Arsenal. Deepdale was the venue today in 1925 and Arsenal didn't have their scoring boots on so Preston North End took advantage and won the match 2-0. Jack Lambert was on target at Blundell Park today in 1931. That was enough for a 0-1 Arsenal win over Grimsby Town. At Ayresome Park today in 1936 Ray Bowden and Cliff Bastin scored in front of 31,006 spectators to earn a 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough. For two players this would their final time in an Arsenal shirt. Centre forward James Dunne (picture top left) was one. He had joined from Sheffield United in 1933 for £8,250. He played 33 times for the club scoring 13 times. Most of his appearances and goals came in the 1933/1934 season but with the signing of Ted Drake in 1934 his opportunities became less and less. He left to join Southampton for a fee of £2,000 in July of this year. The other playing taking his Arsenal bow was Frank 'Tiger' Hill. Hill joined from Aberdeen in 1932 costing £3,000 and the right half back played 81 times contributing 4 goals. He left the club later in this year for Blackpool, later played for Southampton, after retirement he was a coach in Baghdad, Iraq, returned to England and managed Notts County and Charlton Athletic (among others) and finished his career in football as a scout for Manchester City. He moved his family to Lafayette, California, U.S.A. and opened a Fish and Chip shop. He died there in 1993 aged 87. In the London War Cup today in 1942 Arsenal were at the Goldstone Ground to take on Brighton & Hove Albion. A goal from Ted Drake and a brace from Denis Compton made it a 0-3 victory for the Gunners. 50,445 fans had little to cheer today at Bloomfield Road as the match between Blackpool and Arsenal ended in a 0-0 draw. The Gunners were in Wales on this day in 1955. Arsenal beat Cardiff City 1-2 at Ninian Park with goals from Jimmy Bloomfield and Doug Lishman. At Highbury today in 1959 a Gerry Ward goal earned Arsenal a 1-1 draw with Chelsea. Arsenal's Tommy Docherty was unavailable for selection as he was away winning his 25th and final international cap for Scotland. Despite goals from John MacLeod and Alan Skirton today in 1962 Arsenal suffered a hefty 5-2 defeat at the hands of Fulham at Craven Cottage. The 26,164 spectators at Highbury on this date in 1964 endured a 0-0 draw between Arseanl and Blackburn Rovers. When Arsenal went to the Hawthorns today in 1966 they took a 1-4 lead over West Bromwich Albion with goals from George Armstrong, Tommy Baldwin (2) and John Radford. Then due to uncharacteristic mistakes from Ian Ure and others the Gunners threw it all away to finish the match 4-4. At Selhurst Park on this day in 1972 it ended in another draw for the Arsenal. Alan Ball and John Radford scoring the goals that made it 2-2 with Crystal Palace. On this day in 1977 Malcolm Macdonald was the Highbury hero as he got the only goal of the match in Islington against the shitty Middlesex side from down the road. 'One nil to the Arsenal' was the cry and the bragging rights were ours. Liam Brady's goal at Loftus Road today in 1978 turned out to be mere consolation as Queens Park Rangers scraped a 2-1 victory. Leeds United were at Highbury on this date in 1981 where they drew 0-0 with Arsenal. A crowd of 29,339 would have to be satisfied with a point each. Paul Davis and Martin Hayes both scored today in 1987 to finally give Arsenal fans something to cheer about. the 2-1 win over Charlton Athletic was the first win in eleven matches, in the previous ten games the Gunners had managed just two goals. For the first time in a while, the majority of the 26,111 Highbury spectators left in happy mood. 1990 and today the visitors to north London were Aston Villa and the Villans had the nerve to steal a 0-1 win over Arsenal. A good day for the Highbury faithful today in 1992. Kevin Campbell scored and Paul Merson (picture bottom left) hit a hat trick to give the Gunners a 4-1 win over Crystal Palace. It was the start of a five match run to the end of the season in which Arsenal scored 15 goals. Into the Premiership era and on this day in 1998 Nicolas Anelka struck twice and Patrick Vieira weighed in with a goal for a 3-1 win over Newcastle United at Highbury. For Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger (picture top right) that Newcastle goal was a bitter disappointment. It ended his record run of eight consecutive clean sheets. Arsenal took on Manchester United today in 1999 in the FA Cup semi-final. Villa Park was the neutral ground where 39,217 fans packed in only to see a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes and no goals in extra time. In three days time the two sides would be back in Birmingham to try again. New academy starlet Martin Graiciar (picture middle right) was born today in 1999 in the Czech Republic. After much publicised talks the 15 year old finally signed for the club in January 2015. No surprise to hear from the youngster that his favourite player was compatriot Tomas Rosicky. Back to the Premier League and today in 2001 Arsenal were at Maine Road to face Manchester City. The Gunners had fun, Silvain Wiltord scored, Nwankwo Kanu popped one in and Freddie Ljungberg helped himself to two for 0-4 win over a pre-oil money City. Off to St James' Park today in 2004. Arsenal got their third 0-0 draw out of four in the undefeated season. Arsenal got a comfortable 1-4 win over Wigan Athletic at the JJB Stadium on this date in 2009. Theo Walcott, Mikael Silvestre and Andrei Arshavin all scored and Alex Song (picture bottom right) got his first ever goal for the club. Finally, Walcott was on target again on this day in 2012 just after a Robin van Persie penalty and loanee Yossi Benayoun scored in the second half. The match at Molineux ended Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-3 Arsenal. http://www.soccer-blogger.com/2012/04/11/wolves-vs-arsenal-0-3-highlights-2012-van-persie-walcott-benayoun-goals-video-bassong-red/comment-page-1/

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arsenalmemories · 8 years ago

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APRIL 10TH IN THE ARSENAL DIARY......... On this day in 1882 Walter Rayner was born in Wanstead, London. He gets a mention here as he was a guest player for Arsenal during World War I. He made 10 appearances and scored 4 goals during the 1917/1918 season while signed officially to Croydon Common. After he retired from playing he later went on to become Charlton Athletic's first ever professional manager. Today in 1897 Woolwich Arsenal had no fixture so a match was organised at the Manor Ground against the Reserves. The second string side won the practice match 1-2 with Adam Haywood scoring for the first team. The Division 2 match today in Plumstead was against Chesterfield Town. It ended in a 3-0 victory for Woolwich Arsenal with goals from Thomas Briercliffe and William Gooing and a helping hand from the visitors with an own goal. Woolwich Arsenal were at Goodison Park on this date in 1907. Charlie Satterthwaite added to his goal tally but the Gunners lost 2-1 to Everton. A much happier result today in 1909 when Woolwich Arsenal beat Blackburn Rovers 1-3 at Ewood Park. Harold Lee, Charles Lewis and David Neave all on the scoresheet. At Edgeley Park today in 1914 Woolwich Arsenal couldn't find a goal and were defeated 2-0 by Stockport County. Bury were at Highbury on this date in 1915 and Arsenal got a comfortable 3-1 victory. Billy Blyth got a goal and John Flanagan's brace completed the win. There would only be two more matches for Arsenal in Division 2 before being voted into Division 1 and remaining in the top flight to this day. Today in 1919 Leslie Knighton (picture top left) joined Arsenal as manager. Despite battling against relegation he remained in his job until 1925. His 268 matches in charge consisted of 92 wins, 62 draws and 114 defeats giving him a win percentage of 34.33%. Henry Norris sacked him 1925 and replaced him with Herbert Chapman and Knighton moved on to manage Bournemouth. One of Knighton's wins came today in 1920 at Highbury when Arsenal faced Burnley. Frank Bradshaw and Fred Pagnam got the goals to take the points. Jimmy Brain's goal today in 1926 was not enough as Arsenal went down 2-1 to Sunderland at Roker Park. Half back Bill Seddon (picture bottom left) made his debut in the match. He had joined in 1924 and captained the reserves to the London Combination title but it took 14 months for this senior debut to come along. He made 76 appearances for the first team and over 200 for the reserves before leaving for Grimsby Town in 1932 for a fee of £2,500. A comfortable Highbury win today in 1936 when Arsenal beat West Bromwich Albion 4-0. The goals came form Jack Crayston, Alex James, James Dunne and Joe Hulme. 1937 today and Arsenal couldn't score at Maine Road. They ended up being beaten 2-0 by Manchester City. Ted Drake and Leslie Compton both scored at Highbury on this day in 1939 as Arsenal beat Blackpool 2-1. Centre forward George Curtis (picture top right) made his debut today. He joined in 1936 and went to serve his apprenticeship at nursery club Margate. He only played 13 times for the senior side and went to Southampton with team mate Tommy Rudkin in a deal for Don Roper in 1947. Using White Hart Lane as the home ground Arsenal took on West Ham United today in 1943 in the Football League Cup South. Wartime guest Briscoe, Cliff Bastin and Denis Compton all scored to put Arsenal into the semi-final with a 3-1 victory. In 1944 on this date the same three players got a goal a piece as Arsenal beat Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1 in the Football League South. On this day in 1948 Arsenal won the First Division Championship after a 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town at Leeds Road. Arsenal were champions with four games left to play, they would draw two of those and win the other two, finishing the season in style with an 8-0 victory over Grimsby Town. 27,226 spectators watched Arsenal destroy Stoke City at Highbury today in 1950. Walley Barnes got a goal, Peter Goring and Doug Lishman got two a piece and the Potters helped out with an own goal as Arsenal cruised to a 6-0 victory. A sad note that on this day in 1954, Joe Mercer (picture middle right) made is last appearance for Arsenal due to breaking his leg in two places in a collision with team mate Joe Wade. The match at Highbury ended in a 3-0 win over Liverpool courtesy of a goal by Don Roper and two from debutante Derek Tapscott (picture bottom right). Mercer had joined Arsenal in 1946 signing from Everton for £9,000. He became club captain and led Arsenal to three league titles and an FA Cup win. In 1950 he was voted Football Writer's Association Footballer of the Year. In total he played 275 times for the club. Welshman Derek Tapscott had signed from Barry Town in 1953, manager Tom Whittaker paid £4,000 for the midfielder who went to play 132 times and score 68 goals. He sustained an injury while playing for Wales in 1957 but after recuperating he found it difficult to dislodge his replacement Vic Groves to get back to first choice. He left in September 1958, returned to Wales and signed for Cardiff City. Arsenal didn't play again on this date until 1968. This match was a 2-0 defeat for the Gunners by Southampton at the Dell. It was Southampton at the Dell again on this day in 1971. This time it ended in a 1-2 win for Arsenal on the way to the Double. Frank McLintock and John Radford got the goals. There was little for the 20,774 to cheer at Goodison Park today in 1976 as Everton and Arsenal played out a 0-0 draw. Always a good day when you can say that Arsenal beat the shitty Middlesex team and today in 1979 that's what happened. One goal was enough as Frank Stapleton made it 1-0 at Highbury in front of 53,896 fans and the north London enemy were beaten. The Gunners were at the Goldstone Ground on this day in 1982. Despite a Brian Talbot goal Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by Brighton & Hove Albion. Into the Premiership era and today in 1993 Arsenal were at Portman Road to face Ipswich Town. Thanks to goals from Alan Smith and Paul Merson Arsenal got a 1-2 victory over the Tractor Boys. See the goals and a David Seaman penalty save here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEPbDRX1ZmE A new signing for Arsenal today in 1999 as they added sixteen year old Jeremie Aliadiere to the youth ranks. He joined on a free transfer from Clairefontaine. He would graduate through to the first team and played 51 times as well as having loan spells with Glasgow Celtic, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers. He was sold on to Middlesbrough in 2007 before moving to Lorient in 2011 and then took his service to Qatar to sign with Umm Salal. Nicklas Bendtner played for Arsenal Under-21's today in 2006 and his goal meant a 1-1 draw with Watford. Today in 2011 Jens Lehmann played against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road after Manuel Almunia was injured in the warm up. It was his 200th Arsenal game which the Gunners won 1-3 due to goals from Abou Diaby 18; Emmanuel Eboué 21 and Robin van Persie 76. On this day in 2012 the Arsenal Under 21 side nicked a 0-1 victory in the north east when Thomas Eisfeld's goal was the only goal in the match against Newcastle United. This date in 2013 saw Arsenal sell youth player Martin Angha to FC Nuremburg for £300,000. Angha came to the academy from his hometown club of FC Zurich in 2012. He did make it through to the first team playing twice, a debut against Coventry City in the Capital One (League) Cup and then a Champions League match against Olympiacos. He was at FC Nuremburg only a short time before moving on to 1860 Munich and in 2015 moved again to sign with St Gallen back in Switzerland. Finally, it was Chuba Akpom that scored for the youth squad today in 2014. It was not enough to keep Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup and they went out 2-1 to Chelsea.

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arsenalmemories · 8 years ago

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9TH OF APRIL IN ARSENAL HISTORY....... On this day in 1892 Royal Arsenal's friendly at the Invicta Ground was against South Shore FC (amalgamated with Blackpool FC in 1899). Gavin Crawford got the goal that earned the Royals a 1-1 draw. Woolwich Arsenal had a break from Division 3 fixtures today in 1894 and had a friendly at Manor Field against Sheffield United. They failed to score and were beaten 0-1 by the Blades. The Manor Ground played host to Darwen today in 1898 for their Division 2 match with Woolwich Arsenal. With James Brock scoring twice and Adam Haywood getting on the scoresheet it finished 3-1 to the Gunners. Woolwich Arsenal's fixture at Loftus Road today in 1900 was against Queens Park Rangers in the Southern District Combination League. This league only lasted one season and consisted of nine teams; Bristol City, Chatham, Millwall Athletic, Portsmouth, Queens Park Rangers, Reading, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Woolwich Arsenal. In this match Woolwich Arsenal were unable to score and Rangers won 3-0. Today in 1904 was a crunch mate in Plumstead. Woolwich Arsenal faced Preston North End with the two teams locked in a battle for top spot in Division 2 and promotion. 28,000 fans packed the ground but neither side made any strides for the title as it ended in a 0-0 draw. Thomas Shanks played his final match for the club. He was signed from Brentford in 1903 by manager Harry Bradshaw and played a total of 48 matches in his one season in at Woolwich Arsenal. He was instrumental in this season in gaining the club promotional being the first of two players to achieve over 20 goal in a season. His 24 goals in 30 league matches helped immensely and that season the club were undefeated at home and made into the top flight for the first time in their history. He was sold back to Brentford however in the summer to ease the club's financial concerns. Woolwich Arsenal were in north London at White Hart Lane to play in the Southern Professional Charity Cup (a competition which lasted from 1901 until 1908). This semi-final ended 0-0 so the match would have to be replayed. In a friendly at the Manor Ground today in 1909 the opponents were Exeter City. Albert Beney converted a penalty and Sam Raybould scored but Woolwich Arsenal lost 2-3 to the Grecians. Neither team could find the back of the net in Plumstead today in 1910 so 0-0 it finished between Woolwich Arsenal and Bury. Bill Buckenham made the final appearance of his one season with the club. He played 21 times scored 5 times and in the summer he transferred to Southampton. Goalkeeper George Marks (picture top left) was born today in 1915 in Fighaldean, Wiltshire, England. He signed for Arsenal as an amateur in 1936 from Salisbury Corinthians and then spent two years on loan at Arsenal's nursery club Margate. He returned to play twice for the first team before the outbreak of World War II. His second appearance was the match against Brentford which was used in the film 'The Arsenal Stadium Mystery'. He played in 129 wartime matches for the club but when the league resumed he was sold to Blackburn Rovers for £5,000 in 1946. In the London Combination League today in 1917 Arsenal beat their bitter north London rivals 3-2. Wartime guests Cockerill, Sanderson and Wilkins got the goals. On a poignant note, former Arsenal player Spencer Bassett (picture top right) was killed fighting for his country on this date in 1917 during the First World War. He signed for the club from Maidstone in 1906 and the right half signed his professional papers in 1907. He was used regularly for the reserves in the South Eastern League but only made one senior appearance against Notts County in September of 1909. He left in 1910 and played for Exeter City and Swansea Town before signing up at the outbreak of the war. On this day in 1921 Arsenal took on Bradford Park Avenue at Highbury. They edged a 2-1 win with goals from Jackie Rutherford and Joseph Toner in front of 30,000 fans. Wing half Arthur Shaw (picture bottom left) was born today in 1924 in Limehouse, East London. He signed for Arsenal from Brentford in 1948 and made his debut in 1949 against Chelsea. he played a total of 61 matches and helped Arsenal to the league title in the 1952/1953 season. He also played regularly in the reserves in the Football Combination aswell before eventually being sold to Watford in 1955. Shaw was one of the players named in the South Wales Football Echo & Express article that claimed that Arsenal players had, in their match against Cardiff City in 1949 returned to the pitch for the second half, smoking cigarettes. Arsenal strongly denied the claim, so much so that they took legal action against the paper. Three days after beating Newcastle United 1-6 Arsenal were at Roker Park today in 1927 to take on Sunderland. James Shaw scored for the Gunners but in a show of inconsistency which apparently left manager Herbert Chapman 'lost for words' arsenal lost the match 5-1. The venue on this day in 1928 was Ninian Park. Reg Tricker got both goals in Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Cardiff City. Joe Hulme got the Gunners' goal today in 1930. The match ended in a 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough at Ayresome Park. Defeat for Arsenal today in 1932 at Anfield. Jack Lambert scored but Liverpool won the match 2-1. Debutante Gordon Bremner scored the only goal of the match today in 1938 at Elland Road so arsenal got a 0-1 victory over Leeds United. After signing from Cartha Athletic in 1937 Bremner's Arsenal career was interrupted by the second world war. he played 22 times during the war but his official statistics are 15 matches and 4 goals for the first team. He like George Marks mentioned earlier also appeared in the match that was filmed for 'The Arsenal Stadium Mystery' movie. After leaving the army in 1946 Bremner was sold to Motherwell for £2,750. In 1943 this date saw the death of Liverpool born former Arsenal goalkeeper James Ashcroft (picture bottom middle) who made 303 appearances for the Gunners. Ashcroft signed in 1900 from Gravesend United. In the 1901/1902 season he kept 17 clean sheets in 34 matches including a club record run of 6 consecutive blockouts (a record only matched by Alex Manninger in 1998). He left to join Blackburn Rovers in 1908. At Highbury today in 1949 Arsenal scraped a 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough courtesy of a Doug Lishman goal. Blackpool were the visitors to Islington on this day in 1955. They had a disappointing day as Arsenal's Doug Lishman was on target again (twice) and Don roper scored for 3-0 gunners' win. Arsenal didn't play again on this date until they went to the Hawthorns in 1977. Malcolm Macdonald and Frank Stapleton took the cheers with their goals giving Arsenal a 0-2 win over West Bromwich Albion. On this day in 1980 Arsenal held the mighty Juventus to a 1-1 draw in the European Cup Winners Cup semi-final 1st leg thanks to an own goal. Would there be any joy in Italy in two weeks time? Today in 1983 Arsenal faced Coventry City at Highbury. Graham Rix on Tony Woodcock got the goals that gave Arsenal a 2-1 win over the Sky Blues. 21,174 spectators endured a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park today in 1984 between Everton and Arsenal. This date in 1988 Arsenal were at the Dell to play Southampton. A strike from Paul Davis and an own goal were still not enough and Southampton won the match 4-2. It was start of a long running notorious affair between Davis and Southampton's Glenn Cockerill. The Southampton man was alleged to have started racially abusing Davis and the whole thing boiled over in September this year when Paul Davis punched his abuser and was subsequently banned for nine matches. It was also a final appearance in this match for Steve Williams (picture bottom right). The boyhood Arsenal fan joined the club in 1984 when signed up by manager Don Howe. He played most often and most effectively in the central right midfield role and played 121 times for Arsenal and scored 5 times. He left for Luton Town in 1988 before ending his career at Exeter City under former Arsenal player Alan Ball. Arsenal were away to Southampton again on this date in 1991. on this occasion an Alan Smith goal nicked a point for the Gunners in a 1-1 draw. Into the Premier League era and Arsenal were doing things the hard way today in 2004 when they overturned a 2-1 deficit against Liverpool to maintain the unbeaten run with a 4-2 home win thanks to a hat-trick from Thierry Henry 31, 50, 78; and a goal from Robert Pires 49. At the Riverside Stadium on this day in 2005 the Gunners needed a 73rd minute (it's that man again) Robert Pires goal to beat Middlesbrough 0-1. In 2006 today Arsenal couldn't score and were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United at Old Trafford. Finally, 2007 on this date saw just over 52,000 watched a relatively boring 0-0 between the Gunners and Newcastle United at St. James Park.

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