11Moments- Highbury: A Fitting Farewell(Part 10)

Posted by TheGooner | Posted in 11Moments | Posted on 11-10-2009

Tags: 11Moments, arsenal, ashburton grove, emirates, Highbury

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We Miss You Highbury

For 93 years, it had been our fortress. Memories worth a lifetime had been shaped at this hallowed turf. It had serviced us faithfully, the joy of the beautiful game from Wenger’s boys was incomparable to anythong else. But the time had come to move into a new home, a consequence of what we call evolution. But Highbury had to be given a proper farewell, and that we did, in typical Gunners style..

11 Gunners relives the poignancy of May 7th, 2006 when we bid adieu to our home..

That season itself had been an emotional affair for the fans. To commemorate our departure from Highbury, our home jersey had been changed to the one worn by the first squad to have played on that holy turf. As far as the League was concerned our form had been rather inconsistent. We had been sometimes extraordinary, sometimes mercurial and sometimes ineffective. With numerous injury concerns it hadn’t been easy going at all.

The stage had been specially prepared for our last game at Highbury. Up for grabs was a Champions League spot and our rivals were guess who, yes u got it right, Tottenham. It was one chance for them to avenge the ruthlessness we have been inflicting on them for quite some years now. We needed to better their result, the ball was in their court, the destiny in ours.

The fans had painted the stadium in Red and White but a sense of anxiety prevailed, how could we allow Tottenham to steal the thunder on this special day, it was definitely not in the script and the script-writer had prepared well. Highbury saluted perhaps the greatest one to have set foot in its ground, yes the master Thierry Henry lit up the occassion with a befitting hat-trick as Arsenal overcame Wigan and more importantly Spurs failed to do their job against West Ham.

After his third goal that sealed the deal for us, Henry bowed down and kissed the ground, a symbolic image that will remain in the minds and hearts of Arsenal fans for years to come. Moments like these are the ones which make this game so special.

This special day was made even more special all thanks to Arsenal’s achievement of ensuring Champions Legaue football at their new home i.e. The Emirates. A plethora of memories, numerous candid moments, a fitting farewell to our home called Highbury. We’ll miss you for ever!!