Arsenal (0) 1-1 (1) Celtic

Monday 13th May 2002

A wet night at Highbury, but the rain failed to dampen spirits as Arsenal fans turned out in force to pay their respects to “Mr Arsenal”.

As expected, Celtic brought a large and vociferous contingent with them, and, to their credit, the visiting fans were as generous in their applause of TA as the home supporters.

Celtic took the lead with a well-struck free kick from Alan Thompson, but Arsenal equalised in the second half when Nigel Winterburn (yes he was there) set up Lee Dixon with a scooped cross which Lee headed home – shades of Bould and Adams against Everton in 1998?

Biggest cheer of the night was, of course, reserved for the great man himself, but Ian Wright ran TA pretty close when he came on as a late substitute. No goals for Wrighty unfortunately, but he looked like he enjoyed himself.

Highlight of the evening for me was seeing our old back five in action again. Nigel Winterburn contested every challenge with his usual gusto and John Lukic did well in goal. Bouldy was also great, slotting in next to TA like he had never been away. Unfortunately he didn’t manage to flick on any near post headers for TA to score the goal we all wanted, but it was brilliant to see him back in an Arsenal shirt again.

As TA left the pitch the North Bank chanted: “One more Year”. But he remains undecided on his future. Whatever he chooses to do he’ll always be remembered as an Arsenal legend.

As Pat Rice said in last night’s programme: “Tony Adams. What a leader. What a player. What a man”