Highbury stadium was the former ground of Arsenal FC. Now the stadium has been replaced by the Emirates Stadium. Highbury hosted many great games, of course, largely Arsenal matches, but also England international games and FA Cup semi-finals. These were a few of the greatest soccer matches played at the former stadium in terms of entertainment value.
This game was a return leg of the UEFA Fairs Cup final in 1970. Having lost the first leg 3–1, a victory was needed at Highbury to win a first European trophy. In the event, Arsenal scored three goals to win the final 4-3 on aggregate. It was perhaps one of the best European games played at Highbury, as the home team won its first continental silverware.
This game may have been a defeat for the home team, but few will doubt that it was still among the greatest soccer matches ever seen at Highbury. Played in 1958, the great Busby team opened up a clear 3-0 goal lead. This would not last as Arsenal got back into the game with further goals and then leveled the match at 3-3. However, a further two goals would win the match for Utd. Overall, it was a great game, with a total of nine goals.
Highbury was also a venue for a few England games. One of the greatest England soccer matches played at Highbury was against the world champions, Italy, in 1934. England had not played in the World Cup at the time, while Italy had won its first World Cup. In the battle of Highbury, England took a three-goal lead against a bemused Italy team. In the second half, the Italians got back into the game and scored two goals. Despite this, England held out to claim a win over the world champions.
The final game played at Highbury was between Arsenal and Wigan. Arsenal needed to win the game to qualify for the Champions League, with Spurs close behind them. Wigan took an early lead against Arsenal, but goals from Henry would win the game for Arsenal 4-2, with six goals scored overall. Arsenal qualified for the Champions League in the final game played at the stadium.
This was one of the greatest derby games ever played at the stadium in 1963. Tottenham had a great team, with players like Greaves in their line-up. Indeed, Greaves scored for Tottenham in this game to open a two-goal lead for the visitors. At 4-2 down, Arsenal scored two further goals to level the game at 4-4 and end a classic derby with a draw.
These were five of the greatest soccer matches played at Highbury. Such games as the 3-0 win against Anderlecht to win the UEFA Fairs Cup, as well as a few England games, such as the 3-2 win against Italy. They were memorable matches that enthralled the Arsenal faithful.
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