ARSENAL 3 CITY 0
League Division 1
22nd November 1986
Attendance 29,009
Scorers Quinn(15), Anderson(45), Adams(55)
Ref G Napthine
City Suckling, Gidman, Wilson, Clements, McCarthy, Grealish, Baker, McNab, White, Moulden, Simpson – sub Redmond(unused)
Arsenal Lukic, Anderson, Sansom, Williams, O’Leary, Adams, Rocastle, Davis, Quinn, Allinson, Hayes – sub Merson(77)
FROM THE PRESS BOX
ROBERT ARMSTRONG WRITING IN THE GUARDIAN 24TH NOVEMBER 1986
Many Arsenal fans are wondering how George Graham, without wielding the cheque book, has put together a versatile team that leads the First Division. Since 1979 Graham’s predecessors have spent heavily on star players, such as Charlie Nicholas. yet failed to win a trophy.
Now Arsenal have given themselves a tantalising glimpse of the League title with a side that draws substantially on home-grown reserves. At Highbury on Saturday the paradox was underlined by another lively performance from Arsenal’s young Turks that killed off Manchester City well before the hour. More games like this and 29.000 crowds will become common place.
Graham’s success is built largely on getting midfieldmen and even defenders into the opposition penalty area to create scoring chances and then retreating swiftly when possession is lost. Arsenal’s most dangerous attacks against City were usually spearheaded by Anderson. described by Jimmy Frizzell, the City manager, as “the best right-back in England.”
Of course, all good Arsenal teams are built on a sound defence, which is why their back four includes three full internationals and an England under-21 player. Poor City looked promising for 15 minutes. but once Arsenal had scored from their first attack, the visitors rarely got within 30 yards of the under-empioyed Lukic.
Frizzell felt that City were “very unlucky to be 2-0 behind at half-time.“ Yet there was no doubt that Arsenal showed greater perception in midfield, where Williams, Rocastle and Davis combined with intelligence and economy. Arsenal’s run of 11 games without defeat also owes a substantial debt to Allinson and Hayes, whose commitment is always complete.
Arsenal’s tenure at the top of the division may not survive until December, even though Rix. Robson and Nicholas will soon he competing for places after injury. The form of Nottingham Forest and the Merseyside clubs could eventualiy expose the comparative inexperience of Graham’s youngsters.
As tor City, one tends to agree with Frizzell that “the way we played today, there is not much fear of being relegated.” Suckling is a talented goalkeeper, McCarthy competes powerfully in the air, and Moulden looks sharp and tenacious once he hits his stride. City are well equipped for the rest of the season.