Arsenal said goodbye to one of English football’s most iconic grounds on this day in 2006.
The North London side played their final fixture at Highbury as the 2005/06 Premier League campaign came to a close. Arsenal faced Wigan Athletic in the capital, needing to better Tottenham Hotspur’s result to finish above their rivals in the race for Champions League qualification.
Robert Pires fired the home side in front but a plucky Wigan were keen to spoil the party. Paul Scharner stabbed home an equaliser before David Thompson’s curler put the visitors ahead.
Fortunately for Arsenal, the Gunners had Thierry Henry in their ranks. The Frenchman slotted home two customary finishes to turn the game around, before cooly converting a penalty to seal his hat-trick. It was a fitting finale for Highbury and Henry, a player who had lit up the venue since his arrival in England.
Spurs famously lost at West Ham with several of their squad struggling with illness, allowing Arsenal to pip them at the post in the top-four race.
Arsenal’s goodbye to their grand home ended in perfect fashion.
🗓️ May 7, 2006
🔴 Arsenal 4-2 Wigan Athletic 🔵
🏟️ Highbury
🏆 @PremierLeague📺 The story of our final match at our former home… pic.twitter.com/wHWOwkcw6O
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 7, 2019
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