On this day in 1991, Arsenal played host to Celtic at Highbury in a testimonial for their midfielder Paul Davis.
The Hoops side on the night – Bonner, Morris, Rogan, Grant, Whyte, Wdowczyk, Fulton, Coyne, Cascarino, Nicholas, Collins – was supported as usual by a large group of travelling fans, some 10,000 making up the attendance of 28,000.
And it was Celtic who controlled the play in the early stages, ex-Arsenal favourite Liam Brady managing from the sidelines and ex-Gunner Charlie Nicholas in fine form, the striker giving his team the lead in 10 minutes after a nice one-two with Tommy Coyne.
Arsenal came back into the match before the break but the home support had to wait until the second half to see a goal, Paul Merson equalising in the 46th minute. 25 minutes later, the Gunners went 2-1 ahead, Lee Dixon scoring from the penalty spot at his second attempt, Pat Bonner having saved the first shot.
But Celtic, as their fans demanded, were not finished and levelled the contest with a superb goal, Dariusz Wdowczyk’s 30-yard free-kick flashing past keeper David Seaman.
Final Score: Arsenal 2 Celtic 2
Many Happy Returns to John ‘Dixie’ Deans, born on this day in Linwood in 1946.
Jim Craig
