Dan Mountney
Arsenal icon Bob Wilson started both legs of the Fairs Cup final against Anderlecht, with the Gunners falling to a 3-1 defeat in Belgium on this day half a century ago.
Yet, the side led by Bertie Mee refused to be daunted by the deficit as they produced a stunning comeback at Highbury to lift the trophy, winning 3-0 thanks to two goals in as many minutes from John Radford and Jon Sammels just 15 minutes from the end that saw legendary captain Frank McLintock lift the club’s first continental silverware.
Winning Arsenal’s first-ever European trophy
The former goalkeeper, now 78, recalled both games vividly.
"I won the first ever European trophy in Arsenal history" said a smiling Wilson.
"It was a bit different because it was over two legs. We lost the first-leg 3-1. We were 3-0 down with five minutes to go and Ray Kennedy got a goal.
"Our captain, Frank McLintock was badly affected by that defeat, and he suddenly came out the showers in the dressing room after the game saying 'we only need to win 2-0, we'll stuff them!'
“He was effing and blinding. He's out of the Gorbals in Glasgow is Frank so we all said 'you know what, he's right'.
"A week later at Highbury, it was one of the best games I've ever played in.
"We went 2-0 up and then got a third, but they did hit the post which would have made it interesting if that had gone.
"It was Arsenal's first European trophy then the following year we went on to win the double."
Arsenal’s never say die attitude
When asked about what it takes to triumph in Europe, Wilson said that a team needs leaders, something he believes the Gunners have lacked.
"As a side, I've always likened the best football sides to a jigsaw puzzle. You've got rough edges and smooth edges,"he said.
“You’ve got Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Lacazette, gifted, incredible to the eye artists. But in there, you've got to get some grit.
"You've got to get Tony Adams, you've got to get Frank McLintock, you've got to get Patrick Vieira, you've got to get winners. Then the smooth edges slot together. You've got to have leaders.
"I think sadly, that's what's been missing from our Arsenal squad in recent years.
"If Frank McLintock, for example, was having a bad day, the rest of us would bail him out and that's what is required.
"It's like a jigsaw and you've got to be like a family. You've got to be able to take criticism bang on the nose saying 'Willow, you didn't come for that ball, that goal is your responsibility'.
"You've got to take it on the nose and don't come back arguing. You just become a real winning unit that way."
This article first appeared in the Islington Gazette.
