This was my first live final. My Dad drove us to Wembley and the excitement was amazing. Before this day I'd only witnessed Arsenal win one trophy - FA Cup 1979 on telly and that was the day I chose Arsenal over Manu. My dad was born in Manchester and he'd tried to get me to support Manu all his life - it just wasn't to be. I can't tell you why - it was as if Arsenal Brady, Stapleton, et al chose me. My local team at the time should have been Southampton - but that wasn't for me either.
The day was unseasonably warm - in the mid 70s by kick off and our tickets were in the terrace behind the goal that Charlie scored in...twice. I'll never forget the roar and sway of the crowd. It was so much bigger and louder than any Highbury experience I'd had...and after all I was about to witness our first real win. 8 years might not seem a long time without a trophy if you are say a Southampton or Reading Fan - but for Arsenal it was a lifetime.
I don't remember much about the game - I remember Rush's goal and it was a real downer knowing they'd never lost when he scored. I remember Charlie's scuffed goal. I remember my white and red silk flag flying out of the window all the way home and bangs on top of the car from the crowds going past singing and shouting with real joy. The flag was hung on my wall at home for a few years - I've still got it in a treasure chest. I remember getting home and my mum being excited for me - I don't know why - she hated football - but she'd watched it on telly and heard the pundits saying that Arsenal's name was on the cup that year - it was the only explanation for us beating a dominant and all conquering(at the time) Liverpool side. I've still got a grudging respect for my Dad for taking me that day.
I was there I had followed Arsenal all through this competition and was also there at white hart lane when Rocky put us in the fianl. We beat Liverpool after Rush scored and this was the first of many brilliant achievements by George Graham.
