Artwork by @The_zama for 1ND2OU
I guess the occasion of Arsenal anti-hero Ashley Cole’s 100th cap got me thinking this week. Arsenal, in my time have been blessed in the left back position. I just missed double winner Bob McNab, but grew up watching Sammy Nelson and John Devine, before Kenny Samson arrived at the club in 1980. From 1980 until 2006 over a 26 year period, barring a season or so with Silvinho it has been my pleasure to watch arguably 3 of the greatest exponents of fullback play England has known. Clichy was not shabby but not in the same division as Kenny Sansom, Nigel Winterburn or Ashley Cole. These are 3 giants of the modern era sharing 188 England caps between them. So who was our greatest left back and how could one begin to measure it? I hope I have found a fairly conclusive and foolproof method but first a few words on each from my own perspective. Before you read on who is your money on? Sansom, Winterburn or Cole? (All best Arsenal betting odds as ever at BWIN Sportsbook)
Kenny Sansom was already England’s first choice whilst at Crystal Palace when he arrived at Arsenal in the late summer of 1980. He was to remain so for many years amassing 86 caps and starring at 2 major tournaments with his country. He became a fan favourite instantly, strong in the tackle, an amazing header of the ball for a short guy and soon became our skipper. Sadly for Kenny he captained Arsenal through a lean spell, (yes and 8 year one!!) but I was delighted along with thousand of us to see him left the Littlewoods Cup at Wembley, my own first live final. Kenny is Mr Arsenal and still works for the club today but in 1988 he was one of the senior pro casualties along with Anderson and Nicholas under George Graham. He is still one of my own all time favourite players and the moment he turned to the fans on the 5th April 1987 my moment. We had beaten Liverpool when Rush had scored first, something that have never happened and he had lead his young team to that final. 1 Nil down 2 one up! Continue reading
