Memory lane is always a fond place to travel. Filled with splendid memories of Arsenal triumphs and god like figures strutting their stuff around Highbury and celebrating in front of the clock end. Such glorious times. Beating Man United is always a jubilant time and something we all can get massive satisfaction from every single occasion. From Viera’s 2005 penalty in the F.A Cup final, to Henry’s spinning volley beyond Barthez, something (and by something, I mean everything) about beating United never gets old.

Let’s take it back to November of 1997. It was Wenger’s debut season and Arsenal were fully in the thick of the title hunt. When United strolled into Highbury, they were four points ahead of Arsenal and Wenger’s men knew three points were a must. United were favorites, and all the tabloids gave Arsenal no real chance. Suspensions to Petit and Bergkamp heaped more pressure on the home side and placed the onus even further on Wenger’s men.

Jon Spurling of the Sabotage times recalled speaking with Paul McDermott, who was a Clock End regular for 30 years, about the atmosphere before and during the match. McDermott says this match in particular stands as one of the most intense atmospheres he has been a part of, with obscene abuse being dished out to Sheringham, Schmeichel, and Ferguson in particular as the United players warmed up near the clock end. You will have to read for yourself what was said (http://sabotagetimes.com/reportage/arsenal-3-2-man-united-these-games-are-something-else-entirely/), but I will reveal that Schmeichel was hit by a bag of chips and Ferguson was shredded for five minutes by the entire stadium after being displayed on the big screen.

I think the scene is appropriately set now, and as the match kicked off the action on the field just as electric as the atmosphere in the stands. Screamers from Viera and Anelka had Arsenal off to a flying start and led 2-0 after just 27 minutes. The first came from an Overmars run and shot which was blocked and spun back to Anelka who controlled and drove his effort through sea of United players. Highbury was in frenzy after just 7 minutes and 20 minutes later it erupted again when Viera’s pile driver slammed the roof of the net.

United would come roaring back though and it was that man Sheringham who got them both. The half ended delicately poised at 2-2.

A cagey and nervy second half went down to the wire, and with just 10 minutes remaining Arsenal got the breakthrough. George Wreh came on for Anelka and it was he whose shot was blocked for a corner after Wright-Phillips did well down the right. Winterburn took the kick from the right, a lofted out swinger which found David Platt gloriously rising above the United defense.

Platt was majestic in flight, soaring high and powerfully nodding a looping heading beyond Schmeichel. Euphoria for Arsenal and Platt as the ex England skipper reeled off in celebration. Words just don’t do it justice, re live the magic down below.

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