The Spirit Of '71

It was sad to read in the Guardian of the death of John Ritchie. The striker was part of the Stoke side who played such an important role in Arsenal’s 1971 double campaign.

The obituary covered the memorable FA Cup semi-final when we came from two down to force a replay which took us to Wembley. It missed the other important clash between the two sides that season.

An autumn trip to the Victoria Ground brought a five goal mauling for the champions elect. After that game the squad had a no-holds-barred meeting in the halfway house at Highbury and emerged with the spirit that drove them for the remainder of the season.

There was a touch of todays Bolton about that Stoke side. Experienced players and misfits were combined in an effective unit who punched above their weight.

Although it has come too late in the season I hope Arsene has used the first home defeat to West Ham to get his squad together for a similar meeting. The attitude that was generated in those far off days will be required again when the Trotters come calling on Saturday.

That attitude was all about players understanding their responsibilities and not ‘hiding’ when the going got tough. The team spirit that was generated transformed a very good team into a great one.

The prize at stake now is different, but just as important. Champions League football is so important to the club next season. Victory over Bolton will be a massive step towards achieving that objective, but will require the side to give that little bit more.

Who will step up to provide the goals that have dried up? Who will take the responsibility for dealing with the long balls being launched at Kevin Davies? Who will bust a gut to nullify the prompting and late runs of Gary Speed?

All these things and more will need to be planned before Saturday. It is not solely Wenger’s responsibility. It’s time for the players to stand up and be counted.

Are they good enough? You bet they are! Now is the time for them to prove it to us.