Who doesn’t remember David Seaman? Was it his majestic saves? The strength and stability he brought to the squad? Or just his incredible moustache and ponytail?
In the Spring of 1990, Arsenal were linked to a highly-rated Queen’s Park Rangers goalkeeper named David Seaman. Fans agreed that current goalkeeper at that time John Lukic was better than Seaman. In response, Arsenal manager at the time, George Graham, responded by saying: “I still think John Lukic is one of the top three keepers in the country. I just think David Seaman is the best.” Indeed, Graham was proved right.
Graham, who was an admirer of Seaman, went for the Englishman and splashed £1.3m which was a British record for a goalkeeper at that time. The arrival of the new shot stopper was followed by the departure of Lukic, who was a fan favorite.
Seaman’s brilliance quickly got to the fans as he was the stone cold shot stopper behind a back four that consisted of Lee Dixon, Nigel Winterburn, Steve Bould and Tony Adams: A solid alliance that recorded 24 clean sheets, conceding just 18 goals in the whole of the 1990/1991 campaign.
The Englishman was a goalkeeper of outstanding merit: He had sharp reflexes, excellent positional sense, great judgment from crosses, and the bravery of a knight.
These attributes were widely apparent in Seaman’s first season as an Arsenal player when he produced match-winning performances against the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool. A particular save that stands out was his finger-tip save against Gary Owers on a rainy night in Sunderland. Seaman was a spectator for most of the game but saved the Gunners when it mattered the most.
Perhaps Seaman’s best highlights remain in the European Cup Winners’ Cup where he was dubbed a penalty-saving specialist after pulling off three fantastic saves in a semi-final penalty shootout against Sampdoria, leading the Gunners to a final where they fell short just seconds before the start of yet another thrilling penalty session in which Seaman could have perhaps shined once again, and helped Arsenal become the first club to ever retain the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
However, Seaman’s arguably best save came against Sheffield United where Arsenal were defending a 1-0 lead in the FA Cup semi final. In the closing minutes, Sheffield’s Paul Peschisolido headed a ball that seemed on its way to hugging the net with Seaman seemingly stranded at the near post, but the Arsenal keeper threw himself across the goal and somehow managed to claw the ball away.
An Arsenal legend, with a trophy haul boasting one First Division Championship, two Premier League titles, four FA Cup triumphs, one League Cup, four Community Shields and a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
