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The Most Profitable Matches in Bob Wilson’s Arsenal Career

By on November 12, 2025

Bob Wilson, Arsenal’s steadfast goalkeeper from 1963 to 1974, anchored the defense during a golden era for the club. His fearless dives at opponents’ feet saved countless goals, even as they led to injuries like a broken arm in 1969. Amid the roar of Highbury and Wembley, Wilson’s era saw Arsenal lift the 1970 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup and the 1971 Double. These high-stakes games drew massive crowds, swelling gate receipts and cementing Arsenal’s financial surge in the 1970s.

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1970 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup Final: Second Leg vs Anderlecht

On April 28, 1970, Arsenal hosted Anderlecht at Highbury in the return leg of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup final. The first leg in Brussels had ended 3-1 to the Belgians, with Jan Mulder’s brace exposing Wilson’s goal. Facing elimination, Arsenal needed a miracle. Over 55,000 fans packed the stadium, generating substantial gate revenue from one of Europe’s premier club competitions. The atmosphere crackled with tension as Arsenal, managed by Bertie Mee, pressed forward.

Wilson, recovering from his arm fracture earlier that season, started between the posts. Early on, Anderlecht threatened, but Wilson parried a fierce shot from Paul van Himst. Arsenal equalized on aggregate through Eddie Kelly’s header in the 25th minute, met by deafening cheers. The breakthrough came in the 74th minute when John Radford nodded in a corner from George Graham. One minute later, Jon Sammels rifled home from the edge of the box, sparking pandemonium. Wilson preserved the lead with a diving stop on a late Mulder effort, his signature low dive bruising but effective.

The 3-0 win secured a 4-3 aggregate victory, Arsenal’s first European trophy. Gate receipts soared, funding squad investments. Wilson later called it his proudest night, a financial boon that boosted Arsenal’s profile across continents.

1971 League Title Clincher: vs Tottenham Hotspur

May 3, 1971, marked Arsenal’s destiny at White Hart Lane against rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Needing a win to snatch the First Division title from Leeds United, over 50,000 spectators filled the ground, rivals united in anticipation. This North London Derby, pivotal to the Double, promised hefty gate shares—15 percent to the away side—making it a revenue powerhouse.

Wilson, ever-present in 42 league games that season, faced a Spurs attack led by Martin Chivers. Arsenal dominated possession, but chances eluded them until the 87th minute. Ray Kennedy rose highest to head home a Charlie George cross, past Pat Jennings. Wilson, untested for much of the match, made a crucial claim from a late corner as time expired. The 1-0 victory clinched the title on goal average, with Leeds’ earlier slip handing Arsenal the crown.

Celebrations erupted among Gunners fans, while Spurs supporters lamented the irony. Wilson’s calm handling under derby pressure earned praise; he was named Arsenal’s Player of the Year.

1971 FA Cup Final: vs Liverpool

Wembley Stadium brimmed with 100,000 on May 8, 1971, for the FA Cup final against Liverpool. As the Double’s capstone, this clash drew the era’s largest crowd, with gate receipts funding Arsenal’s ambitions. Sunny conditions tested stamina, but Wilson’s resolve shone.

Liverpool struck first in extra time via Steve Heighway’s low drive, which Wilson could only parry into the net. Arsenal rallied; Eddie Kelly equalized with a deflected shot off Frank McLintock in the 101st minute. Momentum shifted as Arsenal pressed, Charlie George sealing glory with a 30-yard strike in the 111th, collapsing in ecstasy on the turf. Wilson thwarted a final Liverpool surge, diving to smother Tommy Smith’s header.

The 2-1 triumph completed the Double, Arsenal’s first since 1930. Wilson’s 11 saves, including against Ian St John, were masterful. Revenue from the sellout bolstered the club’s coffers, enabling sustained success. McLintock lifted the cup, but Wilson’s backbone proved invaluable.

1969 League Cup Final: vs Swindon Town

March 15, 1969, brought Arsenal to Wembley against Third Division Swindon Town in the League Cup final. A 57,000 attendance reflected cup fever, with receipts marking Arsenal’s entry into a nascent competition’s spotlight.

Wilson, newly first-choice after Jim Furnell’s error, guarded the goal amid heavy rain turning the pitch to mud. Arsenal led through Ray Kennedy’s header, but influenza-sapped players faltered. Don Rogers equalized from a free kick, then struck again in extra time’s final minute, capitalizing on the quagmire. Wilson made valiant stops, including a low dive on Rogers, but the ball slipped through.

The 3-1 loss stunned, yet the upset galvanized Mee’s squad. Gate money, though shared, supported youth development. Wilson viewed it as a painful lesson, fueling the 1970 European charge.