
Player of the Week: Andy Linighan
When Arsenal fans talk about cult heroes, Andy Linighan’s name will always be remembered with affection. The tough central defender may not have been the most glamorous player of his era, but he delivered one of the most iconic moments in Arsenal history.
Linighan joined Arsenal from Norwich City in July 1990 for a reported £1.2 million. During his seven years at Highbury, he made 156 appearances and scored eight goals for the club.
Although often competing with legendary defenders such as Tony Adams, Steve Bould and later Martin Keown, Linighan proved to be a reliable and fearless presence whenever called upon. He was part of Arsenal’s 1990–91 First Division title-winning squad, making 10 league appearances during that campaign.
His defining moment came on 20 May 1993 in the FA Cup Final replay against Sheffield Wednesday at Wembley. With the match tied 1-1 deep into extra time, Linighan — playing with a broken nose after a collision earlier in the game — rose to head home the winning goal in the 119th minute. The dramatic strike secured Arsenal’s FA Cup triumph and prevented the first FA Cup Final penalty shootout in history.
That unforgettable goal completed a historic domestic cup double for George Graham’s side, who had already won the League Cup earlier that season. Linighan also helped Arsenal lift the 1994 European Cup Winners’ Cup, adding another major honour to his career.
In league competition, Linighan made 118 Football League appearances for Arsenal and scored five league goals. Despite never being considered a superstar, his bravery, professionalism and knack for delivering in big moments made him a fan favourite.
More than three decades later, Arsenal supporters still remember the image of Linighan bandaged up and powering home that famous header at Wembley, proof that heroes are often made in a single moment.