Pass the 179

Before Bergkamp, Vieira, Petit, Anelka, Henry came by….my Highbury hero was Ian Wright. He was the star striker. The absolute effervescent hitman.

He had the cavalier free spirit, full of swagger and at times, volatile coupled with a streak of rebelliousness in him. It all adds up to the allure that many, including myself, find him irresistible.

He was the first guy to esclipse Cliff Bastin’s records. I think around some 184 goals in 278 starts. This record is staggering and the manner in lots of Ian’s sensational strikes was incredible. However, Theirry Henry had since broken Ian’s record.

His many goals had left my mouth wide open in astonishment. I remember the one against Everton at Highbury in August 1993. Seaman threw a long pass to Ian, he chased it, juggled the ball from foot to foot, flip past a bemused Everton defender and then lobbed the ball past and beyond Neville Southall. No mean feat. The artistry was unique and the effect was damn viper deadly.

I reckon he loves it at Arsenal…one could attest to it through his extragavant goal scoring celebrations. Each goal celebrations were different and it became a trademark of Ian Wright.

Ian Wright boasts of a destructive pace, leaving many defenders in his trail. He holds a determined drive and ruthless aggression that was all so necessary in the George Graham era. Ian also has the deft touch, the sublety of first touch and truly, sublime goal-scoring ability. He sniffs goal scoring chances and strike like a ninja in the still of the night, with subtle precision.

Ian's got a volatile temper to boot. I remember his infamous feud with Manchester United's Peter Schmeichel. I could recall one particular match when Ian unleashed a two-footed lunge during a goalmouth scramble at the Dane. Whatever the intent was, to any Gooner, it was great. I don't see it as a blemish to his character, I see it as great competitive edge.

To me, he is one English-bred striker that is made in Football Heaven, ranked among the best with the Linekers and Shearers, the finest the English game had produced.

He turns 43 today. Happy birthday, Ian Wright.