BLAST FROM THE PAST: Arsenal v Swans

Prior to the 1981-82 season, there had only ever been five competitive matches between the Swans and Arsenal, with the Gunners winning four out of five encounters - with a League Cup meeting in August 1980 ending in a 1-1 draw. 

By the time the two clubs met in February 1982 the Swans were flying high at the top end of the First Division after an incredible rise under John Toshack.

They had beaten Arsenal in the reverse fixture at the Vetch Field and were looking to do the double over the Gunners.

Toshack's side withstood early pressure and took the lead after 17 minutes as Peter Nicholas failed to clear Leighton James' low cross and Ray Kennedy netted from close range.

Arsenal keeper George Wood saved brilliantly from Neil Robinson, then Alan Curtis hit the post as the visitors looked for an all-important second goal.

The hosts piled forward in search of an equaliser but the Swans doubled their lead midway through the second half thanks to a Robbie James penalty.

ARSENAL: Wood, Hollins, O'Leary, Whyte, Sansom, Talbot, Davis, Vaessen (Meade), Rix, Sunderland, Nicholas.

SWANS: Dai Davies, Garry Stanley, Chris Marustik, Colin Irwin, Ray Kennedy, Ante Rajkovic, Alan Curtis, Robbie James, Leighton James (Ian Walsh), Nigel Stevenson, Neil Robinson.  

Attendance: 29,724