The Busby Babes' final game in England
Sixty-six years ago today, the Busby Babes played their final fixture on English soil in what proved to be an all-time classic, described by many in the crowd as the greatest match they’d ever seen.
Five days before the Munich Air Disaster, league champions Manchester United defeated mid-table Arsenal 5-4 in front of an awe-struck 63,578 at Highbury.
The Babes raced into a three-goal lead by half-time, Tommy Taylor scoring just before the break following earlier goals from Duncan Edwards and Bobby Charlton.
However, the Gunners hit back with three goals in four frenetic second-half minutes, through future Reds forward David Herd and Jimmy Bloomfield (2), only for Busby’s side to rally again with further strikes from Dennis Viollet and Taylor again.
Derek Tapscott pulled another one back for Arsenal, but the Babes held on for a victory that, tragically, would become a lasting memorial to their greatness.
Derek Tapscott pulled another one back for Arsenal, but the Babes held on for a victory that, tragically, would become a lasting memorial to their greatness.
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