Memorable European Confrontations, Part 33-Arsenal Football Club-London vs. Paris Saint Germain Football Club, 1994-Video Interview and Blog Presentation with English Author Mr. Greg Lansdowne

 

For this interview, I look back at the Cup Winners Cup match-up between Arsenal and Paris St. Germain in the Spring of 1994.

The Interview will be as a video link companion, while the Blog will be a presentation of the events.

The Interviewee is:

English Author, Mr. Greg Lansdowne

 

Mr. Lansdowne is the author of ‘Stuck on You: The Rise & Fall…& Rise of Panini Stickers’ (2015)

‘Panini Football Stickers: The Official Celebration: A Nostalgic Journey Through the World of Panini’ (2022)

 

‘Stuck on You: The Rise & Fall…& Rise of Panini Stickers’ was made into an ITV docuuentary.

 

 

Mr. Greg Lansdowne’s contact info:

Twitter: @Panini_book

Website: https://greglansdowne.co.uk/

 

Link to books:

https://www.amazon.com/Stuck-You-Fall-Panini-Stickers/dp/1785310062

https://www.amazon.com/Panini-Football-Stickers-Official-Celebration/dp/1472987772

 

 

My contact information:

on twitter @sp1873 and on facebook under Soccernostalgia.

https://linktr.ee/sp1873

 

Arsenal FC vs. Paris Saint Germain FC, 1994

 

Arsenal and Paris St. Germain were paired in the Semifinals of the 1993/94 Cup Winners Cup.

The English side Arsenal were managed by the Scottish George Graham since 1986. They had won the League Title in 1989 and 1991. They had won the 1993 editions of the League Cup and the FA Cup. The latter victory earned them entry to the Cup Winners Cup. The side were led by youthful Captain Tony Adams, marshalling the historic back four of Dixon, Bould, Winterburn, not forgetting Keown and goalkeeper Seaman.

Upfront the goals came from Ian Wright and Alan Smith, complemented by Kevin Campbell.

There had been no significant transfers in terms of arrivals that season.

The losses included long-serving Irish defender David O’Leary (to Leeds), as well as Jimmy Carter (to Oxford), Colin Pates (Brighton) and just in March, the Swedish winger Anders Limpar (to Everton).

As far as the League, Arsenal were far behind Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers and by February had been eliminated from both the FA Cup and the League Cup.

Therefore, this competition was the only chance of any silverware at this stage of the season.

In the previous rounds, Arsenal had eliminated Danish side OB Odense, Belgium’s Standard Liege and Italian Serie A side Torino.

 

Paris St. Germain were managed by the respected Portuguese Manager Artur Jorge, who had led Porto to the Champions Cup win in 1987.

The team had been progressively built since the arrival of Canal + in 1991. They were on the verge of winning the French League title for the first time since 1986.

They had won the 1993 French Cup against Nantes to gain entry to the Cup Winners Cup.

They had reached the semifinals of the UEFA Cup in the previous season and were starting to become a force on the European stage.

The side was led by the likes of Paul Le Guen, Laurent Fournier, Vincent Guerin and David Ginola.

They foreign contingent was led by the brilliant Liberian striker George Weah and the Brazilian trio of Ricardo, Valdo and Rai.

In terms of transfers, veteran midfielder Bruno Germain and striker Amara Simba had been offloaded to Angers and Monaco. In addition, promising goalkeeper Richard Dutruel and Pascal Nouma had been loaned to Caen.

The latter duo were most likely part of the transfer package to sign new International striker Xavier Gravelaine from Caen. Vincent Cobos also arrived from Strasbourg to bolster the defense. The main transfer was that of Brazilian midfielder and Captain of the National Team Rai (brother of Socrates). Unfortunately, he would endure a difficult first season that would have a bearing in his starting spot for Brazil’s 1994 World Cup adventure.

In the previous rounds, PSG had eliminated Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia, Romanian club Universitatea Craiova and most significantly Spanish giants Real Madrid.

 

The first leg, on March 29^th, was played at Paris’ Parc des Princes. PSG were missing injured key central defender Alain Roche. Francis Llacer started as outside back with Sassus moving in Roche’s position.

For his authorized three foreigners, Jorge decided to leave out Rai and start with Ricardo, Valdo and Weah.

Arsenal maintained their standard side that had played together for years.

It was a match where the French hosts showed signs of nervousness and exhaustion. Arsenal were technically limited but had the desire to get a result on this day.

The visitors would take the lead before halftime. In the 35^th minute, Ian Wright headed in Paul Davis’ free kick.

PSG would fight back and tie the match early in the second half. In the 49^th minute, Ginola headed in Valdo’s corner kick.

Arsenal had further chances and Lama saved PSG in a number of occasions.

The match ended as a tie that favored Arsenal, but there was still much to play for both sides.

Vincent Guerin felt that PSG still had a 40% chance of qualification.

 

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2504, April 5, 1994

(March 29, Cup Winners Cup, Paris St. Germain 1-Arsenal 1)

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2504, April 5, 1994

(March 29, Cup Winners Cup, Paris St. Germain 1-Arsenal 1)

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 64, May 1994

(March 29, Cup Winners Cup, Paris St. Germain 1-Arsenal 1)

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 64, May 1994

(March 29, Cup Winners Cup, Paris St. Germain 1-Arsenal 1)

 

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 64, May 1994 

The second leg, on April 12^th, was played at Arsenal’s Highbury Stadium. Arsenal made one change from the previous match. Kevin Campbell starting ahead of Merson.

At this point, PSG were virtually League Champions in France. Artur Jorge decided to drop George Weah, to include Rai as his third foreigner. Roche was also back in the side with Llacer making way.

Before the match, Ginola stated that they had to physically match the English to have any chance.

PSG missed a very good chance in the beginning of the match through Rai and this summed up their night.

Arsenal took advantage and scored just minutes later in the 7^th minute, when Campbell headed in Dixon’s cross.

This would be the only game of the match as PSG failed to get back on the score.

Jorge’s decision to start Rai ahead of Weah would backfire, as PSG had no true center forward and missed many chances.

Even the late entry of Gravelaine to partner a disappointing Ginola did not have an effect.

Lama was angered by PSG’s missed chances and made a reference that all the strikers were on the bench.

Afterwards, Graham himself underlined this point by stating that PSG was an excellent team but rarely dangerous.

For the second consecutive season PSG were eliminated at the semifinal stage (they would qualify to the semifinals of a European competition in five straight seasons).

Arsenal had qualified for a European Final for the first time since losing the Cup Winners Cup Final in 1980 to Valencia.

The only negative aspect of the night for the Gunners was the suspension of Ian Wright for the Final (He was booked in this second leg).

 

Despite winning the League title, Artur Jorge’s days were numbered as PSG Manager. He would soon be replaced by Luis Fernandez.

Arsenal would finish the League season strongly in the Fourth place with the best defense of the League.

They would go on and defeat strong Italian side and defending Champions Parma (1-0) in the Final on May 8^th, at Copenhagen. It was Arsenal’s first European title since defeating Anderlecht in the old Fairs Cup in 1970.

Little did anyone know; it would be the last trophy of the Graham era. In a few months, a scandal would erupt that would force his departure, but that is another story……

 

 

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Hors Serie 17, 1994

(April 12, Cup Winners Cup, Arsenal 1-Paris St. Germain 0)

 

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2506, April 19, 1994

(April 12, Cup Winners Cup, Arsenal 1-Paris St. Germain 0)

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2506, April 19, 1994

(April 12, Cup Winners Cup, Arsenal 1-Paris St. Germain 0)

 

Photo From: Shoot, April 23, 1994

(April 12, Cup Winners Cup, Arsenal 1-Paris St. Germain 0)

 

Date: March 29, 1994

Competition: Cup Winners Cup- Semifinals, First Leg

Result: Paris Saint Germain Football Club (France) 1- Arsenal Football Club-London (England) 1

Venue: Paris- Parc des Princes

Attendance: 48,000

Referee: Leif Sundell (Sweden)

Linesmen: M. Everstig, K.E. Nilsson (both Sweden)

Kick-off time: -

Goalscorers:

(Paris St. Germain): David Ginola 49

(Arsenal): Ian Wright 35

Summary of goals:

0:1 (35^th minute, Arsenal): Paul Davis’ free kick from the right side was headed in by Ian Wright.

1:1 (49^th minute, PSG): Valdo’s corner from the left side was headed in by Ginola.

Lineups:

Paris St. GermainFC:

1-Bernard Lama, 2-Francis Llacer (15-Daniel Bravo 46), 3-Patrick Colleter, 5-Jean-Luc Sassus, 4-Ricardo (Brazil), 6-Paul Le Guen, 7-Laurent Fournier. 8- Vincent Guérin, 10- Valdo (Brazil), 9-George Weah (Liberia), 11-David Ginola

 

Coach: Artur Jorge (Portugal)

Other Substitutes:

12- Antoine Kombouaré, 13-Vincent Cobos, Xavier Gravelaine, 16-Luc Borelli

Note:

1-In the beginning of the match on the television graphics, Daniel Bravo was shown as number 14 and Xavier Gravelaine number 15. However, during the match, Bravo was clearly number 15, therefore most likely their numbers were reversed.

 

Team Captain: Paul Le Guen

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Nike

Shirt Sponsor: SEAT

Uniform Colors: Red in middle, blue on the sides Shirts, White Shorts, Red Socks

 

Arsenal FC:

1-David Seaman, 2-Lee Dixon, 6-Tony Adams, 5-Steve Bould, 3-Nigel Winterburn, 4-Paul Davis (12-Martin Keown 85), 7-John Jensen (Denmark), 11-Ian Selley, 10-Paul Merson, 8-Ian Wright, 9-Alan Smith

 

Coach: George Graham (Scotland)

Booked: Tony Adams 45, Paul Merson 58

Other Substitutes:

13-Alan Miller, 14-Kevin Campbell, 15-Eddie McGoldrick (Republic of Ireland), 16-Stephen Morrow (Northern Ireland)

 

Team Captain: Tony Adams

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Shirt Sponsor: JVC

Uniform Colors: Yellow (three black diagonal stripes from the right side) Shirts, Black (three yellow diagonal stripes from the left side) Shorts, Yellow (with three vertical stripes) Socks

Date: April 12, 1994

Competition: Cup Winners Cup- Semifinals, Second Leg

Result: Arsenal Football Club-London (England) 1-Paris Saint Germain Football Club (France) 0

Venue: London-Highbury

Attendance: 34,212

Referee: Peter Mikkelsen (Denmark)

Linesmen: Torben Siersen, Jens Peter Staerk (both Denmark)

Kick-off time: -

Goalscorers:

(Arsenal): Kevin Campbell 7

(Paris St. Germain): None

Summary of goals:

1:0 (7^th minute, Arsenal): Dixon’s cross from the right side was headed in by Campbell.

Lineups:

Arsenal FC:

1-David Seaman, 2-Lee Dixon, 6-Tony Adams, 5-Steve Bould, 3-Nigel Winterburn (12-Martin Keown 88), 4-Paul Davis (14-David Hillier 76), 7-John Jensen (Denmark), 11-Ian Selley, 10-Kevin Campbell, 8-Ian Wright, 9-Alan Smith

 

Coach: George Graham (Scotland)

Booked: Ian Wright 43

 

Team Captain: Tony Adams

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Shirt Sponsor: JVC

Uniform Colors: Red (White sleeves) Shirts, White Shorts, Red Socks

 

Paris St. GermainFC:

1-Bernard Lama, 2-Jean-Luc Sassus (12- Francis Llacer 80), 3-Patrick Colleter, 4-Ricardo (Brazil), 5-Alain Roche, 6-Paul Le Guen, 7-Laurent Fournier. 8- Vincent Guérin, 10- Valdo (Brazil), 9-Rai (Brazil) (14-Xavier Gravelaine 78), 11-David Ginola

 

Coach: Artur Jorge (Portugal)

Booked: Patrick Colleter 12, Ricardo 41

 

Team Captain: Paul Le Guen

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Nike

Shirt Sponsor: SEAT

Uniform Colors: Blue in middle, white/blue on the sleeves Shirts, Blue Shorts, White Socks

Arsenal Football Club-London:

Players who took part in these matches (on the field or on the bench):

Goalkeeper:

David Seaman (September 19, 1963, Rotherham) (aged 30 years old at the time)

Alan Miller (March 29, 1970, Eppring) (aged 24 years old at the time)

 

Defenders:

Lee Dixon (March 17, 1964, Manchester) (aged 30 years old at the time)

Tony Adams (October 10, 1966, Romford) (aged 27 years old at the time)

Steve Bould (November 16, 1962, Stoke-on-Trent) (aged 31 years old at the time)

Nigel Winterburn (December 11, 1963, Arley) (aged 30 years old at the time)

Martin Keown (July 24, 1966, Oxford) (aged 27 years old at the time)

 

Midfielders:

Paul Davis (December 9, 1961, Dulwich) (aged 32 years old at the time)

John Jensen (Denmark) (May 3, 1965, Copenhagen, Denmark) (aged 28 years old at the time)

Ian Selley (June 17, 1974, Chertsey) (aged 19 years old at the time)

Eddie McGoldrick (Republic of Ireland) (April 30, 1965, Islington) (aged 28 years old at the time)

Stephen Morrow (Northern Ireland) (July 2, 1970, Belfast, Northern Ireland) (aged 23 years old at the time)

David Hillier (December 19, 1969, Blackheath) (aged 24 years old at the time)

 

Forwards:

Paul Merson (March 20, 1968, Harlesden, London) (aged 26 years old at the time)

Ian Wright (November 3, 1963, Woolwich, London) (aged 30 years old at the time)

Alan Smith (November 21, 1962, Hollywood) (aged 31 years old at the time)

Kevin Campbell (February 4, 1970, Lambeth, London) (aged 24 years old at the time)

 

Coach: George Graham (Scotland) (November 30, 1944, Bargeddie, Scotland) (aged 49 years old at the time)

Team Captain: Tony Adams

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Shirt Sponsor:  JVC

 

 

Photo From: 93-94 MERLIN

(Arsenal 1993/94)

Paris Saint Germain Football Club:

Players who took part in these matches (on the field or on the bench):

Goalkeeper:

Bernard Lama (April 7, 1963, Saint Symphorien) (aged 30-31 years old at the time)

Luc Borelli (July 2, 1965, Marseille-February 3, 1999, Molphey) (aged 28 years old at the time)

 

Defenders:

Francis Llacer (September 9, 1971, Lagny-sur-Marne) (aged 22 years old at the time)

Patrick Colleter (November 6, 1965, Brest) (aged 28 years old at the time)

Jean-Luc Sassus (October 4, 1962, Tarbes-May 22, 2015, Lavaur) (aged 31 years old at the time)

Ricardo Raimundo Gomes (Brazil) (December 13, 1964, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) (aged 29 years old at the time)

Alain Roche (October 14, 1967, Brive-la-Gallarde) (aged 26 years old at the time)

Antoine Kombouaré (November 16, 1963, Nouméa, New Caledonia) (aged 30 years old at the time)

Vincent Cobos (March 4, 1965, Strasbourg) (aged 29 years old at the time)

 

Midfielders:

Daniel Bravo (February 9, 1963, Toulouse) (aged 31 years old at the time)

Paul Le Guen (March 1, 1964, Pencran) (aged 30 years old at the time)

Laurent Fournier (September 4, 1964, Lyon) (aged 29 years old at the time)

Vincent Guérin (November 22, 1965, Boulogne-Billancourt) (aged 28 years old at the time)

Valdo Cândido Filho (Brazil) (January 12, 1964, Siderópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil) (aged 30 years old at the time)

 

Forwards:

George Weah (Liberia) (October 1, 1966, Monrovia, Liberia) (aged 28 years old at the time)

David Ginola (January 25, 1967, Gassin) (aged 27 years old at the time)

Xavier Gravelaine (October 5, 1968, Tours) (aged 25 years old at the time)

 

Coach: Artur Jorge (Portugal) (February 13, 1946, Porto, Portugal) (aged 48 years old at the time)

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Nike

Shirt Sponsor:  SEAT

 

Photo From: Panini France 1993-94

(Paris St. Germain 1993/94)

Photo From: Panini France 1993-94

(Paris St. Germain 1993/94)

 

Match Referees:

Leif Sundell (Sweden) (February 15, 1958, Borlänge, Sweden) (aged 40 years old at the time)

Peter Mikkelsen (Denmark) (May 1, 1960, Amager, Denmark-January 30, 2019,) (aged 33 years old at the time)

 

 

References:

France Football, Issue 2503, March 29, 1994

France Football, Issue 2504, April 5, 1994

France Football, Issue 2506, April 19, 1994

Onze-Mondial, Issue 64, May 1994

Shoot, April 23, 1994