Wolves v Arsenal, 20th November 1971

In tribute to Wolves legend Dave Wagstaffe, who sadly passed away on 6th August 2013 aged 70, are the full highlights of the First Division match between Wolves and Arsenal at a wintry Molineux, 20th November 1971.

Originally broadcast in colour on BBC Match of the Day, with commentary provided by Barry Davies, the uploaded footage is of Sky TV's Bobby Charlton's Football Scrapbook, presented by Dickie Davies with contributions from Bobby Charlton and studio guest Kenny Hibbitt. The former Wolves midfielder begins the programme by mentioning that, before every match, Dave Wagstaffe disappeared into the solitude of the dressing room toilets to smoke a cigarette in order to settle his pre-match nerves!

The match itself was both testament to the formidable attacking prowess of Wolves and the brilliance of Wagstaffe who, in a stunning second-half performance from manager Bill McGarry's team, played a prominent role with a superb crossfield pass to help set up Wolves' second goal (15:47), preceded by an equally superb long-range goal from 'Waggy' himself (12:28) - a strike that he considered as the favourite of his 32 league and cup goals scored for Wolves.

Wolves were considered to be one of the finest teams in the First Division during the early-mid 1970s, with two top five finishes in the league during that period offering proof of their capabilities. The 1971-72 season saw a memorable UEFA Cup run from Wolves that ended with a narrow defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the final. There was further disappointment for Wolves the following season, with FA Cup and League Cup semi-final defeats against Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur respectively. Victory in the finals of the Texaco Cup in 1971 and League Cup in 1974 provided a measure of success for Wolves but it was arguably scant reward for such an excellent team.

According to former Leeds United manager Don Revie Wolves possessed "the ability to swamp opponents like a tidal wave" and this was perfectly evident at Molineux against reigning league champions Arsenal. Their natural attacking flair was led by the formidable strike partnership of Derek Dougan and John Richards and supported by a richly talented Wolves midfield of Mike Bailey, Kenny Hibbitt, Jim McCalliog and, of course, Dave Wagstaffe.

Also remembered with great fondness and respect by Wolves fans, are two teammates of Waggy's who were equally integral to the success of the Wolves team of that period and who've sadly passed away in recent years; the charismatic 'Doog' and cultured centre-half Frank Munro.

Approximate time of goals on YouTube footage:

07:36 Wolves 0 Arsenal 1 (Ray Kennedy)
12:28 Wolves 1 Arsenal 1 (Dave Wagstaffe)
15:47 Wolves 2 Arsenal 1 (Kenny Hibbitt)
17:20 Wolves 3 Arsenal 1 (Derek Dougan)
21:34 Wolves 4 Arsenal 1 (Jim McCalliog - Penalty)
25:16 Wolves 5 Arsenal 1 (Derek Dougan)