http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=news&article=401981&cpid=703&title=Sol+Campbell+-+a+tribute+to+the+complete+defender
Sol Campbell - a tribute to the complete defender

Sol Campbell came to Arsenal to win trophies. He did exactly that. Now, after a Double, an unbeaten title season and a goal in the Champions League Final, Campbell has gone. Arsenal.com reporter Chris Harris reflects on his five years at Highbury.

Close your eyes and imagine Tony Adams, in his prime, holding up a Tottenham shirt after securing a move to White Hart Lane. Makes you wince, doesn't it? Well, that's how it felt to be a Spurs fan in the summer of 2001.

Everyone knew Sol Campbell was leaving Tottenham. Everyone knew he wanted Champions League football. Everyone thought they knew he would join one of the many continental clubs vying for his attention.

Then the bombshell dropped. I was at Wimbledon - the tennis championships, not the football club - when the news broke that Campbell had joined Arsenal. I nearly fell off my chair. The Spurs captain? On a Bosman free? Surely not?

Of all Arsene Wenger's signings, few have been as audacious as that of Campbell. But it was well worth it. Forget the sensational circumstances, the bottom line is that Wenger secured the services of arguably England's premier centre half.

At his best, Sol had few peers. Strong in the tackle, powerful in the air, deceptively quick and fiercely committed - he was the complete defender. With Campbell in their ranks, Arsenal stormed to the Double in his first season at Highbury.

But it wasn't just Sol's ability which made him so valuable. When Tony Adams retired in the summer of 2002, Arsenal needed a new leader at the back. Campbell, fresh from a starring role at the World Cup, was Adams' natural successor.

Injury and suspension deprived Arsenal of their defensive kingpin at the business end of the 2002/03 campaign and, although the FA Cup was won, the chance of back-to-back titles slipped away with Campbell kicking his heels on the touchline.

He made amends the following season. Fit, focused and formidable, Campbell forged a fine partnership with Kolo Toure as Arsenal recorded that historic unbeaten season. An astonishing achievement and one in which Campbell played a full part.

After the final game of that extraordinary campaign, Campbell sat in the centre circle with Thierry Henry, taking in the magnitude of what they and Arsenal had just done. Ultimately, the former Spurs hero had etched his name in Arsenal history.

Injuries took their toll after that. Campbell's appearances were limited in his final two seasons at Highbury and there were hints of a new era being ushered in as a partnership between Toure and Philippe Senderos began to blossom.

But Campbell would not be denied one last hurrah and he took his chance on the biggest stage of all - the Champions League Final in Paris. His soaring first-half header gave Arsenal a glimpse of glory and, after giving his side the lead, Campbell did as much as anyone to keep Barcelona at bay until the 10 men were finally breached 16 minutes from time.

Those late Barca goals ensured Campbell's Arsenal career ended in glorious failure rather than glory. But his performance in Paris proved that - despite claims to the contrary - Sol still has plenty to offer.

[ Monday, July 10, 2006]