CITY 1 ARSENAL 1
League Division 1
6th September 1980
attendance 32,233
Scorers
City tueart(71 pen)
Arsenal Young(52)
ref George Courtney
City MacRae. Reid, Booth, Power, Caton, Henry, Tueart, Daley, Mackenzie, Bennett, Reeves – sub Palmer(unused)
Arsenal Jennings, Devine, Sansom, Talbot, O’Leary, Young, Hollins, Sunderland, Stapleton, Price, Rix – sub Walford(unused)
DENNIS TUEART EQUALISES FROM THE PENALTY SPOT 
City’s young side can certainly be proud of their performance at Maine Road in a match that The Gunner’s boss Terry Neill described as “vastly entertaining.”
However despite coming close to taking both points, The Blues’ fans and staff must be concerned that they are still without a victory, with just three points from the first five League games.
Pat Jennings was the main reason City couldn’t claim that first win, making a succession of excellent saves. The Northern Ireland custodian was full of praise though for City’s performance: “They’re a young squad, but they seem to be getting it right. I hope Malcolm is given the time now to build on that,” he said.
In the first half City were certainly the more mobile and entertaining team, with teenager Steve MacKenzie pulling the strings in midfield. Arsenal were happy to sit back and play on the break.
The Blues’ best effort in the first 45 minutes came from MacKenzie as he unleashed a 20 yard pile driver that was heading for the top corner before Jennings athletically tipped the ball over the bar.
Arsenal should have scored before the break, first Alan Sunderland clean through on goal, took the ball wide of MacRae, but then miss-controlled the ball and it ran away for a goal-kick. Then a cross-come-shot from Frank Stapleton deceived the City keeper, who was relieved to see the ball smack against the crossbar and away to safety.
Arsenal eventually did take the lead seven minutes into the second half. Willie Young stabbing home at the far post from a low cross from Sunderland.
City’s heads could have easily dropped, instead they laid siege to the Arsenal goal with Jennings performing his heroics to keep them out.
The Blues did get their equaliser though, when John Hollins handled in the box. Dennis Tueart blasting the ball past Jennings to gain a share of the points.
Allison was obviously happy with his sides performance, but said afterwards: “It’s psychologically important for us to win now. The fans realise there is something big coming here. We will give a few problems to a lot of teams.”
