GUNNERS YEARS: Nicholas and Woodcock axed as goals dry up

1985: Manager Don Howe has dropped forwards Charlie Nicholas and Tony Woodcock in recent weeks after the goals – and their Division One title challenge – dried up, but he insists Paul Mariner will remain in the starting XI, despite also losing his scoring

1985:

Manager Don Howe has dropped forwards Charlie Nicholas and Tony Woodcock in recent weeks after the goals - and their Division One title challenge - dried up, but he insists Paul Mariner will remain in the starting XI, despite also losing his scoring touch.

"There is no problem with his attitude," explains Howe, "He is a natural - the sort that gees himself up all the time.

"It is just a matter of not scoring. Every other part of Paul's game is OK."

Mariner responds with a thumping equaliser as Arsenal beat West Ham 2-1 in front of a disappointing 25,818 Highbury crowd.

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