A trio of Arsenal heroes were honoured with statues outside the Emirates Stadium on Friday – as the club celebrated its 125th birthday.

After days of fevered debate about which Gunners legends would be cast in bronze, when the covers finally came off few were surprised by who had been chosen.

They were all-time top scorer Thierry Henry, who joined fans to witness the moment, four-time title-winning captain Tony Adams and revolutionary 1930s manager Herbert Chapman, who led the club to its first major trophies.

Club chairman Peter Hill-Wood said: “Today is a celebration of three hugely influential figures in the history of Arsenal Football Club. Herbert Chapman, Tony Adams and Thierry Henry are three Arsenal legends who have all contributed so much to the successes of this football club.

“These legends are now proudly on display outside Emirates Stadium for all to see, and will provide a way for Arsenal supporters, and indeed any visitors to the stadium, to remember them and pay their own tributes to these three great men.”

The unveiling was part of Arsenal’s 125th anniversary celebrations, ahead of its tie with Everton on Saturday, where current star striker Robin van Persie sealed a tight victory with a stunning volleyed strike.