Anfield '89

Two goals or nothing

The equation was brutal in its simplicity. Arsenal had to beat the reigning champions Liverpool by two clear goals at Anfield, where Liverpool had not lost by such a margin all season. George Graham's side, drilled, disciplined and fearless, took an early second-half lead through Alan Smith. As the clock ran down, the title still belonged to Liverpool on the night's arithmetic. Then, deep into stoppage time, Michael Thomas surged through the middle, took a touch and slid the ball past Bruce Grobbelaar. The final score was 0-2, and the championship had swung to North London.

Decided on goals scored

Arsenal and Liverpool finished the season level on points and on goal difference, leaving the title to be decided by goals scored. Arsenal had found the net more often across the campaign, and so the trophy was theirs by the narrowest measure the table could offer. It was the club's first league title since 1971, the reward for George Graham's relentless rebuilding and a back line marshalled by a young Tony Adams. The night entered folklore, immortalised later in print and on screen as the most dramatic conclusion to any English league season.

Timeline

• 1989Arsenal go to Anfield needing to win by two goals
• 1989Alan Smith heads Arsenal in front early in the second half
• 1989Michael Thomas scores in stoppage time for 0-2
• 1989Title decided on goals scored, level on points and goal difference

Connected pages

• 1988/89
• Tony Adams