On the 26th May 1989, Liverpool welcomed Arsenal to Anfield in what turned out to be the title decider.
Before the game kicked off, Liverpool were 1st in the league on 76 points, with a goal difference of +39, and Arsenal were 2nd in the league, sitting on 73 points with a goal difference of +35. This meant that Arsenal had to win the game by at least two clear goals, which would put them on 76 points, equal with Liverpool`s point tally, and also equal with Liverpool`s goal difference of +37.
Because of both points and goal difference being level, it would go down to goals scored throughout the entirety of the season, which Arsenal were already ahead on before the start of the match.
The two teams included legends such as Alan Hansen, John Barnes, Ian Rush, Lee Dixon, Tony Adams, Michael Thomas, Paul Merson and Alan Smith.
The match finally came to life in the second half, when it was Arsenal who opened the scoring through a 52nd minute Alan Smith goal, which gave Arsenal belief they could pull off a miraculous final day victory in front of the 41000 spectators at the stadium.
Liverpool decided to use a whole range of time wasting tactics, including Liverpool midfielder Kevin Richardson going down to the floor with an injury with just minutes to play.
With just a single minute left to play in the title race, Arsenal goalkeeper played a ball to defender Lee Dixon, who then found Alan Smith with a long ball up the pitch. Smith then managed to flick the ball on to Michael Thomas, who dribbled his way towards goal, evaded a challenge from a Liverpool defender, and coolly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to win the title for Arsenal.
After the restart, there was 38 seconds played and a final Liverpool attack, however Arsenal defended well and the whistle eventually blew for full time, meaning Arsenal had won the title due to goals scored.
Full Time Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal
This was back when arsenal could actually win!!!!
Re the time wasting, Arsenal would have done exactly the same, and Kevin Richardson was an Arsenal player.
Look, Liverpool were literally out on their feet, they had played three matches in seven days and they had nothing left to give. Starting with the FA Cup Final with Everton which was so emotional following on from Hillsborough, so energy sapping in scorching heat. Then on Tuesday Liverpool. played West Ham who were fighting to stay in the first division. Liverpool won 5-1, then had to play Arsenal on the Friday. In his book, My Liverpool Home, Kenny Dalglish said he looked round the dressing room before the final match, and the players had nothing left to give.