LIVERPOOL 0-2 ARSENAL

When the English First Division fixtures for the 1988-89 season were released, there was no reason to suspect that the match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield would carry any great significance. It turned out to be one of the most dramatic matches in the history of English football, but for the most tragic of reasons. The match had originally been scheduled to take place some weeks earlier, but after the Hillsborough Tragedy of 15 April which claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool supporters, many matches were postponed as a mark of respect. The match between Liverpool and Arsenal was rescheduled for 26 May, and would be the last game of the season.

By the time the day of the match arrived, Liverpool and Arsenal were the last two contenders for the league title, Liverpool leading the way by three points with a goal difference four better. Arsenal had to win the final match by two clear goals to take the championship. Liverpool were strong favourites, having claimed the F.A. Cup and thrashed West Ham United 5-1 in the previous week.

Arsenal had to come out attacking, with a draw more than good enough for their opponents. The first half saw chances for both sides, but the breakthrough was elusive and the half-time interval arrived with the game scoreless. Liverpool were forty-five minutes away from the title, but Arsenal were happy enough not to have conceded a goal. They came out for the second half fired up and knowing they needed a goal soon.

Seven minutes after the restart Arsenal won a free-kick just outside the penalty area. The kick was floated into the box and Alan Smith touched it home with a glancing header. Liverpool protested that Smith had not touched the ball, and as the free-kick had been indirect claimed that the goal should not stand. The referee consulted his linesman before awarding the goal, and Arsenal had the vital breakthrough.

Liverpool suddenly became more nervous. One more goal would see Arsenal take their first title for eighteen years. Arsenal poured forwards as the minutes ticked by, but Liverpool were defending strongly, determined not to let the championship slip away. As the match entered stoppage-time, Arsenal still led 1-0. In the second minute of added time, they launched one last desperate attack. The ball was played through toward Michael Thomas, and took a lucky bounce off Liverpool defender Steve Nicol. It fell perfectly for Thomas, who placed it past goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar and into the corner of the net.

Liverpool were devastated. Seconds later, the final whistle went and confirmed Arsenal's championship. In perhaps the most dramatic finish to any league season anywhere in the world, Liverpool had lost the title they had so desperately wanted to win after Hillsborough. Although they won the title back the following year, Liverpool have never regained the heights they reached in the 1980s.