1988–89 Arsenal F.C. season
103rd season in existence of Arsenal F.C. / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about 1988–89 Arsenal F.C. season?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
The 1988–89 season was the 94th in the history of Arsenal Football Club and their 62nd consecutive season in the top flight of English football. It began on 1 July 1988 and concluded on 30 June 1989, with competitive matches played between August and May. The club ended its 18-year wait for the league title by winning the Football League First Division championship in the most closely fought title race in the competition's history. Arsenal beat Liverpool 2–0 in the final match of the season to take the title on goals scored, as both clubs shared the same points total and goal difference. During the season Arsenal also enjoyed success in the Football League Centenary Trophy, but exited the League Cup to Liverpool in the third round and fell at the same stage of the FA Cup to West Ham United.
1988–89 season | |||
---|---|---|---|
Chairman | Peter Hill-Wood | ||
Manager | George Graham | ||
First Division | 1st | ||
FA Cup | Third round | ||
League Cup | Third round | ||
League Centenary Trophy | Winners | ||
Top goalscorer | League: Alan Smith (23) All: Alan Smith (25) | ||
Highest home attendance | 54,029 vs. Liverpool (9 November 1988) | ||
Lowest home attendance | 17,885 vs. Hull City (12 October 1988) | ||
Average home league attendance | 34,477[1] | ||
| |||
Earlier in the year manager George Graham had started to assemble a squad with a blend of youth and experience. Having already signed defenders Steve Bould and Lee Dixon, he set about trimming the squad letting Steve Williams and Kenny Sansom leave. Arsenal were not considered favourites for the league title at the start of the season, but a 5–1 win away at Wimbledon on the opening day led to talk over their chances. They continued their fine start to the campaign, particularly away from home and led the table from the Christmas period. At one stage Arsenal were 11 points clear of Liverpool, but a series of draws and surprising defeats allowed the gap to be closed. By the time Arsenal faced Liverpool on the final day, they were faced with an improbable challenge – winning by a two-goal margin against the defending champions to claim the title. Graham's cautious approach paid dividends as Arsenal led after the break, and deep into stoppage time midfielder Michael Thomas scored the all-important second goal.
17 different players represented Arsenal in four competitions and there were 14 different goalscorers. Arsenal's top goalscorer was Alan Smith, who scored 25 goals in 46 appearances. Smith and David Rocastle were the only Arsenal representatives in the PFA Team of the Year. Forward Paul Merson was named the PFA Young Player of the Year, an award voted for by his fellow peers. Once the league season finished, Arsenal players and staff paraded the trophy before a crowd of 250,000 on their way to a civic reception.[2][3]