History

Graham's Gunners secure title glory

1990-91 League Champions

The memories of that dramatic night at Anfield in 1989 were still fresh in the mind of both Arsenal and Liverpool fans as the title race approached its climax two seasons later.

On May 6, 1991, Arsenal would host Manchester United for an 8pm kick-off. Before that, Liverpool would travel to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest.

"Graham's Gunners were worthy champions. They lost just once over the course of the season - a 2-1 reverse at Chelsea - and conceded just 18 goals."

The mathematics suggested that Arsenal could in fact win the title without kicking a ball if Liverpool were defeated first - a far cry from two years before. George Graham's team congregated at Highbury to watch Liverpool's lunchtime game with Forest, and they weren't to be disappointed.

A 64th-minute goal from Ian Woan proved decisive after each side had earlier scored from the penalty spot. Liverpool had lost and Arsenal were champions. There was jubilation at Highbury, but the professionalism of Graham never allowed his side to let the academia of the evening's match affect the result.

The players walked out of the tunnel to raptures of applause and a guard of honour from the United players. But when the match began, it was business as usual.

Arsenal took the lead through Alan Smith in the 19th minute after he latched on to a Lee Dixon cross. The England international made it two just before the break, collecting Kevin Campbell's pass before finding the corner.

Steve Bruce's handball allowed Smith to complete his hat-trick - and clinch the Golden Boot - in the second half. Bruce scored a consolation from the spot but it did not dampen Arsenal's celebrations. 

Graham's Gunners were worthy champions. They lost just once over the course of the season - a 2-1 reverse at Chelsea - and conceded just 18 goals, keeping 24 clean sheets with David Seaman starring behind the famous Back Four.

In the final reckoning, Arsenal finished with 83 points from their 38 games, seven clear of runners-up Liverpool. Indeed, the gap would have been nine had Arsenal not had two points deducted for their part in the Old Trafford 'brawl' in October 1990.

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