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'That sums it all up'

Written by Matt Littlechild

May 3, 1998, was one of those rare days that you feel lucky enough to bare witness to history being made. Well, it was to me anyway. I was nine-years-old at the time, and still in the early days of my Arsenal supporting life.

The day was special for more than one reason. Not only did the 4-0 result against Everton clinch the club’s first Premier League title, it was also the first time I’d ever seen my hero Tony Adams score in a game.

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This first appeared on The Arsenal Collective

The Arsenal Collective

If his claim to his first goal of the afternoon looks debatable (it still looks more like a Slaven Bilic own goal), there is no disputing his ownership of the second. Everything about it had the makings of Arsenal folklore.

An interception by David Platt saw the ball fall to Steve Bould on the halfway line. Playing hilariously out of position in midfield for the final few minutes, the big centre-back delivered a delicate chip over the Toffees defence. Adams did the rest.

Following a darting 40-metre dash up field, he cushioned the ball with his chest and rifled a stunning left-footed shot into the back of the net; it was a finish worthy of any Golden Boot winner.

The slow walk, closed eyes, arms up celebration said it all.

Disbelief, delight and acknowledgement that that was the moment that capped off our crowning as the new English champions. And that’s why it is the best goal I’ve ever seen, in the greatest moment I’ve ever had watching The Arsenal play.

The celebrations at full-time were just as memorable. Strangers hugging each other in the stands. Players and staff revelling on the pitch. ‘We Are The Champions’ blaring out of the speakers. Even the Everton fans stuck around to applaud our moment of success.

It was the first trophy I had witnessed us winning.

There have been others since, and there’ll be plenty more. I didn’t need much convincing at the time, but it was that day that I knew for sure I’d be a Gooner forever.

I still get goosebumps thinking about it today.

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