History

30. Adams stunner wraps up title

Tony Adams v Everton - 1998

Adams goal clinches Arsenal's first Premiership title 3 May 1998

The Premiership trophy had not strayed from Lancashire since it’s inaugural 1992/93 season - but that was all about to change.

Arsène Wenger’s side, inspired by world class names such as Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit, Marc Overmars, Dennis Bergkamp and old stalwarts like Tony Adams and Steve Bould, were only one game away form clinching that elusive title.

The defeat of Derby at the end of April left Arsenal needing only one win from their last three games. Trips to Anfield and Villa Park occupied their last two fixtures, so a victory at home to Everton was a must if the Championship was to be clinched at Highbury.

It may have appeared a task not too difficult, but relegation-threatened Everton could ill-afford to lose and manager Howard Kendall named an extremely defensive line up.

On May 3, 1998 the battle commenced, and for all Kendall’s defensive strategy his side fell behind after only six minutes. Slaven Bilic headed past his own keeper from a corner to give Arsenal the lead.

Overmars, who had been so prolific over the campaign, duly struck either side of half-time putting the Gunners firmly in the driving seat.

As the match withered away the Arsenal faithful were anxiously awaiting the final whistle, ready to explode into celebration — but there was one final encore.

In the final minute Bould played a beautiful ball through the middle, and who was there to latch on to it? None other than Adams. He crashed the ball into the corner to put the icing on the cake for Arsenal.

Wenger, speaking after the match, reflected on the significance of that goal. "We have shown great spirit all season and our last goal typified that as Steve Bould sent Tony Adams through. They have been great players for Arsenal," he said.

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