Arsenal 1989: It's Up For Grabs Now

Come the 26th this month, it will be 20 years since Arsenal's historic night at Anfield.

A memory that is considered to be the greatest moment in Arsenal's history. Right after the events of the famous Hillsborough disaster, the league was still not decided and both Arsenal and Liverpool had their last match in the season against each other.

Liverpool was the strongest team in England and at the time were looking to complete yet another double as they were the favourites to win the league. Not simply because they were the strongest team, but also because they haven't been beaten at Anfield by two goals in over four years, and the fact that since 1974 Arsenal haven't beaten Liverpool once at Anfield.

Arsenal had to win by at least two goals to equal Liverpool's points and win the league by goal differential. A task deemed impossible by everyone considering the fact that Arsenal haven't won the league since 1971.

Arsenal scored on a header by Alan Smith, but Arsenal were unable to score a second for over 90 minutes.

Co-commentator David Pleat went on to say that it would be poetic justice should they lose the league on the last day.

It was that close to being decided. The ball was with Liverpool and the Liverpool fans were whistling for the referee to blow his whistle and announce Liverpool as the league champions

Richardson then cut out the ball and Arsenal were on their last attack, their last chance to win the league, it was simply all or nothing.

Dixon passed it long to Smith who made a beautiful pass to Thomas, and with a little luck Thomas was one-on-one with Grobbelaar in the 92nd minute in extra time.

This led the commentator Brian Moore to say what became one of the most famous lines in sport's history. A line that became so famous that it became used in every other sport and in movies as well.

"It's up for grabs now!"

Thompson finally scored the second goal in the last minute of the game. In less than 20 seconds the title left Liverpool and became Arsenal's. That ball decided the fate of the league.

As a result, Arsenal fans grew up with that famous line in their heads until this day. Few people would argue that this line means more to their teams and their fans than it does to Arsenal fans.

It's been 20 years since that moment. However, in between those 20 years we've had great moments such as the two doubles and the "Invincibles," courtesy of our current manager Arsene Wenger—who has just announced today that he rejected Real Madrid and isn't going anywhere until at least 2011.

Hopefully, this might be the start of more great moments to come.

Like all Arsenal fans, I eagerly await next summer for transfers and the start of next season where we will hopefully be back to our best.