Comparisons with 89...

International break article!!!

With Arsenal going into the break with an 8 point lead, dreams of the title start becoming more vivid. It has been a long time since we were even in the discussion so late into the season. It has me remembering our title winning seasons of my lifetime and the joy they brought.

Arsenals first title in my lifetime was 1989. We were far from favourites, Liverpool were a very dominant force and the previous season we finished 6th. City have won 4 of the last 5 titles, Liverpool had won 5 of the previous 7 titles come the 88/89 season.

It was our manager George Grahams third season, just as this is Mikel Artetas third full season. Like Arteta, Graham made an immediate impact in terms of winning a trophy. Whereas Arteta won the FA Cup, Graham won us our first ever League Cup trophy in 1987.

Our squad was rather young, and led by a 23 year old captain - Tony Adams. Martin Odegaard started the season as our 23 year old captain.

Graham started his time at Arsenal with a pragmatic approach. His first job was to totally rebuild the defence. Out went experienced England stars Viv Anderson and Kenny Sansom with Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn coming in. David O'Leary found game time harder to come by as Adams and Steve Bould formed a partnership. Likewise, Arteta focused on the defence from day one, with the partnership of Saliba and Gabriel being key, and the full backs, White and Zinchenko, being important parts of the team.

Arteta also mirrored Grahams approach to discipline. The 2 goal hero of the 87 League Cup win, Champagne Charlie Nicholas, was dumped by Graham for a lack of professionalism. 2 goal FA Cup final hero Pierre Emerick Aubameyang was similarly let go for the better of the team. Building a strong team ethic was key to both Graham and Arteta.

By 88/89, the real bright spark of our team was two exciting youngsters - David Rocastle and Paul Merson. Now we have Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli leading the way.

Of course, a solid, experienced player anchoring the midfield held it all together. Back then it was Kevin Richardson, now we have Thomas Partey.

Like our current 19 year title drought, it had been a long time since Arsenal had won the league when we went to Anfield on May 26th 1989 - 18 years since the 1971 double. Many doubted back then if our young team had the know-how to get over the line, and tbf they stumbled at the finish line with defeat to Derby and a draw with Wimbledon before that famous night. Hopefully this squad won't slip like that.

As said, the 1989 season finished in late May. This season also finishes equally late. 28th May this time.

Man City have a tough schedule to the end of the season. Due to tragic circumstances, Liverpool had an equally hectic run in back in 89.

It won't be as dramatic as 1989 for sure, but hopefully Arteta can do what Graham did. 10 games to go. 7 wins and a draw at the Etihad would do it...