Goodbye QPR and Reading. These two teams have been officially relegated from English Premier League this weekend. Reading was just promoted to EPL last season, while Queens Park Rangers barely avoided being relegated. Most people had a feeling that QPR would get relegated, even in the first half of the season. The team has many talented players, but for some reason, they just weren’t able to get the results to stay in England’s top league.

Who else will join QPR and Reading? The three clubs fighting to stay in EPL are Wigan Athletic, Sunderland and Newcastle United. Personally, I hope Newcastle stays in EPL for another season. They have a lot of talent on that team and they can play some great football.

What else happened this weekend? Well, Liverpool won against Newcastle 6-0. Yes, you read that right. Liverpool won 6-0. Newcastle had an off day. This was Liverpool’s first match without Luis Suarez, who will be banned for 10 matches after biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic last weekend. Most people might have expected Liverpool to struggle, but that wasn’t the case.

While both Manchester clubs have qualified for Champions League next season, there are still two spots up for grabs. The three clubs fighting for those two spots are three London based clubs- Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. I would love to see Chelsea and Spurs qualify. Juan Mata, David Luiz, Ivanovic and Gareth Bale are some footballers that I think are very talented and would like to see them playing in Champions League. Spurs missed out this season, due to Chelsea winning Champions League.

This weekend, the one match everyone will be watching is Manchester United v. Chelsea. Don’t miss out; that match will be on May 5th at 11 a.m. EST.

None of the “big teams” played in EPL this weekend; Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United all had FA Cup matches, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t any entertaining matches over the weekend! One of the most exciting matches if the weekend was Liverpool-Tottenham Spurs.

If you didn’t watch this match, you definitely missed out! Although I’m a City fan, I do occasionally watch Tottenham because of Gareth Bale. Also, because I’m a fan of Tottenham’s manager, Andre Villas Boas, ever since I watched him manage Chelsea last season. Most people probably expected Tottenham to win this match. After all, if you’ve been watchign EPL or Europa League, then you know that Tottenham has been playing really well lately.

Liverpool…well, not so much. Actually, you never know what to expect with Liverpool. One game, they might win 5-0, the next week they might lost 2-0 to a team in the relegation zone. Well, in this match Luis Suarez scored first to give the home team the lead. Tottenham went on to score 2 goals, but weren’t able to hold on to the lead and Liverpool came back to win 3-2.

A very surprising result this week was Queens Park Rangers at home against Sunderland. QPR won that match 3-1. Yes, you read that right, QPR WON 3-1! This match showed that QPR does have the talent to win matches, but it might be too little too late for them. They’re currently at the bottom of the table and it is very likely that they will be relegated at the end of the season.

Keep with Aerys Soccer for your EPL and La Liga round ups, and all your MLS news! And follow us at @AerysSoccer!

When googling this week’s feature, Arsenal midfielder, Mikel Arteta, you will get the following top three suggestions: Mikel Arteta twitter, Mikel Arteta fifa13, Mikel Arteta injury. It is understandable that anyone would want to find out his twitter account (@m8arteta, by the way), then there is the never-ending sliding tackle glitch from FIFA 13 and finally his recent calf strain that kept the 30-year-old Spanish footballer out of play for three weeks.

I like to think he’s a pretty hardworking guy who has played for everyone and I mean everyone – from Paris St Germain, Rangers FC, Real Sociedad, an Everton loan and finally Arsenal FC. Despite all of that, he has not been called up to play for Spain but let’s not get down about that. Wait, sorry guys…I got sidetracked for a moment…I’m getting there, honest! The real travesty of this entire Mikel Arteta business is that no where in the google search does anyone request shirtless photos of the man. Outrage! Ring the alarm! But I promise that there is some muscle in this feature and now onto what we’ve all been waiting for…

Mikel likes to keep warm and I’m totally fine with this…but we are called Midweek Muscles so I can’t tell if he’s got any in this photo…

Mikel at Arsenal training, once again wearing too many clothes here but it is England and I’m sure it is freezing.

I’m a fan of casual Mikel. I’m also a fan of Mikel being shirtless but we’re getting there…I promise!

Mikel looking damper while out on the town shopping. And look! He’s a graduate of the “How to wear a scarf” school! Some people never learn *cough* Landon Donvan *cough*

Here is Mikel during a training session with Everton. I know you must all be thinking *words words* thighs *words words*

Finally! Thank you, Mikel Arteta…I feel we have been on a journey to get to this moment and you have given our readers what they came here for.

Be sure to check in here at Aerys Soccer every Wednesday for a new Midweek Muscles pick!

Luis Suarez makes a shameless gesture in celebration of his “wrist” ball.

Today, the third round of the FA Cup included two very different matches.  Arsenal and Swansea, both English Premier League teams, exhibited a Spanish “beautiful game” style of play.  Liverpool vs. Mansfield Town was a frustrating show-down between an EPL giant and a 5th level league team.

The FA Cup is the only realistic option for Arsenal to win a trophy.  The club are desperate to win something this season considering the former league leader hasn’t won a trophy in almost eight years.  Today’s draw with Swansea means another match-up against the Swans, which is not exactly an ideal path to trophy territory for the Gunners.

Spotty and inconsistent throughout the season, Arsenal morale has been suffering and there is much work to do. The absence of Robin van Persie has been sharply felt, especially considering he has been acting as the savior of Manchester United, keeping them at the top of the league almost single-handedly.

The second match of the day between Liverpool and Mansfield Town was a much more exciting and controversial game.  Everything about the Mansfield host team and town screamed underdog.  The former mining town residents, hit hard by the economy, showed the same undying football passion as their players.  One couldn’t help but support them.

Being part of a fifth level team means the Mansfield players all have full time jobs that aren’t part of football.  They are like a glorified rec team which advanced to the third level of the Cup to face one of the most decorated clubs in English football.  And they could have tied or even won.

Even though the Reds scored first, it was the second goal, a contentious goal, that should have taken the life out of the hosts.  Luis Suarez’s blatant hand-ball, leading to a second goal, was pure injustice. The fact that after the goal, the striker had the nerve to kiss his wrist should get the player fined or even banned in my opinion. It was the third Liverpool handball that hasn’t been called, but somehow the Stags didn’t lose their resolve.

Down two goals, Mansfield finally got one back late in the second half.  I believe they had enough fight and determination to carry them through to the fourth round, had it been a fair match.  But such is the life of football.  It is difficult to watch games like these, yet the final score was 1-2 and Liverpool advanced.

Hey footy fans and HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE! Wow, 2012 has been pretty crazy, hasn’t it? I honestly can’t believe it’s over! We’ve had a lot of changes around here and there’s been a lot that’s happened in Major League Soccer and all around the world. So, to close out the year, the ladies of Aerys Soccer will take you back and share with you our favorite stories, games, events and more from this past year!

Toni Stone: Arsenal and DC United writer

Theirry Henry makes Arsenal history January 2012 with first appearance as a Gunner since 2007

When my editor Trista Lutgring asked me to write about my favorite soccer memory of 2012, one immediately popped into my head.  It was in early January, just after the transfer window had closed.  Not surprisingly, my favorite team Arsenal had not made a single trade despite a poor start to their season. But there was a silver lining to the new year.  The club borrowed a player on loan from the New York Redbulls.  That player was none other than the Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry. It was Henry’s first appearance as a player at Emirates Stadium and a who’s who guest list filled the stands to witness the historic event.  Even David Beckham, an obvious Manchester United former player and fan, was in attendance with his three boys in tow (one of which is an Arsenal fan).

Prior to writing this, I honestly didn’t remember that Arsneal played Leeds that night, or that it was an FA Cup match.  I do remember however, that Henry didn’t start, but when he stood up to warm up, it felt like the entire stadium took in a giant breath and held it.  All eyes widened and even the cameramen found it difficult to pull the camera away from the sidelines and follow match play. As the superstar striker came on to a standing ovation, the anticipation was so high, I look back now and realize that what was expected from him was too much pressure to put on any human.  Fortunately for all of us, Henry is no ordinary human. He touched the ball once maybe twice in the nearly eight minutes he was on the pitch, with fans standing and singing his praises the entire time.  Then Alex Song made a beautiful pass, which Thierry touched once to settle and once more to fire into the upper right corner of the net.

The adrenaline that must have been pumping through that man was contagious.  I can recall his reaction to that goal as if I were watching it in front of me, but I just watched a few thousand Youtube videos to hear the crowd celebrating with him, and well, just because. In his revelry, he ran around the edge of the stadium with his arms outstretched.  He made a quick pit stop to hug his mentor, Arsene Wenger, then continued the festivities along with everyone else wearing a red Arsenal jersey.  That moment was an incredible rush and an inspiring shot in the arm the team needed at that point in the season. Henry’s first appearance as an Arsenal player in many years concluded with a game-winning goal (1-0) and an historic night for all.  Thank you Thierry Henry (and Trista for prompting me to rememeber), for a tremendous 2012 soccer memory.

Tamara Rinehart: La Liga and Seattle Sounders writer

It’s been a crazy year in the football world and naming just one specific moment that stood out for me was tremendously difficult. First off, Real Madrid becoming La Liga champions and Spain winning Euro 2012 was pretty spectacular and a feat for future countries to compete with. But it was a match in Seattle on June 7th that caught me eye (hell, it even made me tear up a bit!)

Alyssa Olszewski: San Jose Earthquakes writer

There were several hugely exciting moments for the San Jose Earthquakes this past season. Ground was broken on their new stadium, the Supporters’ Shield was won, and there was no shortage of drama between the Quakes and their sworn rivals down in Southern California. However, one of my favorite moments came relatively early on in the season, when the Quakes played the Columbus Crew at Buck Shaw Stadium May 19. Columbus had gone up in the 47th minute thanks to a goal by Justin Meram. Crew keeper Andy Grunebaum made some massive saves, including a Wondo penalty kick, and it seemed San Jose was destined to end their unbeaten-at-Buck-Shaw streak earlier than hoped.

Then Gordon Time happened. This was the season of last-minute results for the Earthquakes, and Alan Gordon scored a disproportionate share of those late goals. He came on as a sub in this game in the 60th minute, but, true to form, waited until the 90th minute to score. And what a beauty it was. His first shot clanged off the crossbar but he followed the rebound, completely laying out his massive frame to beat the keeper with an acrobatic half volley.

The stadium erupted, Gordon was tackled by his teammates, and the Quakes managed to hold on for the remaining minutes of extra time to secure a draw.

Terry Munoz: English Premier League writer

The beginning of the 2011-12 EPL season started off great for my club, Manchester City. They were at the top of the table and it looked like the league was ours. Then in the middle of the season, City was no longer playing they way they had at the beginning of the year and Manchester United was at the top of the table, eight points ahead. Somehow, though, City was able to catch up and by the last match day, City and United were tied at the top of the table. The last match, against Queens Park Rangers, was a must win for City.  A loss or draw would mean that United would win the league. Rooney scored the goal for United, but City had also scored. However, QPR equalized much to the disappointment of City fans (and excitement of United fans).

QPR then scored another goal and were winning 2-1. With less than 10 minutes to go, United was winning against Sunderland and City was losing against QPR. Roberto Mancini decided it was time to sub in Edin Dzeko, who then scored for City in the last remaining minutes of the match. This wasn’t enough though. City would need one more goal if they wanted to win their first league title in 40-plus years. Kun Aguero came to the rescue when he scored the winning goal in extra time. City fans everywhere (including myself) were in shock, but excited and thrilled to see City win the league. Supporters of other clubs were also happy, they had wanted anyone but United to win the league. That match was one of the most exciting matches of the season for me, as a City fan, and a very memorable moment for 2012.

Kristian Russell: LA Galaxy writer

Oh man… Picking my favorite LA Galaxy moment this season is easier said than done! So I’ve narrowed it down to two; beating San Jose in the playoffs and winning the MLS Cup again. Beating San Jose was nothing short of epic. LA went in as the underdogs and came out the team to beat on the road to the cup. It was something of a dream! Winning the MLS Cup again was the icing in the cake to the whole season. The way the boys went from last in the league, to the best gave me cold chills… And it’s still does to this day! 2012 was a great season for LA, and 2013 will be right up there with it.

Frances Sullivan: La Liga writer

There were many candidates for my best moment of 2012. From living in Brazil for the Euros to Real Madrid winning their 32nd La Liga title, from watching the USMNT defeat Mexico in the Azteca Stadium to attending my first MLS game (Dallas vs LA), 2012 was a packed year. Nevertheless, I’m going to have to say the USWNT semifinal game against Canada in the Olympics takes the cake this year. I got to watch the game with a bunch of university friends on a giant screen. The thrill of enduring Christine Sinclair scoring three times against the U.S. and watching our girl come back each time was exhilarating! I was barely breathing by the time Alex Morgan’s header crossed the line four minutes into injury time after extra time was already exhausted. I was freaking out! I totally thought the game was going to penalty kicks. Whew! What. A. Game.

Liz Johnsen: Real Salt Lake writer

Late in the season, Real Salt Lake were playing DC United, and it was defiantly not a game for fair weather fans. Someone in Utah must have infuriated Mother Nature, because the rain and wind were vicious – so bad that the ref called a weather delay not even 20 minutes into the game, after an unsettlingly large lightning strike shook the building. But I like to think that’s how all other teams view the RioT when they come play here! I happened to be taking one of my friends who had never been to a game before, and who was skeptical that soccer was entertaining in the slightest way, shape, or form. We had an hour and a half to kill before the storm passed and the game started again, so I began telling her about everything Real Salt Lake and gave her the unofficial tour of the soggy stadium.

The Supporters Section drunks were great entertainment for us as they formed a dance circle (which in this case ended up being more of a who-could-make-dance-motions-the-longest-without-falling-over-circle), and sang some not so PG rated songs. I was shocked when my friend showed some interest in the team and asked about my favorite player, Will Johnson, and some other players who she had heard me talk about in the past. By the time the game had started again, and she was standing, and singing, and having a great time. She even picked out a favorite player! I kept telling her not to worry that the score was 0-0, and that Will would come through and score. It was really crazy because he actually did! Whenever I say someone is going to score, they usually never do, so of course calling that my favorite player would score the game winner was great, but by converting a baseball fan into a soccer fan, I felt accomplished and everyone went home happy. Except for maybe DC United… They just went home wet.

Trista Lutgring: Editor, Columbus Crew and USMNT writer

Okay, so wow. When I issued this assignment, I didn’t even take a second to think about what I would deem my favorite moment of 2012. There were so many around the league, with the United States Men’s National Team and well, just all over the world! But once I got to thinking about it, the Crew fan in me would only let me choose one moment.

Aug. 15, 2012. It was a game against the LA Galaxy that held a lot more meaning than the usual match ups between the Crew and the west-coast team. A week prior to that game, our rookie midfielder Kirk Urso died for reasons unknown at the time. A promising talent from the University of North Carolina, Kirk had played six games for the Crew, starting five of them. As fans, we were excited about his presence on the team. He was hard working, had talent and, more importantly, had a great, promising future with us. I never met Kirk, I didn’t know him personally and never got to sit at Crew Stadium and watch him take the pitch. But to this day, it still gets me that the Crew Nation lost Kirk just as we were getting to know him.

And Columbus didn’t mourn alone. Major League Soccer and its teams grieved with us. It was the first time in the league’s history that a young player had passed during the season. It was quite unreal for all of us. So when the Crew took to the field Aug. 15 for the first time at home since Kirk’s passing, it was pretty emotional. The number 15 was everywhere, commemorating our fallen player. And I’ll never forget when the 15 minute mark in the match happened and everyone fell silent. The supporter’s section, every person in a seat and on the sidelines dead quite for one minute that just stretched on as banners for Kirk were held high. The silence ended with a bagpipe lead rendition of “Amazing Grace,” which made me tear up and still does now that I am remembering it.

It was a moment I’ll never forget; all of MLS banning with the Crew Nation. Kirk was one of us, Forever Massive, and he will be greatly missed.

“Don’t count your time, make your time count.”

Frank Lampard handed Chelsea the 2-0 win over Everton with a double.

Frank Lampard took responsibility for Chelsea’s fourth win in a row by scoring twice to win 2-1 at Everton today.  The 34-year -old England midfielder has been with the club since 2001 and has yet to be offered an extension to his contract ending in June.

Today’s win helps to keep the Blues in contention for the Premier League title race and also might give some hope the club will hold onto the seasoned Lampard.

On Saturday, Manchester United took their seventh win in eight matches thanks to star striker Robin van Persie.  His 90-minute shot, his League-leading 14th goal of the season, made the score 2-0 over West Brom.  United now have a seven-point lead in the standings going into 2013.

Arsenal dominated Newcastle 7-3 with help from a Theo Walcott hat trick.  The England national has refused to re-sign with the Gunners and there is speculation he will be sold in January.  In an attempt to change his mind, for the last few games, Arsene Wenger has allowed the winger to start as center striker, his requested position for many years.  He has been very effective, but is it too little too late will remain to be seen.

Manchester City squeaked out a 4-3 win over Norwich Saturday no thanks to Samir Nasri’s first half send off.  The thrilling match was a fight to the finish, but Edin Dzeko replaced the ill Carlos Tevez up front to score two plus the usual quality from Sergio Aguero helped City hold on to the lead.

Even after Sunderland beat Manchester City 1-0 last Wednesday, Tottenham managed a come-from-behind win over Sunderland in the 52nd minute thanks to a fine strike by England winger Aaron Lennon.

Other matches played over the weekend:

Stoke City 3 – 3 Southampton

Fulham 1 – 2 Swansea

Reading 1 – 0 West Ham United

Aston Villa 0 – 3 Wigan

QPR 0 – 3 Liverpool

Mikel Arteta’s spot kick gave Arsenal the win over Wigan

Arsenal defeated Wigan Athletic today at the DW Stadium 1-nil thanks to a penalty kick taken by Mikel Arteta.  The Spaniard’s spot kick looked to be all the Gunners needed for a victory, but Wigan never gave up.

The home team had a few great opportunities in the last 10 minutes, but could not prevail.  Wigan fall to the relegation zone, giving manager Roberto Martinez much to think about.

It’s early in the weekend, but at the finish of this match, Arsenal were in third place.  Today’s win, the third in three league games for the club, has quelled the questioning of Arsene Wenger’s judgement and management, at least for now.  COYG!

One of the worst soccer kits of all time? You decide

I think it’s fair to say that fashion and soccer are two words that aren’t used together very often.  Of course, there are some flambouyant footballers who have been known to defy the laws of fashion off the pitch.  But when they are showing off their skills on the pitch, what they are wearing shouldn’t really come into “play”, right?

Well think again.  I came across an article from The Bleacher Report where they ranked the ten worst soccer kits of all time.  Some of these kits, some of the worst in soccer history, are downright distracting.  And despite the fact that the teams are playing “the beautiful game”, these kits are anything but beautiful.

Do you have a worst kit you remember?  We’d love you to share it with us.  

Here they are according to The Bleacher Report:

Number 10: Palermo’s Pink Kit

I’ve never really had a problem with this kit, and maybe that stems from the fact that I am female, but I like to see a man, particularly an athlete, in pink.  Trust me, they get a lot worse than this.

Number 9:  Cameroon from 2004

This was actually a one-piece kit, yep you heard me, a one-piece jumpsuit of sorts.  It’s only redeeming quality was the fact that those shirts are so tight, you can see every ripple of their eight packs like those Superman costumes with fake muscles.

Cameroon’s one-piece kit from 2004

Number 8: Aston Villa Goalkeeper Kit 1993-94

The 1990′s seem to dominate the rest of the countdown.  Could it be that any fashion decade would feel under pressure when following the forgettable fashion of the 80′s?

Aston Villa’s poor goalkeeper had to don this dud for the 1993-94 season

Number 7: Arsenal Away Kit 1991

This is the team I follow, and I am familiar with this kit, but there are a dozen or more from Arsenal’s 1990′s that could have made the cut here.  This one is certainly a stand out.

Poor Lee Dixon sports the Arsenal Away Kit of 1991

Number 6: VFL Bochum Away Kit 1997

How did this colorful outfit pass the approval of the Club’s Board?  Still the 90′s.  Still bad bad bad.

VFL Bochum Away 1997

Number 5: Notts County Away 1994-95

The real beauty in this kit is not so much the plaid, which is awful on its own, but the addition of those horrendous gold stripes on the edge of the shorts (as well as the socks).  Yikes!

Notts County Away Away Kit plaid disaster of 1994-95

Number 4: Birmingham Home Kit 1992

For whatever reason, The Bleacher Report has the wrong photo, but I have it here for your enjoyment.  I mean what is going on there with that design and those colors?

Birmingham City 1992

Number 3: Norwich City Home Kit 1992

1992 was not a good year in the way of football kits.  This lovely number was dubbed the “bird-poo” kit which is aptly named considering Norwich is referred to as the Canaries.  Shocking.

Norwich City’s infamous “bird-poo” kit of 1992

Number 2:  Hull City Home Kit 1992-93

Like the Norwich kit in the number 3 position, this is another example of an over-eager designer too keen on using the nickname of the club as a theme for the kit.  You won’t be surprised to learn that Hull City is also known as ”the Tigers”.  Need I say more?  (Honestly, I would have moved back in the rankings, but these are not my findings so I will keep it here at number 2)

The 1992 Hull City Tigers need to change their stripes

And what you’ve all been waiting for….

Drum roll please…….

Keep scrolling……………..

Number 1: Mexico World Cup 1994

I think you’ll agree that seeing this spicy little treat was worth waiting for.  Jorge Campos had to wear this abomination as goalkeeper for Mexico during the 1994 World Cup.  Although Brazil were the Cup winners, don’t you agree that Mexico wins the award for the worst football kit of all times?

Jorge Campos was Mexico’s goalkeeper in this memorable ensemble in the 1994 World Cup

There you have it — the worst football kits of all time according to The Bleacher Report.  Do you agree?  Disagree?  Share your own worst kits so we can compare.

Spectacular Ian Wright defies odds in life and on the pitch

Many professional soccer players are recruited at an early age into famous - or not so famous – club teams to spend their teens in youth camps. While living the dream honing their football skills 24/7, their ultimate goal is to someday sign a big contract and become a professional football player.

But given only a few are chosen, most kids who dream of becoming a soccer superstar eventually have to put that dream aside.  The dreamers from poor backgrounds, with no access to school programs or supportive parents are even less likely to succeed. Ian Wright’s circumstances were even more dire, yet he overcame those odds to become a football legend in England.  His rare and touching story should be an inspiration to all.

He was raised in a housing project in northeast London by his alcoholic Jamaican-born mother and abusive step-father.  He had a very difficult upbringing and lived most of his life without affection, encouragement, support or love.  But one thing kept him going and that was football.

He claimed his only joy in life was to watch and play the sport.  Somehow that was enough.  That love drove him to try again and again to become a professional footballer.  He refused to give in to his sourroundings and circumstances.  Ultimately, with the help of two important people in his life, he finally broke into the world of professional football.

In 1985, a scout gave Wright an opportunity to try out for London’s Crystal Palace at the age of 22.  That year he signed his first professional contract and became the team’s second highest goal scorer.  Wright hit his stride in his second year with the club, scoring 24 goals in regular season play.

After six successful years with Palace, Ian signed with Premier League team Arsenal at the age of 28.  With his new team, he helped win the Premier League title, both major domestic trophies and the European Cup Winners Cup.  In his first year with the club, he scored a hat-trick in his first league appearance and went on to win the Golden Boot with 29 league goals.  As a Gunner, he was the top scorer six seasons in a row of seven with the club.  Over the course of his career, he was capped 33 times for England and finally retired at the age of 37.

Ian Wright is an Arsenal legend and a legend in his own “wright”.  There’s a fantastic video below showing some highlights from his amazing career.  He recently sat down to openly discuss his life as part of a bio-documentary series called “Nothing to Something” produced by Marcel Beckford.  The moving film is 27 minutes long and I’ve included it as well as the trailer below.  You will not regret spending 27 minutes watching this fascinating and inspiring man recount his life and describe the obstacles he overcame to make his dream come true.   I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Here’s the trailer:

Here’s a highlight of some of Ian Wright’s best work:

Here’s his bio-documentary and I guarantee it’s worth every minute you will spend watching it!

Michael Thomas (top) and Tony Adams combine efforts and make history for English football in 1989

If you’ve followed the English Premier League long enough to remember when it was called the First Division, then you would definitely remember this great moment in soccer history.

It was already an anticipated match considering it was the final week of the 1988-89 season.  And by uncanny coincidence, the two teams vying for the league title were playing each other.   You’re probably not surprised to learn that one of the teams was Arsenal (since I am their number one fan!) and the other was Liverpool.

Only six weeks earlier, the Hillsborough tragedy occurred at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, England, during the semi-finals of the FA Cup.  Somehow Liverpool persevered, won that semi-final, and went on to win the FA Cup.

Coming off the high of an FA Cup victory only one week earlier, for this match, the Reds were playing at home and had an advantage in goal differential.  This title race was so close, said to be one of the tightest for almost 100 years, that in order for Arsenal to be named Champions, they had to win by at least two goals.

I’m sure you’ll be shocked to learn that despite being considered the underdogs, Arsenal pulled out a 2 – 0 win over Liverpool and in dramatic fashion.  A last minute, injury time goal was scored by midfielder Michael Thomas, which gave the Gunners their Ninth First Division championship, while denying Liverpool their second Double.  After wiping off the looks on their dumbfounded faces, the match concluded with a standing ovation from Anfield.

Jason Cowley, a writer for The Guardian, recalled that special game in an article he wrote in 2009.  In it he said “This match is considered to be one of the most dramatic conclusions to a league season in the history of the English game.  It is also regarded as a renaissance in English football and the moment where people started to see the untapped commercial potential of live football on television. “

Unless we watched this match live, I don’t think we can appreciate the energy of the crowd sitting on their edge of their seats with every touch of the ball.  But at least we have this video to get a feel for that emotional game that made history.

Championship Decider 1989