Seven best Premier League title ‘deciders’ in history… and Anfield 89… ahead of Arsenal clash with Man City
ARSENAL have the chance to take a giant leap towards destiny if they can beat Manchester City.
The Gunners have the chance to go eight points clear of Pep Guardiola‘s title charging machine.
But in recent weeks Mikel Arteta‘s side have hit rocky form, drawing each of their last three league games.
Meanwhile, Man City have won six on the spin, closing the gap down to just five points with two games in hand following last weekend’s action.
And ahead of this evening’s crunch clash, SunSport have taken a look at seven of the best title deciders in Premier League history.
1995-96 Newcastle 0 Manchester United 1
Kevin Keegan’s cavaliers were sentimental favourites and went into this game four points clear at the top.
Newcastle dominated but could not find a way past an inspired Peter Schmeichel before Eric Cantona’s composed finish took all the air out of the Toon balloon.
Newcastle never recovered and United won by four points.
1997-98 Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Arsene Wenger’s side arrived at Old Trafford nine points behind with three games in hand but left with the title wind in their sails.
The key moment saw Marc Overmars skate past stand-in right-back John Curtis to slide home. The Gunners won the next eight to take the crown and the Double.
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2001-02 Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Arsenal had lifted the FA Cup four days earlier and even though they had no Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp or Thierry Henry there was no stopping them.
Sylvain Wiltord was on hand to force home the rebound from a Freddie Ljungberg strike and confirm another double.
2002-03 Arsenal 2 Manchester United 2
The pair were level with six to go but the draw and Sol Campbell’s red card proved decisive as United recaptured their crown.
Ruud van Nistelrooy earned a half-time lead but it was Ryan Giggs’ equaliser, 60 seconds after Henry’s second of the night, that made all the difference. Campbell saw red for elbowing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
2005-06 Chelsea 3 Manchester United 0
Jose Mourinho’s second Prem title was claimed in a grand manner – and the consequences were felt by England as Wayne Rooney fractured his metatarsal.
United needed to win to keep their hopes alive but were blown off the Bridge after an early strike by William Gallas and second half goals by Joe Cole and Ricardo Carvalho.
2009-10 Manchester United 1 Chelsea 2
A decisive moment as Carlo Ancelotti’s Blues leapfrogged United at the top with five games left.
Cole’s subtle back heel edged Chelsea in front before Didier Drogba – who would have been ruled offside by VAR – made it two.
Federico Macheda’s goal was allowed to stand despite a handball but Chelsea held on and made it a Double a month later.
2011-12 Manchester City 1 Manchester United 0
Sergio Aguero’s 94th minute goal against QPR would have meant nothing if City had not won this Monday night classic a fortnight earlier.
The only goal came in first half stoppage time, when David de Gea was distracted by Carlos Tevez and Vincent Kompany outjumped Chris Smalling to power home.
AND THIS ONE WASN’T BAD EITHER
1988-89 Liverpool 0 Arsenal 2
This genuine title decider, delayed by the Hillsborough Disaster, saw George Graham’s side needing to win by two to steal the title from Liverpool’s grasp.
It did not seem likely, even when Alan Smith nodded in but with seconds remaining Michael Thomas burst through to crash home. “It’s up for grabs now” said Brian Moore. In fact, it had BEEN grabbed.