Luton Town 3-2 Arsenal
Date Played – 24th April 1988
Arsenal took early control of this Littlewoods cup final encounter, soaking up fourteen minutes of continuous pressure. However, against the run of play, Luton scored with their first opportunity. David Preece’s free kick discovered its way to the captain, Steve Foster. He angled a pass to Brian Stein who smashed the ball past the goal keeper John Lukic. Arsenal spent the remainder of the half looking for an equalizer however they almost went two goals down when Mick Harford came near from another forward attack. The opening stages of the second half proved just as unfortunate for Arsenal. However with twenty minutes remaining, Paul Davis delivered a free kick into the penalty box. It was only half cleared by Luton’s Steve Foster and the ball arrived for Alan Smith whose low cross was converted in by Hayes to level. Four minutes later, Michael Thomas found Alan Smith on his own on his right and he crossed the ball in handing the Gunners with a 2- 1 lead. Arsenal were awarded a penalty minutes later, which Dibble stopped from going in. With seven minutes remaining, Kingsley Black caught Gus Caesar in possession and crossed to Brian Stein, whose low cross was nodded home by a stooping Danny Wilson. With one minute left, Ashley Grimes assisted the ball to Brian Stein who smashed home the winning goal. Luton were the winners of the 1988 Littlewoods cup.

Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal
Date Played – 26th May 1989 (League Match)
Liverpool had already won the FA Cup prior to this match and only needed a draw to win the league title and they could still afford to lose by one goal and win the title on goal difference as they were three points clear of Arsenal. After a slow first half, Arsenal pushed everybody forward for the second half as they had nothing to lose. In the 53rd minute, Nigel Winterburn lifted a free kick to the far post and Alan Smith met it with his head to put the Gunners 1-0 ahead. The Arsenal pressure in the last fifteen minutes was merciless and with 20 minutes remaining, Kevin Richardson threaded the ball through the Liverpool backline to an unmarked Michael Thomas who shot straight at Bruce Grobbelaar. Ray Houghton and John Aldridge came close for Liverpool few minutes later however in injury time, Arsenal goal keeper, John Lukic started off one last attack. The ball went from Lukic, to Lee Dixon who then passed to Alan Smith and Michael Thomas then moved forward running past Steve Nicol, who then met the ball and flicked it to the right hand corner of the net. Arsenal had stolen the title under Liverpool’s nose at Anfield.