George Graham was installed as the new man in charge at Arsenal at the end of the 1985- 1986 season, a campaign that saw Arsenal finish off in seventh place. They also reached the quarter finals of the league cup (Milk Cup), suffering defeat against Aston Villa. Don Howe left the managerial post at the end of the campaign and George Graham took charge at the club. Kevin Richardson, Kenny Sansom and Tony Adams were in great form for the Gunners during the 1986 – 1987 league season as the Gunners finished the campaign off in a very respectable fourth place, an improvement on the previous year. Graham led Arsenal to the final of the League Cup (littlewoods Cup) as they defeated Liverpool in a classic encounter.
The 1987 – 1988 season was similar for Arsenal in comparison to the previous, Graham once again guided the Gunners to the league cup final, however they suffered defeat against Luton Town, losing 3-2. Paul Merson made his debut for Arsenal during the campaign and the Arsenal goal keeper, John Lukic was in great form in goal through out the season. Lukic only conceded 39 goals in the league during the campaign which was fewer than any other side that season. Tony Adams and David O’Leary were great in defence for the club and the Gunners finished the season off in sixth place.
The 1988- 1989 season proved to be a joyous time for Arsenal, they stole the league title off Liverpool in the last few seconds of the season, defeating the Reds by 2 goals to nil, Michael Thomas and Alan Smith being the goal scorers for the Gunners.
The 1989- 90 season saw Arsenal finish off strongly in fourth place, they were knocked out of the League Cup (Littlewoods Cup) in the last sixteen, suffering defeat against Oldham Athletic. The Arsenal side of the 1989- 90 season included the likes of John Lukic, Lee Dixon, Nigel Winterburn, Michael Thomas, David O’Leary, David Rocastle, Kevin Richardson and Perry Groves.