Jere Markus
Jul 9 2002, 06:12 PM
What did they win?
1989: Division One title
1991: Division One title
1993: FA Cup, League Cup
1994: Cup Winners' Cup
1998: Premiership, FA Cup
2002: Premiership, FA Cup
Tony Adams' expected retirement will finally spell the end of Arsenal's 'old guard'. The back four of Adams, Steve Bould, Nigel Winterburn and Lee Dixon was the bedrock on which Arsenal's success under George Graham was built.
Winterburn, Dixon and Bould all moved to Highbury under Graham within the space of 13 months from 1987 to 1988.
The following year, Arsenal won their first title in 18 seasons, snatching the trophy from Liverpool's grasp in a dramatic final-day win at Anfield. But it was Graham's second title campaign, two years later, which really underlined the power of his carefully-assembled back four.
Despite being without Adams for two months as he served a jail sentence for drink-driving, Arsenal's rearguard was firmly established. 'One-nil to the Arsenal' became a common Highbury terrace chant and Arsenal conceded only 18 league goals all season.
Martin Keown's second spell at Arsenal gradually saw him replace Bould at the heart of the Gunners' defence in the years that followed. But Arsenal's glorious Double triumph in 1998 still featured the usual suspects of Adams, Dixon and Winterburn alongside the captain's interchangeable central defensive partners.
Fortress Highbury's most famous old relic finally started to dismantle in 1989, when Bould left to join Sunderland. The following year, Winterburn ended his 13-year spell at Highbury by moving across London to West Ham. And this summer, old warhorse Dixon finally called it a day, with Adams likely to follow.
Oohh, the glory days.
But the new Arsenal tastes even sweeter, now we win with beautiful game and grace, but still keeping the Arsenal fighting spirit and commitment.
[/quote]
1989: Division One title
1991: Division One title
1993: FA Cup, League Cup
1994: Cup Winners' Cup
1998: Premiership, FA Cup
2002: Premiership, FA Cup
Tony Adams' expected retirement will finally spell the end of Arsenal's 'old guard'. The back four of Adams, Steve Bould, Nigel Winterburn and Lee Dixon was the bedrock on which Arsenal's success under George Graham was built.
Winterburn, Dixon and Bould all moved to Highbury under Graham within the space of 13 months from 1987 to 1988.
The following year, Arsenal won their first title in 18 seasons, snatching the trophy from Liverpool's grasp in a dramatic final-day win at Anfield. But it was Graham's second title campaign, two years later, which really underlined the power of his carefully-assembled back four.
Despite being without Adams for two months as he served a jail sentence for drink-driving, Arsenal's rearguard was firmly established. 'One-nil to the Arsenal' became a common Highbury terrace chant and Arsenal conceded only 18 league goals all season.
Martin Keown's second spell at Arsenal gradually saw him replace Bould at the heart of the Gunners' defence in the years that followed. But Arsenal's glorious Double triumph in 1998 still featured the usual suspects of Adams, Dixon and Winterburn alongside the captain's interchangeable central defensive partners.
Fortress Highbury's most famous old relic finally started to dismantle in 1989, when Bould left to join Sunderland. The following year, Winterburn ended his 13-year spell at Highbury by moving across London to West Ham. And this summer, old warhorse Dixon finally called it a day, with Adams likely to follow.
Oohh, the glory days.
But the new Arsenal tastes even sweeter, now we win with beautiful game and grace, but still keeping the Arsenal fighting spirit and commitment.
[/quote]