sport news Relive the most dramatic final day ever: 1989, the year Arsenal stole the title ...

The fight for the title will be decided on Sunday after what has been the tightest duel since Sergio Aguero's heroics for Manchester City in 2012.

But neither this campaign, nor Aguero's dramatic winner, rival what happened 30 years ago when league leaders Liverpool faced second-placed Arsenal in the last match of the season. Nearly 42,000 were at Anfield while eight million tuned in to watch on ITV.

Those clubs will never forget what happened on Friday, May 26, 1989 — the most remarkable final day in football history.

Thirty years ago saw the most remarkable final day of a top-flight season in football history

Thirty years ago saw the most remarkable final day of a top-flight season in football history 

THE BUILD-UP

This fixture was rearranged after the Hillsborough disaster on April 15. Kenny Dalglish's side resumed their season on May 3 after a period of mourning and had to play eight games in 23 days.

Arsenal, who were trying to win the title for the first time since 1971, had been in control of the race before faltering on the run-in.

Liverpool, the defending champions, had won 17 of their last 18 fixtures in all competitions. They were expected to win again.

ALAN SMITH (Arsenal)

On the Tuesday before the game, we were at the Football Writers' dinner while Liverpool were playing West Ham at Anfield. We kept getting reports through that they had scored — and scored again. They won 5-1 to go top.

Leroy Rosenior scored for West Ham in the first half and that was huge, as it meant we had to win by two clear goals to take the title on goals scored. Leroy is an Arsenal fan and always tells us he did his bit! We knew what we had to do but nobody gave us a chance.

George Graham's Arsenal needed to win by two-clear goals to snatch the title off Liverpool

George Graham's Arsenal needed to win by two-clear goals to snatch the title off Liverpool 

JOHN BARNES (Liverpool)

That whole period is a blur. We only carried on with the season with the blessing of the bereaved families. We had beaten Everton 3-2 in the FA Cup final the previous Saturday, then beat West Ham.

NIGEL WINTERBURN (Arsenal)

You have to remember it wasn't even 'winner takes all'. We had to be perfect in everything we did. I'll never forget the noise beforehand. The place was absolutely rocking.

SMITH (Arsenal)

We were conscious of the emotion surrounding Hillsborough. Ken Friar, our secretary, had an idea we should make a gesture and each player came out with a bouquet of flowers. We separated and gave them to all four sides of Anfield. It was very poignant.

KENNY DALGLISH (Liverpool)

Mutual respect defined relations between the clubs. I know some people felt Arsenal were trying to push Hillsborough back into Liverpool minds with the flowers. Personally, I felt they were a touch of class from a classy club.

THE GAME

Liverpool hadn't lost by two goals at Anfield since February 1986, but Arsenal manager George Graham hatched a plan. He used Steve Bould as a third central defender and his 3-5-2 system was designed to frustrate. To make matters worse for Liverpool, they suffered an early injury blow.

IAN RUSH (Liverpool)

I had struggled with my fitness all season. I wasn't supposed to play in the FA Cup final but Kenny persuaded me to go on the bench. I came on and scored two, then I started against West Ham. Early on against Arsenal, I had a shot and my adductor went. My body was tired and unfortunately it was a game too many.

A fatigued Ian Rush had to be replaced in the first half for Liverpool pulling his adductor

A fatigued Ian Rush had to be replaced in the first half for Liverpool pulling his adductor

WINTERBURN (Arsenal)

It was not in Liverpool's nature to sit back and try to defend but George told us to keep it tight and, if we could

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