It's Up For Grabs Now

The match at Anfield itself needs no review. Let's just say it still brings up the goosebumps all these years later, even knowing the result. The DVD lets you skip to a few specific points in the game, such as the start of the second half or just before the moves that led to the 2 goals.

As well as the match there are 3 extras. The factfile is handy but not exciting, containing basically just seasonal player stats, the final league table. But the other two bonus programmes are very good additions.

First there's a review of the season, with some great goals and action. I'd recommend watching it first to set the scene. There are a few great moments which you might have forgotten, like I had. Nigel Winterburn's superb bending grasscutter of a goal at White Hart Lane, after being set up by a classic marauding run forward from Tony Adams; Luton's awful artificial pitch; the fact that we beat Liverpool to a trophy earlier in the season as well when Steve Bould's header brought home the Centenary Trophy (commemorating 100 years of the football league). It was even funny to see Gascoigne's first goal for Tottenham again, scored against us in the same match as Winterburn's goal mentioned above, and scored after his boot had come off. But the thing that I'd almost forgotten until seeing this again, was exactly how good Alan Smith was.

Then there's the "I Was There" feature, in which various players and fans talk about their experiences of the night. It features Smith, George Graham, Steve Bould, the Nutty Boy, Michael Thomas, Lee Dixon, David Dein, Ken Friar, Kenny Dalgish, and a few Arsenal fans who made the trip up to Anfield that night including one woman who admits to leaving early to eat the rush. Oooops. She also features heavily in the "1 minute" section which focusses on Steve McMahon's famous finger.

Steve Bould's contributions are particularly interesting, he reveals that in George's pre-match speech he told them that it'd be 0-0 at half time, but that Arsenal would win 2-0 in the end. Bouldy was glad to see his first half header cleared off the line. He also says that Liverpool were subdued because even a 1-0 loss would do them, and they weren't sure how much to go for it. Strangely, then, in a way it was their 5-1 win in the penultimate game which won it for us, meaning as it did that they had the upper hand on goal difference. Marginally, at least.

Lee Dixon's contributions are both moving and funny. Apparently he burst into tears when Thomas scored, and his eyes were still full of water when Liverpool kicked off again. Fortunately they tried to attack down the other flank, or things could have been very different!

These extras make it an excellent addition to any Gooners' library, even if you've already got the video. The DVD is available on pre-order from the Arseweb shop.

One lucky Arseweb reader can win a copy, kindly provided by distributors Granada Ventures. All you have to do is email us the answers to the following 2 questions (make sure that 'ANFIELD89COMP' is the subject line, or your entry may not be counted).

All the answers can be found on this website.

1. Name the Arsenal goalscorer in our last FA Cup final against Liverpool.
2. Who came off the bench in that match when the player from Q1 was subbed?
3. What was Arsenal's record win over Liverpool (score and date).

Rupe adds...
23/03/2006: Many thanks to everyone who entered. The winner was Sarah Banks from the Isle of Lewis.