OpinionLiverpool vs Arsenal: a regular goalfest that brings out the best in both sides set for another thrilling chapter

Liverpool have greater rivals than Arsenal. When it comes to clubs the Kop loathes, the Gunners are down the list. Yet during their history, the teams have been involved in defining moments that are part of each other’s folklore.

The London club have come out on top on a number of memorable occasions. In 1989 they famously won the title at Anfield with almost the last kick of the season when Michael Thomas gave the visiting side a 2-0 victory. Arsenal topped the table by the narrowest of margins. Although level on points and goal difference with Liverpool, George Graham’s team came out on top because they had scored more goals over the course of the campaign.

The finale to the season, coming six weeks after the Hillsborough disaster, caught the nation’s attention and heralded in the era of live televised football. Tomorrow’s 5.30pm kick-off (12.30am Hong Kong time) is a direct consequence of the series of events 30 years ago that led to this seminal moment for the game.

Another victory for Arsenal had a hugely positive impact on Liverpool – at least in the long term. The teams met for the 1950 FA Cup final at Wembley and a 2-0 win for the Gunners caused massive disappointment on Merseyside. The defeat was the prelude to a period of decline at Anfield. They were relegated four years later and a grim mood hung around the club until Bill Shankly arrived to kick-start a revival in 1959. No one knew it at the time but the crushing loss sowed the seeds of an unparalleled period of dominance.

Bob Paisley, who had scored in the 2-0 semi-final victory over Everton, was left out of the team for Wembley. The wing half was devastated and considered leaving the club. Instead, the Northumbrian remained, became one of Shankly’s boot room assistants and eventually the Scot’s successor.