The 1988 – 1989 season was one of the greatest campaigns in the history of the Premier League, and of course Arsenal. For those who are not familiar with what went on – (shame on you) – the Gunners beat Liverpool at Anfield on the final day of the season to snatch the trophy away from the Merseysiders.
Arsenal needed to win by two clear goals, but as time ticked on, they had once netted once. However, athletic midfield powerhouse Micky Thomas changed the course of history when he bulldozed his way through the hosts’ backline and clipped the ball home for the deciding goal. It was a special victory, and one which will never be forgotten. Subsequently, the club marked the 20th anniversary by replicating the kit worn that evening for this year’s away shirt.
It may be on a very different level, but Arsenal’s Under 18’s are also on the road to glory. They know that if they can hold off Manchester City at Emirates Stadium in April, there reward looks set to be a two-legged F.A Youth Cup final against Liverpool. The second and deceive leg will be at Anfield, 10 years almost to the day of that fateful night.
Micky Thomas may now be well into his retirement, but there is a new Thomas who possesses similar attributes and has the potential to be just as decisive should the Gunners make it to Anfield. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas epitomises the art of a true captain. He wears his heart on his sleeve; he organises well and leads by example. Jay’s bullet header levelled proceedings yesterday evening, and his rampant form makes him prime candidate to decide the outcome of the Cup should destiny continue on its current course.
The first-team may not have lived up to the Arsenal slogan ‘become legends’, but the youngsters are certainly well on course to bring some silverware back to North London come the close of the season.
Article By – J.Sanderson
It is a bit early for staitments like that especially seeing as though Jay Emmanuel Thomas has not done nothing in the Arsenal first team yet mate IMO.
We must NOT get carried away yet, i know we have the advantage BUT we are not even in the final yet.
Hi JS do u think a CM of Lansbury and jay thomas is better than a CM of Coqeulin and friampong. I gotta a funny feeling wenger gonna turn coqeulin or friampong into RBs similar to kieran gibbs. I rate lansbury highly i think hes has got what steven gerrards got. And jay thomas is 6ft 3/4 a real powerhouse.
JET should listen to Steve Bould’s advice and switch to centre-back. His achilles heel is his lack of pace.
J, give the first team a chance to become legends. We are still in the FA cup and Champions League. Plenty left to play for.
But what the U-18 are achieving is great is Jay a better prospect than Jack you think?
Re the first line: Top Division, perhaps, but not Premier League. Minor point.
Any chance of someone putting up a link for the goals?!
Shame on you, it wasnt the premier league, it was the old division one
I would personally sell Diaby and allow Jay into the first team setup. Diaby is useless, gives us nothing extra and looks like a worse player than Thomas. Agree?
What a great night for Arsenal that was. I remember it as if it was yesterday.
I really like the look of him as an all rounder. Comfortable on the ball, lovely left peg, strong physically and good in the air. He has a lot of potential.
jamie..with all the briliant midfielders we have do u think he has a future with us and also do you think he could be converted into a cb like steve bould said after the tottenham game when he said the arsenal staff are trying to persuade him to play as a centre half? considering we have fabregas,denilson,song,diaby,ramsey,merida,frimpong,coquelin and co
i like this j lol even tho it maybe clutching at straws to use the famous pharse its up 4 grabs now…thomas right at the end would be good
Dont you mean 20 years.
I think Jay thomas, kieran gibbs, Henri Lansbury, Jack Wilshere, Friampong, Murphy are the most likeliest english players to break through
I wish you had used the nasme Michael Thomas in the headlines……for a moment I thought you meant that Welsh Pillock “Mickey Thomas” and was worried Jay was facing bird for forging money
putting Jay Thomas as a centre half would be waisting alot of talent imo, he has great technique for a big lad and very quick feet and a eye for goal centre backs a NO NO!. Centre mid – yes !
J, what’s up with the coaches trying to move JET to defense? They were talking about trying to convince him and he kept stonewalling them. I’ve only seen him a couple times but he looks like the business. Is there some big flaw to his game that I’m missing? The kid’s comfortable on the ball, passes, scores important goals, and physically dominates the midfield, what about that isn’t a good thing?
TT: Diaby is recent weeks have been throwing in good performances. I don’t how he is “useless”. Compared to Viera and Zidane combination too.
We should plan long term to meet upcoming FIFA new rule of ensuring more local players in clubs. Song, Merida, Diaby and Denilson might all be caught up and Arsene can’t keep all of them and meet the upcoming requirements, hence the need to keep watch on players like JET, Jack, Frimpong etc. The English boys are the future of the club.
I’m happy for Gibbs and I wish Randall and Lansbury could also make it but as it is, my doubts for Randall and Lansbury grow by the day.
check out my blog j. Its a combination of comedy, anger and arsenal.
http://thedailymusings.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/the-day-the-world-went-crazy/
@ TT, i dont agree JET is a Diaby carbon copy, both have fantastic footwork, powerful and same weaknesses. If JET want to play for Arsenal in the long term, he must first improve his concentration level then the other weaknesses including his decision making.
i’m sorry j, but a minor point that aggravated my feelings was the man u mentioned micky thomas never actualy played for arsenal… micky thomas is a balled twat that played for such poor clubs like.. man usa chelski and ‘let us have some money’ leeds i believe the man u are refering to is michael thomas . cheers