Michael Thomas scored in stoppage time to give Arsenal a 2–0 win at Anfield and the league championship on 26 May 1989. Liverpool finished level with them on 76 points and a goal difference of plus 37, but Arsenal’s 73 goals to Liverpool’s 65 decided the title.
The requirement had been clear before kick-off: Arsenal needed to win by at least two goals. Liverpool had won the FA Cup six days earlier and could complete the Double even with a single-goal defeat. The meeting had been postponed following the Hillsborough disaster; before the match, Arsenal’s players carried flowers for Liverpool’s supporters.
George Graham used David O’Leary as a sweeper behind his fellow defenders. Arsenal kept the first half tight, while Steve Nicol cleared Steve Bould’s header off the line. Liverpool lost Ian Rush to a groin injury and Peter Beardsley replaced him after thirty-two minutes. At half-time it remained 0–0.
Early in the second half, Alan Smith glanced Nigel Winterburn’s free-kick into the net. Liverpool protested, and referee David Hutchinson consulted his linesman before allowing the goal. Ray Houghton later told Sky Sports that Liverpool had believed Smith had not touched the delivery.
Thomas then had a chance to score the second, but sent a weak shot into Bruce Grobbelaar’s hands. Liverpool still held the position they needed as the match entered stoppage time.
The decisive attack began with John Lukic throwing to Lee Dixon. Dixon found Smith, who sent the ball forward for Thomas. A deflection off Nicol left the midfielder through on goal, and he lifted his finish over Grobbelaar before Houghton could recover.
Arsenal had secured the required margin in the closing seconds. Liverpool’s season ended with the FA Cup and second place in the league.