There are several instances in football where players eventually fulfil their lifelong dream of playing for their boyhood dream club. This article however, will look at a player who ultimately became a legend of his childhood club's biggest rivals. Let us look back at the Arsenal career of Michael Thomas.
The Tottenham fan joins Arsenal
It was in the year of 1982 that Spurs fan Michael Thomas joined the Gunners as a schoolboy. This was followed by a short loan stint at Portsmouth,before coming back to Arsenal for his professional tenure. His eventual debut was also quite a memorable one, as it was against his childhood favorite Tottenham Hotspur in 1987 League Cup semi-final first-leg.
The former Arsenal player went on to establish himself as a regular fixture in the Arsenal first-team, making his league debut in place of the suspended Viv Anderson on 14 February 1987 against Sheffield Wednesday. It was his next match against Oxford United that became a turning point in his Arsenal career, as he played as a midfielder in that game.
It was a gamble that paid off immensely, as the switch was a quick success, and the player's extra versatility boosted his chances of a first team place. As the season finished, Arsenal ended the league in 4th place and Thomas earned a League Cup winners medal as well.
Peak years
The 1987–88 season saw the rise of Thomas at Arsenal, as he became an integral and consistent part of the side who only missed 5 league games that season. His versatility was at display during this campaign as he operated in both right-back and midfield positions that season. Arsenal had reached yet another League Cup final that season, but lost the final 3-2 to Luton Town. Thomas still ended the season on a high, winning Arsenal's Player of the Season.
It was during the succeeding 1988–89 season that Thomas established himself as an eternal Arsenal legend. It was a campaign where Liverpool and Arsenal were going toe-to-toe for league glory. The league match between both the English giants were postponed due to the Hillsborough Disaster and was rescheduled to the season end.
Liverpool were in magnificent form as the match was on the horizon, as they clinched the FA Cup and were on the verge of a historic double. Arsenal were the only obstacle in front of them. Arsenal had been top of the First Division table for most of the season, but Liverpool had overtaken them a few matches before the end of the campaign. The title deciding clash also required Arsenal to win by at least 2 goals due to goal difference.
The league clinching match saw Arsenal leading 1-0 till normal time, which wasn't enough for them to snatch the title. What followed however, was the making of a legend. Thomas surged forward from midfield during Arsenal's final attack, and the move ended with a historic goal by the Englishman. Arsenal became the Champions of England again, after a gap of 18 years. As for Thomas, he externalized himself by scoring one of the greatest goals in Arsenal history.
Remaining time at Arsenal
Michael Thomas continued his heroics for Arsenal in the following season's, which saw them win yet another league title with the Gunners in 1991. Just like most players, the Englishman had also begun to eventually lose his influence in the team. This saw him replaced by the more defensive David Hillier in the side
An unhappy Thomas got into a feud with then Arsenal manager George Graham, which ultimately spelled the end for him at Arsenal.
Arsenal's 1988-89 League hero eventually left the club, as rivals Liverpool signed the player. Despite the controversial exit, he is still widely considered as one of their greatest ever players.
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