On October 27, 1987, when Arsenal and Bournemouth played one another for the first time competitively, in the third round of the League Cup, George Graham’s side was in the rudest of health.

They were in the middle of a 10-match winning run in the league that took them to the top of the First Division, while the 14 consecutive victories between September 12 and November 17 would set a new club record at the time.

Bournemouth, managed by Harry Redknapp, had just gained promotion to the Second Division for the first time in their history and more than held their own, finishing in 17th position. A crowd of 26,050 turned up at Highbury to witness the cup clash, and saw us run out 3-0 winners.

Anfield ’89 hero Mickey Thomas – then still playing in his original position as a flying right-back – scored the opener from the penalty spot, following a handball from the Cherries’ Sean O’Driscoll. Our second came from an inswinging corner, and Alan Smith hammered the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

The final goal by new signing Kevin Richardson was blasted in from the edge of the box by the...