{"id":553790,"date":"2020-06-15T10:00:45","date_gmt":"2020-06-15T14:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=553790"},"modified":"2026-01-30T16:50:21","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T21:50:21","slug":"premier-league-legends-tony-adams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/06\/15\/premier-league-legends-tony-adams\/","title":{"rendered":"Premier League Legends: Tony Adams"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome back to the latest series of articles from Last Word on Football. This time we look back on the footballers who many class as Premier League<\/a> legends. Players who wowed the crowd, frustrated the opposition, scored great goals and inspired their team to glory. Today we look at a player who captained his club for over 14 years, never shied away from a challenge, showed passion and dedication in all of his performances, and was part of one of the most successful sides in English football. “Mr Arsenal,” Tony Adams.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Premier League Legends: Tony Adams<\/h2>\n

Where it all Began<\/h3>\n

Tony Adams was already an established footballer prior to the Inaugural Premier League season. He made his debut for Arsenal<\/a> at 17-years-old and was made captain of the club aged 21.<\/p>\n

Adams was also part of the defensive unit alongside Lee Dixon, Steve Bould and Nigel Winterburn which, under manager George Graham, helped Arsenal to the title in 1989 and once again 1991. No doubt the team and the fans were expecting Arsenal to challenge for the League again in 1992\/93.<\/p>\n

However, Arsenal struggled in the opening year of the rebranded top flight. A shock 4-2 on the opening day to Norwich City<\/a>\u00a0in which they were 2-0 up in, set the tone for the season as the Gunners finished in 10th place. However, they did win the League Cup and FA Cup that season, to make up for their disappointing league finish.<\/p>\n

Arsenal improved the following season, finishing a respectable 4th position. They were successful in Europe too. A 1-0 win over Parma in Copenhagen secured the club’s first, and only UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.<\/p>\n

Arsenal kept 21 clean sheets that Premier League season, with Adams’ performances earning him recognition in the PFA Team of the Season.<\/p>\n

1994-1996 a Troubled Period for Arsenal and Tony Adams<\/h3>\n

George Graham lost his job in February 1995, after it was discovered he had taken illegal payments from player signings.<\/p>\n

The off-field antics had affected the way the Gunners played on the pitch, they finished a dismal 12th place that season, just five points clear of the bottom four.<\/p>\n

Adams himself would only play a combined 38 matches between 1994 and 1996. However, he was named in the Team of the season in 1996.<\/p>\n

Adams leadership was recognised by Terry Venables, who named him England<\/a> Captain. He led his country out at Euro 96, where that year’s host nation reached the semi-finals.<\/p>\n

But Adams had been troubled with alcoholism throughout the late eighties and early nineties. After the semi-final defeat, Adams took time off to battle his addiction.<\/p>\n

Ars\u00e9ne Wenger’s Influence on Adams<\/h3>\n

October 1996 saw the arrival of Frenchman Ars\u00e9ne Wenger and he had an instant impact on Adams both on and off the pitch.<\/p>\n

Wenger reformed the diets and training methods of the players. He also restricted the days that players were allowed to drink on. This somewhat ended the drinking culture which hovered around the club under Graham and his predecessors.<\/p>\n

Wenger also revolutionised the way Arsenal played. They went from being defensively disciplined to a more free-flowing, attacking side. “1-0 to the Arsenal”, was becoming a thing of the past.<\/p>\n

Adams adapted his game following Wenger’s arrival too. He had gone from his typified, no-nonsense approach, to a more technical and ball-playing centre-back.<\/p>\n

It took a while before the players took on board the Frenchman’s approach, but it soon paid off, as the Gunners embarked on one of the greatest eras of their history.<\/p>\n

Arsenal were crowned Premier League Champions in 1998,\u00a0following a 4-0 victory over Everton<\/a> at Highbury, with Tony Adams most fittingly wrapping up proceedings in the last minute of the match.<\/p>\n

Adams advanced forward was put in on goal by fellow central defender Steve Bould. He chested the ball down and hit it sweetly on the half volley, placing it in the bottom corner of the net. Adams put his arms up in celebration, in what is one of the most iconic moments in Premier League<\/a> history.<\/p>\n

A fortnight later, Arsenal clinched the double after a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United<\/a> in the FA Cup Final. The club’s first double since 1971.<\/p>\n

“And it’s Tony Adams put Through by Steve Bould. Would you believe it! That sums it all up!” – Martin Tyler<\/h3>\n

Adams continued to play a peripheral role for the Gunners between 1998 and 2001, helping Arsenal to three consecutive runners up finishes.<\/p>\n

Away from football, Adams opened up the clinic, Sporting Chance<\/a>, to help other sporting professionals battle their addictions.<\/p>\n

In 2001\/02, Arsenal repeated their heroics of 1997\/98, to win another Double. However, it would Adams’ swansong, as he retired at the end of that season.<\/p>\n

But to lift the two most sought after prizes in English Football, was a great way for Tony Adams to bow out.<\/p>\n

Adams made 674 appearances for the club and won ten major honours, including two Premier League titles, and is undoubtedly one of Arsenal and England’s greatest ever players.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>