BACK PAGE: 1997

ARSENE WENGER conceded the title to Manchester United FIVE months early after Arsenal had flopped against Liverpool. While United hammered Blackburn 4-0 to go three points clear at the top, the Gunners lost 1-0 at home to the Merseysiders and trailed United by seven points. Wenger said: ‘‘It’s just a dream for us to beat United.’’ But Arsenal were champions, with United in second.