In more memorable and far less depressing news, today marks the 28 year anniversary of Arsenal legend Paul Merson’s debut. On this day in 1986 a fresh faced 17 year old Paul Merson emerged as a sub for George Graham’s Arsenal against Man City. He continued to get appearances off the bench from that point on.

Two seasons later, during the 88-89 campaign, Merson was as regular on the right wing. He picked up the PFA young player of the year award that season and chipped in ten goals. Merson was in the side that won the league in 89 and was in the starting XI that night at Anfield when Micheal Thomas scored the crucial goal in the 89th. He wasn’t on the field at that moment unfortunately, as he was substituted in the 73rd, but Merson will always have that on his resume and in his heart.

This year was also the year he made his England-21 debut and Merson was on the road to stardom.

He won his second  league championship 1991, as well as a FA Cup and League Cup double in 1993, where he scored the equaliser in final vs Sheffield Wednesday. He won the Cup Winners’ Cup the following year (shame that tournament isn’t around anymore).

Merson was integral to Arsenal’s march to the final of the that cup the next season although the side fell short. He continued to feature for Arsenal during Bruce Rioch’s short tenure in 1995 as well as Wenger’s inaugural season in 96-97, before he was sold to Middlesbrough.

I couldn’t pick just one of Merson’s 78 goals from his 289 league appearances, so I selected a fan video of the legend. Enjoy it down below.

http://youtu.be/3v55If5HPiw

Click below to find out who this Arsenal TRIO is…