Derby County's time as English Champions was all too brief.
Their first defence of the title was away at Villa Park. Aston Villa hadn't exactly been flying at that point but they were far too strong for a poor Derby side.
The damage was done by two goals from Julian Joachim, one for Paul Merson and one from Alan Wright for John Gregory's men. Chris Riggott did get one back for Derby but it made no difference.
This was the first time Aston Villa had won the Unofficial English Championship.
Ok, is there anyone who doesn't remember this game?
The two top teams in the land meet in an FA Cup Semi-final replay at Villa Park. It has become much forgotten that if the assistant referee had not wrongly disallowed Roy Keane's effort three days previously, this game would likely never have happened.
Arsenal were the reigning double winners of the previous season (as well as Unofficial English Champions) while Manchester United were on the verge of something spectacular.
17 minutes gone and Teddy Sheringham tees the ball up for David Beckham, who from 25 yards out sweeps the ball well beyond the reach of Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman.
The score stayed that well until the 69th minute. From a similar position to Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp shot into the opposite corner to equalise for Arsenal.
Then it's all thrills and spills. Nicolas Anelka thinks he's won it, he's jumped into the stands...no, offside! Roy Keane brings down Marc Overmars, two yellow cards and he's off!
Last minute of the game, the 'Romford Pele' Ray Parlour brings the ball into the United penalty area, he's brought down by Phil Neville. Penalty! Bergkamp steps up to take it...AND IT'S SAVED BY SCHMEICHEL!
Extra-time and Ryan Giggs scores THAT goal. Do I even need to describe it to you? I'll just leave it to Martin Tyler: 'A rather weary one from Vieira. Giggs gets past Vieira, past Dixon who comes back at him...it’s a wonderful run from GIGGGGSSS! Sensational goal from Ryan Giggs in the second period of extra time. He’s cut Arsenal to ribbons and the team with 10 men go back in front 2-1.' A game that had everything you could want as a football fan. Goals, drama, excitement and is rightly remembered as an all time classic. And Manchester United got their fourth Unofficial Championship.
