Watford won only seven league games during their final season in the old Division One and tasted success on the road just three times. But the last of those away victories provided one of the few highlights of the dismal 1987/88 campaign when the Hornets’ six-year stay in the top flight came to an end.

Although Watford’s record against Arsenal was good in the 1980s – they were beaten only three times in their 12 league meetings – and they had won 2-0 at Vicarage Road in November thanks to goals from Luther Blissett and Kenny Jackett, few Hornets fans would have travelled to Highbury with too much hope for the reverse fixture on Friday, April 15.

But recent signing Rick Holden, who manager Steve Harrison had signed from Halifax Town the previous month, capped an impressive display with the winning goal as Watford completed a home-and-away league double over the Gunners for a third time in those six seasons.

Stuart Rimmer tries to find a away through the Arsenal defenceStuart Rimmer tries to find a away through the Arsenal defence (Image: Watford Observer)

Despite enjoying some notable victories in the Premier League, it is a feat Watford have been unable to repeat since.

Tony Adams looks across as Rimmer gets free in the area...Tony Adams looks across as Rimmer gets free in the area... (Image: Watford Observer)

...to fire in this low ball which led to......to fire in this low ball which led to... (Image: Watford Observer)

...Rick Holden beating Gunners keeper John Lukic for the Hornets' winner...Rick Holden beating Gunners keeper John Lukic for the Hornets' winner (Image: Watford Observer)

Substitute Rod Thomas was also involved in the build-up to Watford's winnerSubstitute Rod Thomas was also involved in the build-up to Watford's winner (Image: Watford Observer)

Hornets boss Steve Harrison in the dugoutHornets boss Steve Harrison in the dugout (Image: Watford Observer)

Iwan Roberts is left looking at Tony Adams' chest as the Arsenal defender climbs highest to win this headerIwan Roberts is left looking at Tony Adams' chest as the Arsenal defender climbs highest to win this header (Image: Watford Observer)

Lukic dives forward to claim the ballLukic dives forward to claim the ball (Image: Watford Observer)

A spectacular shot of Rimmer in mid-air after hitting a shotA spectacular shot of Rimmer in mid-air after hitting a shot (Image: Watford Observer)

Rod Thomas applauds the fans on a rare night of joy in a largely miserable seasonRod Thomas applauds the fans on a rare night of joy in a largely miserable season (Image: Watford Observer)