seemed to be a stop-gap. The changeover coincided with a run of 6 defeats in 7 games, leaving Arsenal in danger of being relegated just four years after winning the title and two years after their domestic cup double. However, the team rallied in the final weeks and took 8 points from their final 5 games, securing their Premier League spot. Arsenal reached the European Cup Winners' Cup final for the second year in succession. Bröndby and Omonia Nicosia were defeated in the opening rounds of the Cup Winners Cup, before a devastating left footed strike from Ian Wright eliminated French side Auxerre in the Quarter Final. A pendulous 3-2 win over Sampdoria at Highbury, in which Steve Bould netted twice, set Houston`s team up for a nervy second leg at Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Roberto Mancini put Sampdoria ahead, before Ian Wright headed home an equaliser. Claudio Bellucci appeared to have broken Arsenal hearts with goals in the 84th and 87th minutes, but Stefan Schwarz`s last gasp free kick took the tie to extra time. David Seaman, playing with three broken ribs, was the hero saving three penalties in the shootout, Seaman denied Mihajlović, Jugović and Lombardo's kicks as the Gunners scraped through. In Paris at Parc des Princes Real Zaragoza won the final, after former Tottenham Hotspur-player Nayim lobbed Seaman from over 40 yards, in the last seconds of extra time. Final league table Results summary Results by round Squad Left club during season Squad statistics Results Premier League Matches UEFA Cup Winners' Cup First round Second round Quarter-finals Semi-finals Final European Super Cup FA Cup League Cup References Arsenal F.C. seasons Arsenal