Fever Pitch

A 1997 film version of Fever Pitch, with a screenplay adapted by Hornby, fictionalised the story, concentrating on Arsenal's First Division championship-winning season in 1988–89 and its effect on the protagonist's romantic relationship. Paul Ashworth, played by Colin Firth, the character based on Hornby, a teacher at a school in North London, and his burgeoning romance with Sarah Hughes (Ruth Gemmell), a new teacher who joins Ashworth's school. The film culminates with Arsenal's match against title rivals Liverpool in the final game of the season on 26 May 1989, a Michael Thomas goal giving Arsenal the 0–2 win they needed to win the title. Fever Pitch compares Hornby's life at Arsenal and other football clubs.