Davis remained largely on the outside looking in throughout 1989–90, not appearing at all until Boxing Day, against Southampton as a substitute. Davis had started in just 5 matches in his new year comeback, even as a Nigel Winterburn replacement as a left back against Stoke City in the third round FA Cup tie, before a hamstring injury forced him out of contention for six weeks. A combination of the drive of Michael Thomas and the consistency of Kevin Richardson left him frustrated on the sidelines. Within this, Davis relationship with Graham became strained. Yet, when the injuries began to mount up, toward the end of an unsuccessful defence of their title, Graham once again turned to Davis and it was within these last five games of the campaign that the subtleties he could offer attained a renewed value to the Gunners.Official Arsenal Handbook 1990-91.
