In 1997, a thrilling seven-goal game and a thrilling 4-3 victory against Newcastle raised just one question: Who said lightning never strikes the same place twice?
In March 1997, Kenny Dalglish, then the manager of Newcastle, is seated in the exact same dugout as Roy Evans, the Liverpool manager who is under pressure.
The match is being held at Anfield 341 days after the two clubs’ epic battle in the best-ever Premier League match.
There was no chance that this could top the legendary and stunning 4-3 spectacle; a sequel was simply not possible. So we had to reconsider.
The match is being held at Anfield 341 days after the two clubs’ epic battle in the best-ever Premier League match.
There was no chance that this could top the legendary and stunning 4-3 spectacle; a sequel was simply not possible. So we had to reconsider.
‘Abject’ in Dalglish Newcastle
England’s COVENTRY – On April 6, 1996, Roy Evans, the manager of Liverpool, faced Coventry City in a Premiership game at Highfield Road. Coventry triumphed by a score of one.
The cast members weren’t quite the same as they had been 11 months earlier, but they all had a similar dramatic screenplay and gave performances that were up for awards.
In a breathless 90-minute match in 1996, the two teams traded goals. While Kevin Keegan wouldn’t be slumped over the billboards this time, Dalglish did receive a jersey hurled in his face by an incensed supporter.
The Reds had jumped out to a three-goal lead in 42 thrilling first-half minutes, punishing Newcastle’s practicality without their star forward Alan Shearer.
In the 29th minute, Steve McManaman, donning the legendary No. 7 of Kenny Dalglish, opened the scoring with a crisp goal on the turn in front of the ecstatic Anfield Road End.
The goal had been brewing and merely 70 seconds later, Patrik Berger had the ball in the back of the net after reacting first to Robbie Fowler’s shot ricocheting off the upright. 2-0 Liverpool.
James; Kvarme, Wright, Matteo, and Bjornebye for Liverpool; McManaman, Barnes, Redknapp, and Berger; and Fowler
Liverpool proved to be too much for Newcastle, who were easily defeated by them. According to the Press Association, the Magpies “showed a defeatist attitude that was unprecedented in Keegan’s reign.”
However, Evans’ team did not stop there. Fowler added the final touches to an incredible half of football with a first-time finish between the two center-backs.
Talk about a lack of security: a supporter ran down the touchline and threw his shirt in Dalglish’s face, alerting the manager of his displeasure while toothless and confused.
Where’s the drama in Newcastle being three-nil up and having “the most abject 75 minutes anyone can remember”?
