LFC.tv - On This Day...

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Owen's Brace - We Always Win In Rome (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163100090215-0859.htm)
A superb double from Michael Owen gave Liverpool a commanding first-leg advantage over Italian Champions-elect Roma in the UEFA Cup fourth round at the Stadio Olimpico on this day in 2001.

So often the eternal city has been a venue of success in our history and it proved to be the case once again, as Gerard Houllier's side caused a major upset against Fabio Capello's much-fancied Italians.

Owen, as ever, was the Reds' match-winner, giving the visitors the lead a minute into the second-half before doubling our advantage on 71 minutes to net what was our 200th goal since Houllier took sole charge.

It was a significant victory on our road to Dortmund and one of many magnificent away displays as we clinched a unique cup treble.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1170000/images/_1172591_owen_samuel_pa300.jpg

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RIP GEOFF TWENTYMAN (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163202090216-0820.htm)
Anfield was left to mourn the passing of a true Reds stalwart when Geoff Twentyman died on this day five years ago.
An unsung member of the legendary bootroom, Twentyman was the man credited with spotting a multitude of Liverpool stars.

In his playing days, he featured 184 times for Liverpool as a left-half between 1953 and 1959, scoring 19 goals in total.

But he is perhaps best remembered at Anfield for his role as chief scout during the glory years of the Seventies and early Eighties.

The former Carlisle man left the club to join Balleymena United as player-manager in March 1959 but later returned as chief scout under Bill Shankly in June 1967.

It was in this capacity that he played an instrumental role in the Liverpool success story, spotting such precocious talents as Ray Clemence, Kevin Keegan, Phil Neal, Alan Hansen and Ian Rush, to name just a few.

He eventually left the club under controversial circumstances during the managerial reign of Kenny Dalglish and later worked for Glasgow Rangers under Graeme Souness.

At the age of 74 he passed away following a long illness in 2004, but will always remembered as a man who played an integral role in the success of the legendary bootroom.

Geoff Twentyman RIP

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Crouch Classic Sinks United (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163204090218-0838.htm)
Peter Crouch headed Liverpool into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup as Rafael Benitez's side saw off Manchester United with a convincing performance at Anfield on this day in 2006.

In a mouth-watering fifth round clash, the England international striker's goal on 18 minutes proved to be the difference as we ran out worthy 1-0 winners.

It was a significant moment on our road towards claiming the trophy for the seventh time in our history and led Crouch to hail it as the most important goal of his career at the time.

"Liverpool against Man United is probably the biggest fixture in English football and so to get the winner is something special," said Crouch.

"We were heartbroken to lose in the last minute at Old Trafford in the league and so this makes up for that.

"I thought we deserved it overall. We competed with them, played at a high tempo and probably created more chances. It's a great win for us and one we are going to enjoy."

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Brucie's Last Outing (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163205090219-0833.htm)

Legendary goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar played his final game for the Reds as we slumped to a forgettable 2-0 defeat at Leeds United on this day in 1994.

The eccentric number one gave a cameo of the best and worst aspects of his game as he followed up his 10th minute mistake - which led to the opening goal from David Wetherall - with a string of sublime saves.

However, it was not enough to prevent the Reds from slipping to defeat as a late Gary McAllister goal clinched a 2-0 win for the hosts.

It was a sad ending for Brucie, who was replaced by David James in the final minute of the match, with the pretender to his number one shirt going on to play 213 consecutive games for Liverpool.

It was Grobbelaar's 628th and final appearance for the Reds, in which time he played his part in helping the club win six league titles, one European Cup, three FA Cups and three League Cups.

http://soccerlens.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/_40435347_grobbelaar270.jpg

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The Most Amazing Derby Every (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163206090220-0825.htm)

Kenny Dalglish's last game in charge ended in extraordinary fashion as Everton's never-say-die spirit saw them earn a dramatic 4-4 draw with Liverpool in the FA Cup on this day in 1991.

The fifth round replay at Goodison Park was the complete opposite of the dour 0-0 draw at Anfield three days earlier, as Liverpool led four times only to see their neighbours fight back to finish level after extra-time.

Top-class goals from Peter Beardsley (2), Ian Rush and John Barnes all looked like sending Liverpool into the last eight of the competition, but each time the Blues fought back, with sloppy defending ultimately responsible for doubles from Graeme Sharp and substitute Tony Cottee.

It was a match that was deserving of its billing as one of the best Merseyside derbies ever, but one that is forever tinged by the sadness of Dalglish's decision to resign from his role as manager a day later.

In a recent interview with Liverpoolfc.tv, Jan Molby recalled his memories of that breathtaking night.

"When you talk to me about great games I played in, then the 1991 FA Cup fifth round replay at Goodison Park is right up there," he said.

"It was such a rollercoaster of a match. The first game at Anfield was a 0-0 draw and it was a dire affair. So you could never have predicted what was about to happen in the replay.

"The first game was a typical derby. It was 100 miles per hour stuff with tackles flying in everywhere.

"But the replay just flowed right from the start. I have to say though, that if you look at the stats, you have to wonder how that game finished 4-4. We dominated possession. I think they only had six efforts on goal and scored four from them.

"We had 20-plus shots. It was just one of those games for us, but it was a great game to play in.

"It didn't end on a great note with Kenny Dalglish deciding he'd had enough. But it was a unique experience."

He added: "Just look at the goals we scored. John Barnes' curler into the far corner and Peter Beardsley's run and shot; while all their goals were scrappy.

"Bruce Grobbelaar could have done better with Graeme Sharp's header, Steve Nicol got himself into a mess and then there's my back pass that Glenn Hysen jumped over - you can say that all of their goals were individual errors on our part.

"It was one of those games, that whenever they got level, we thought we'd just go up the other end and take the lead again. We were playing that well. All our key players, like Ian Rush, John Barnes and Peter Beardsley were all on song.

"It was an incredible atmosphere too. One of the best I've ever played in. But, sadly, the tie concluded with a disappointing defeat in the second replay. It was a real shame because we should have won the first replay comfortably."

http://www.virginmedia.com/images/john-barnes-1991-280x400.jpg

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Riise Rocket Beats Barcelona (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163207090221-0745.htm)

Liverpool came from behind to claim a magnificent 2-1 win over reigning European Champions Barcelona at the Nou Camp on this day in 2007.

The last 16 encounter saw the 2005 winners face the holders and it was Rafael Benitez's Reds who once again rose to the occasion on the Champions League stage.

Goals from Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise gave us a decisive first-leg advantage and although we went on to lose the second-leg at Anfield by a 1-0 scoreline, we progressed on the away goals rule.

The Reds made it all the way to the final in Athens that season and on the eve of the clash with AC Milan, Bellamy recalled a famous win that gave them the belief they could go far in the competition.

"Going into the Barcelona game, maybe from the outside looking in it was a game we didn't want," he said.

"But we knew we could beat them. They left a lot of gaps, and for me as a forward they were a lot easier to play against because there was a lot of space – obviously because they are so attack minded.

"Our manager knew that and we'd seen them on Sky every weekend – we knew there'd be goals for us."

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Molby Sinks Tractor Boys (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163271090226-0826.htm)
Jan Molby scored a magnificent free-kick as Liverpool beat Ipswich Town 3-2 in an FA Cup fifth round replay at Anfield on this day in 1992.

After a goalless draw in the first game at Portman Road, the replay turned out to be a thriller.

Ipswich led 2-1 at one stage but Molby levelled things up with a thunderous strike at the Anfield Road end before substitute Ronny Rosenthal set up the winner for Steve McManaman.

Ray Houghton scored the Reds' other goal and we went on to lift the FA Cup after beating Sunderland 2-0 in the final at Wembley.
http://www.speakersandcomedians.co.uk/Photos/Jan%20Molby.jpg

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Crazy Horse Signs (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163272090227-0821.htm)
Bill Shankly signed one of Liverpool's greatest ever captains when 19-year-old Emlyn Hughes arrived at Anfield from Blackpool, on this day in 1967.
Shanks was so impressed with the exciting potential or the raw youngster, legend has it that on driving his new £65,000 signing back to Liverpool after completing negotiations with Blackpool Bill Shankly told a policeman: "Don't you know who is in this car? There sits the future captain of England."

Crazy Horse as he affectionately became known was a true Kop great who gave everything for the red shirt in every game.

Emlyn lifted our first ever European Cup in 1977 and went on to make 665 appearances and netted 49 goals.

With his heart on his sleeve and a beaming smile on his face Emlyn Hughes played the game how it should be played and remains an iconic figure of a glorious era.

The mere mention of his name rekindles a host of magical memories - Wembley '74, Molineux '76 and Rome '77, titles, trophies and triumphs. At Anfield he'll forever be remembered as one of our greatest ever players and most successful captains.

Those lucky enough to see have seen 'Crazy Horse' play will recall his boundless enthusiasm, never-say-die commitment to the cause and unrelenting passion for the club whenever he had the liver bird close to his chest.

Then there was his wild galloping forays into opposition territory and, on occasions, frantic goal celebrations after one of his exocets had crashed into the back of the net. Who can forget his much-celebrated double strike at Goodison in '73?

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Jockey Calls It A Day (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163274090301-0920.htm)
There was some sad news for all Reds supporters on this day in 1991 when Alan Hansen announced his decision to retire from the game.

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Crazy Horse At The Double (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163215090303-0844.htm)

Emlyn Hughes fired home a late brace to lead Liverpool to a 2-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park on this day in 1973.

Bill Shankly's men had gone into the match on the back of a run of just one win in five, but two goals in the last eight minutes of a closely fought Merseyside derby got them back on track and gave them the boost they needed to go on and claim our first league title success in seven years.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00485/no16emlynhughes_385_485058a.jpg

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A King Is Born (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163217090304-0828.htm)
Liverpool's greatest ever player was born in Glasgow on this day in 1951.

Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish, affectionately known around these parts as King Kenny, was quite simply a footballing genius; one of the finest of a generation which also produced Maradona, Zico, Platini and Rummenigge.

After arriving to replace Kevin Keegan in the summer of 1977, Dalglish helped bring three European Cups and eight league championships back to Anfield, first as a player and later as manager.

The two-time footballer of the year scored 172 goals during his time on Merseyside and is still regarded by the majority of fans as the Reds' number one.

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Liddell's Last Strike (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163218090305-0833.htm)
Legendary winger Billy Liddell scored his final Liverpool goal as the Reds hammered Stoke City 5-1 at Anfield in a Second Division clash on this day in 1960.
The Scot became the club's oldest post-war goalscorer, aged 38 years and 55 days, when he netted his 228th goal in red colours.

The Reds' other marksmen on the day were Jimmy Harrower, who netted twice, while Roger Hunt and Dave Hickson added the other goals.
Bill Shankly's side eventually finished third in the league that season.

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Reds Shine In The Lights (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163276090306-0820.htm)
Nicolas Anelka gave one of his finest displays in a red shirt as Liverpool beat Newcastle United 3-0 at Anfield, on this day in 2002.

The match was delayed because of floodlight failure but once the match got underway Liverpool, and in particular Anelka, were simply electrifying.

Danny Murphy scored twice and Dietmar Hamann added the third against his former club. It was double delight for Liverpool with the news that Gerard Houllier was back on Merseyside as he continued his rehabilitation after heart surgery.

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Lightning Strikes Twice (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163446090310-0759.htm)
Lightning struck twice 12 years ago today as a stoppage-time winner from Robbie Fowler clinched our second successive 4-3 win over Newcastle United at Anfield, on this day in 1997.

Unlike the game 11 months earlier, it was not an evenly matched contest between two sides at the top of their game, but more of an example of the Jeckyl and Hyde nature of Roy Evans' side.

The title hopefuls raced into a 3-0 lead courtesy of goals from Steve McManaman, Patrik Berger and Robbie Fowler and looked capable of going on to score many more.

However, complacency mixed together with defensive errors led to Kenny Dalglish's Magpies producing the most unlikely of comebacks to make it 3-3 with just seconds remaining.

It was the type of collapse that would ultimately cost them the title, but on this occasion they would get out of jail courtesy of Fowler's second of the match.

Stig Inge Bjornebye sent in a wonderful cross from the left and God pounced to bullet a header home to send the Kop into raptures.
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