LFC.tv - On This Day...

CCSC_STRIKER20 · Jan 25, 2009

Stevie Stings The Hornets

Steven Gerrard booked Liverpool's place in the Carling Cup final with another match-winning performance against Watford at Vicarage Road on this day in 2005.

The Reds went into the contest protecting a 1-0 lead from the first-leg and, in truth, never looked likely to relinquish their grip on the tie as they created the better chances in a less than inspiring clash.

The skipper had got the only goal of the game back at Anfield and would be called upon once again to put the seal on a trip to Cardiff with a typically stylish goal on 77 minutes.

It ensured a 2-0 aggregate success and gave boss Rafael Benitez a final appearance within months of his arrival.

"I am happy to get to my first final," said Rafa.

"We have had a lot of problems and a difficult time but we are working hard and now in a cup final. I am happy for the supporters that they have a cup final to attend and hopefully we will have a cup to give them next month.

"We knew how important this game was for us, the supporters and the club. We played really well as a team and we had a strong mentality throughout the match. Steven Gerrard showed again tonight that he is a key player for us and my idea is to build the team around him."
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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Jan 27, 2009

Aldo Signs For The Reds

CCSC_STRIKER20 · Jan 30, 2009

Reds Make It Five On The Spin

Liverpool made it five league wins on the spin when we defeated West Ham at Upton Park on this day in 2007.

The Reds made up for a subdued first-half by storming out of the blocks after the interval and within 10 seconds of the restart Crouch - who was celebrating his 26th birthday - set up Kuyt to strike a ferocious long range shot in off the crossbar.

It gave the visitors the confidence to go on and add another as Gerrard and Bellamy combined to tee up John Arne Riise on the left and the Norwegian's cutback was swept into the net by Crouch from the edge of the box.

Although the Hammers pulled one back, Liverpool always looked in control and held on to consolidate their position in third place in the table.
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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Jan 31, 2009

Evans Takes The Helm

Roy Evans became Liverpool's 14th managerial appointment as the Reds board looked towards the spirit of the Boot Room to try and restore the club to its former glory on this day in 1994.

The decision to promote the Reds stalwart meant that the man who had intially joined the club as a 17-year-old had now completed his rise through the ranks.

Despite making just 11 appearances for the club as a player, Evans remained with Liverpool and was named as reserve team coach in 1974.

John Smith, the chairman at the time, was delighted to appoint a man who had remained loyal to the club and uttered what proved to be prophetic words.

"We have not made an appointment for today but for the future," said Smith in 1974. "One day, Roy Evans will be our manager."

And so 20 years on - and after a 28-year spell at the club - Roy replaced Graeme Souness as manager.

He would go on to win the Coca Cola Cup in 1995 and transform Liverpool into arguably the most attractive football team in the country at the time.

His time at the helm saw him take charge of 226 games in a period lasting just under five years.
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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 1, 2009

Robbie's Reds Return

Call it what you like...divine intervention, the second coming or perhaps you felt it was the return of God.

All that really mattered though was that Robbie was back.

Over the years the legendary frontman had performed his fair share of miracles in front of goal and so it was no surprise that he nearly did it again against Birmingham City - on what was his second debut appearance for the Reds on this day in 2006.

But it wasn't meant to be for Fowler, whose cameo appearance as a late substitute saw him robbed of a fairytale ending by a referee's assistant's flag.

It meant the Reds were held to a 1-1 draw by Steve Bruce's side after Steven Gerrard's opener was cancelled out by a late own goal by Xabi Alonso.

The equaliser not only wrecked Daniel Agger's first game in a red shirt but it also robbed the defence of a club record 11th clean sheet.

Boss Rafael Benitez was disappointed to see Fowler's acrobatic winner ruled out but insisted it would not be long before the legendary marksman would be back among the goals.

He said: "It would have been fantastic if Robbie Fowler could have scored. But if the team gets forward he will score in the future."
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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 2, 2009

Record Anfield Crowd

Our record home attendance was set as 61,905 spectators crammed into Anfield to witness a 2-1 win over Wolves in the FA Cup fourth round on this day in 1952.

The great Bob Paisley and Cyril Done were on target for the Reds.
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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 3, 2009

Speedie Silences Stretford End

David Speedie enjoyed a debut to remember as he scored a priceless equaliser to earn Liverpool a 1-1 draw at Manchester United, on this day in 1991.

For Kenny Dalglish it was the ideal way to silence the critics who had questioned his signing of the fiery Scot.

Steve Bruce had earlier opened the scoring for United from the penalty spot before Speedie pounced, getting on the end of a John Barnes cross.
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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 4, 2009

Camara's Flash Finish Sinks Gunners

A solitary goal from Titi Camara capped a magnificent team performance as Liverpool secured an impressive 1-0 win over Arsenal at Highbury on this day in 2000.

The Reds went into the match without key personnel in the shape of Jamie Redknapp, Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler, but still managed to enhance their growing reputation under Gerard Houllier courtesy of a combination of the Guinea international's fine finishing and some resolute defending.

The only goal of the game came on 18 minutes when Camara ran on to an exquisite Steven Gerrard pass and coolly slotted the ball beyond David Seaman to net his eighth goal of the season.

The victory marked Houllier's first win in London and left his compatriot Arsene Wenger still searching for a first triumph over the Reds as Liverpool extended the Gunners' winless run against them to 14 matches.
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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 5, 2009

Roy's Managerial Bow

Roy Evans took charge of his first match as manager as Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw by Norwich City at Carrow Road, on this day in 1994.

The Reds twice fought back to take a point from the match after a double from Chris Sutton had threatened to spoil Evans' big day.

An own goal from Ian Culverhouse and a John Barnes effort 13 minutes from time earned Liverpool the draw as they left East Anglia with their heads held high.

Evans was pleased with his side's efforts after the game and admitted he was delighted to get his first game as boss under his belt.

"I was a little more nervous than usual and I felt the pressure but the players took it off me," he said.

"They were absolutely magnificent and showed enormous spirit to come back twice."
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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 8, 2009

Rampant Reds Crush Burnley

The Reds all but ensured their place in the League Cup final with a comfortable victory over Burnley in the semi-final, first-leg at Anfield on this day in 1983.

Goals from Graeme Souness, Phil Neal (penalty) and David Hodgson did the damage as they romped to a 3-0 victory.

They would go on to lose the second-leg at Turf Moor 1-0 but the result was irrelevant as they booked their place at Wembley, where they would defeat Manchester United by a 2-1 scoreline.

CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 10, 2009

Dalglish Sends Reds To Wembley

Kenny Dalglish scored the vital goal against Manchester City that sent the Reds to Wembley for a League Cup final appearance, on this day in 1981.

After a 1-0 win at Maine Road in the first leg of the semi-final at Maine Road, Dalglish streuck in the 23rd minute of the Anfield return to seal a 2-1 aggregate win.

Bob Paisley's men went on to win the League Cup after a replay victory over West Ham United in the final.
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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 11, 2009

Reds Sink Blues In 11-goal Thriller

Liverpool won the derby spoils when they thrashed Everton 7-4 at Anfield in front of 50,000 spectators at Anfield, on this day in 1933.

The legendary Dixie Dean scored twice for the Blues but the real hero was Reds striker Harold Barton who hit a hat-trick.

The other goals came from Alf Hanson, Tom Morrison, Harold Taylor and Sydney Roberts.
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Harold "Hat Trick" Barton

CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 12, 2009

Four-midable Hunt

Roger Hunt produced a masterclass in the art of finishing as he hit all four goals in a 4-0 romp at home to Sunderland on this day in 1966.

The legendary Reds marksman was the hero as they maintained their eight point lead over nearest rivals Burnley at the summit of the First Division.

Bill Shankly's men had gone in at the interval all square but within a minute of the restart Hunt had fired them into the lead and by the 64th minute he had not only claimed the match ball but added an extra goal for good measure.

It was yet another fine performance in a year in which the Reds would finish the campaign as champions - six points clear of Leeds United.
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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 13, 2009

Hornets Feel Reds Sting

Peter Beardsley scored twice as Kenny Dalglish's champions elect team turned on the style to sink Watford 4-1 on a mud bath of a pitch at Vicarage Road, on this day in 1988.

Former Hornet John Barnes was also on the mark and John Aldridge added another goal of what was becoming a very prolific season.

Despite the muddy conditions Dalglish's men produced a wonderful performance and could have scored about 10 in the end such was their dominance.

Even the sporting Watford supporters applauded Liverpool off the pitch at the final whistle.
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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 14, 2009

RIP Bob Paisley

Liverpool Football Club was left to mourn the passing of the most successful football manager in its history on this day in 1996.

The late, great Bob Paisley, a man who inherited Bill Shankly's legacy and took it to new, unparalleled levels of success, died at the age of 77 after a four-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.

He led the club to six League titles, three European Cups, one UEFA Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, three League Cups and five Charity Shields in just nine years in charge.

His association with Liverpool began in 1939 when he joined the club as a young wing-half, and stretched through to a role as physio, coach, manager and eventually a director.

He retired from the board in 1992 due to ill health but will go down in history as one of the club's most loyal servants and was rightly immortalised in Reds folklore with the creation of the Paisley Gateway on April 8, 1999.

A true Reds legend.

R.I.P. Bob
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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 15, 2009

Owen's Brace - We Always Win In Rome

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.
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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 16, 2009

RIP GEOFF TWENTYMAN

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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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 18, 2009

Crouch Classic Sinks United

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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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 19, 2009

Brucie's Last Outing

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.
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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 20, 2009

The Most Amazing Derby Every

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."
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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 21, 2009

Riise Rocket Beats Barcelona

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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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 26, 2009

Molby Sinks Tractor Boys

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.
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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Feb 27, 2009

Crazy Horse Signs

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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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Mar 1, 2009

Jockey Calls It A Day

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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CCSC_STRIKER20 · Mar 3, 2009

Crazy Horse At The Double

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.
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