There is a great history in the Premier League era of Liverpool v Newcastle United matches at Anfield, and while this afternoon’s tie is being played at St James’ Park, we should still expect a great game.
It was the mid-nineties when this tie really came alive during the Kevin Keegan era and the first of the 4-3s will always stick in my mind and it also produced one of the most iconic images and memories of growing up supporting Newcastle.
Newcastle’s title push was faltering and it was the visit to Anfield in 1996 that was a pivotal moment for me as in a titanic match, which was jam packed with action, Liverpool striker Stan Collymore stole it at the end and won all three points for the Reds.
That one goal left every single Newcastle fan deflated and while Keegan was the manager, he was a fan as well, and this image of him slumped over the advertising hoarding after Collymore’s injury time winner says it all…
The history of this fixture, and the recent tendency of Newcastle players to transfer to Liverpool, gives the match plenty of spice. Three ex-Newcastle players in Craig Bellamy, Jose Enrique and Andy Carroll could be lining up against the Magpies today.
I’m sure it will be a thoroughly entertaining game and hopefully Newcastle will be able to get all three points. Let’s just hope that current Newcastle manager Alan Pardew won’t have a similar photo to that of Kevin Keegan taken off him today!
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