On this day in 1996: The Premier League’s greatest ever game? | OneFootball

Today marks the anniversary of a contest often dubbed the greatest game in Premier League history.

There has been no shortage of classic clashes since the Premier League’s formation in 1992 but Liverpool’s epic end-to-end game against Newcastle in 1995/96 is often the first that springs to mind.

The April encounter saw both teams still harbour hopes of winning the Premier League title. Newcastle United were bidding to stop a decline, having been 10 points clear in the title race before a wobble through the spring.

With both teams in need of the points to remain in contention with Manchester United, the game started at breakneck speed. Robbie Fowler headed Liverpool in front after just two minutes, arriving at the back post to meet Stan Collymore’s deep cross.

Newcastle, however, fought back almost instantly. Les Ferdinand levelled with a snap-shot on 10 minutes, before David Ginola streaked away to put the Magpies ahead just four minutes later.

After half-time the two teams continued to trade punches. Fowler’s second was drilled in, only for Faustino Asprilla to prod Newcastle back ahead just two minutes after Liverpool’s leveller.

Collymore got Liverpool level again on 68 minutes, before the forward found a winner that is etched into Premier League folklore. In the second minute of stoppage time, Collymore slammed home as Anfield erupted, with the imagery of Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan slumped on the advertising hoardings unforgettable.

“This is the best game I’ve ever commentated on,” commentator Martin Tyler, whose ‘Collymore closing in!’ line became iconic – recalled to FourFourTwo.

“It had everything that would attract you to football: drama and significance, because both teams were going for the title. People forget that Liverpool were, too.

“It was a rollercoaster match – Liverpool scored after a couple of minutes, but didn’t lead again until stoppage time when Stan Collymore closed in…

“On the night I remarked, ‘This is one of the greatest games ever,’ so it isn’t just hindsight.”

A game for the ages.

Read – Moments that made the Premier League: Collymore sinks Newcastle in Anfield epic

See more – Five classic games between Liverpool and Newcastle

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