Liverpool's famous old stadium has produced some of the most iconic climaxes in recent top-flight history
Anfield has another dramatic finale to add to its vast collection. What is it about this famous old stadium? What is it that creates such occasions, such conclusions?
Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Tottenham on Sunday may not, in the grand scheme of things, prove to be all that consequential. It was, after all, a meeting between the Premier League’s fifth and sixth-best teams, and one which probably underlined why neither is likely to be playing in the Champions League next season.
But boy was it exciting. Boy was it noisy. Boy was it enjoyable – unless, of course, you happen to be of a Spurs persuasion.
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And boy was it in keeping with Anfield’s reputation as THE place for such frenzied climaxes. Liverpool have more stoppage-time winners than any other side in Premier League history, after all.
Here, GOAL ranks the best of their Anfield ones…
Getty10Gerrard does it himself (Liverpool 2-1 Charlton, April 2003)
A list like this wouldn’t be complete without a Steven Gerrard goal, would it?
In spring 2003, the Reds were stuttering in their quest for a top-four finish – sound familiar? – and trailed at home to mid-table Charlton before Sami Hyypia struck an 86th-minute equaliser.
Then Gerrard took over. Collecting the ball on the left wing, he forced his way between two defenders and into the box, firing in a low shot which squirmed past goalkeeper Dean Kiely.
Off came the shirt, three precious points secured. There would be plenty more late, late Gerrard interventions for Reds fans to celebrate in the coming years.
AdvertisementGetty9Firmino sinks Spurs (Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham, December 2020)
Another Spurs game, another late winner. They must be sick of the sight of this place.
Jose Mourinho’s side were actually top of the table when they visited Anfield just before Christmas in 2020, but they would leave empty-handed as Roberto Firmino headed a 93rd-minute winner to give the Reds top spot.
That goal is doubly memorable for a clip of former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood, who declared that “he isn’t really worried about these corners” just as Andy Robertson delivered the ball onto Firmino’s forehead.
Oh Tim!
8Carvalho causes chaos (Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle, August 2022)
Even in this most frustrating of seasons, Liverpool have been able pull off some of the most dramatic and most spectacular wins.
One such game was against Newcastle in August, when Fabio Carvalho netted a 98th-minute winner to sink Eddie Howe’s side, who had led in the first half through Alexander Isak, but who had infuriated Anfield with their constant time-wasting thereafter.
They got their comeuppance late, Carvalho smashing home after a corner. For an August fixture, the noise really was something.
Getty7Redknapp terrifies Dalglish (Liverpool 2-1 Blackburn, May 1995)
The final day of the 1994-95 Premier League season saw Blackburn Rovers crowned champions, but only just.
Kenny Dalglish’s side needed to win at Anfield to be sure of the title, and when Alan Shearer fired them into a first-half lead, all was rosy. Especially with Manchester United, their nearest rivals, losing at West Ham.
But things soon changed. United levelled in London, and John Barnes levelled on Merseyside. Then, in stoppage time, Jamie Redknapp whipped a brilliant 30-yard free kick past Tim Flowers and into the net.
For a second, Blackburn’s worst fears were realised. Then came news from West Ham. United had drawn, Rovers were champions, and everyone inside Anfield was happy.