Always nice to beat Man Utd isn’t it. On this day 18th March 1990 is no exception. A John Barnes double, one a penalty, gave us a very satisfying 2-1 victory at Old Trafford. We dominated the game throughout and after this victory we closed the gap on leaders Aston Villa to two points.
While at the other end of the table, this latest defeat for our foes down the East Lancs Road saw them slip to three points of the bottom three. Happy Days indeed!!
On This Day 18th March 1990
As mentioned John Barnes netted another two goals. We all know of Digger’s brilliance. He is really up there with the Liverpool greats. I was fortunate enough to have had a season ticket throughout all of his Liverpool career from when he joined us in the summer of 1987 from Watford. It was indeed very special to see him in his pomp.
Some fans were a bit sceptical when we signed him as he seemed to be stalling over signing for us at first. It seemed he preferred a move to one of the London clubs. As he later went on to explain this was not the case. Anyway, London clubs loss was definitely our gain.
Here’s Digger in full flight against Man Utd
John Barnes scored two that day as mentioned. But who scored Man Utd’s goal? Step forward Ronnie Whelan. Ronnie was allegedly a boyhood Man Utd fan, but come on Ronnie, taking pity on them with an oggie is a bit much!!! It was a great finish though. So much so it has been dubbed arguably the best own goal ever. It was a brilliant chipped half volley struck sweetly over Bruce Grobbelaar’s head. The score was 2-0 at the time and we were coasting then up stepped Ronnie.
Ronnie Whelan to his credit scored many a great goal for us as well. And as we still went on to win the game we forgive you Ronnie. Quite often the unsung hero for Liverpool, Whelan’s worth was only noticed by many fans really when he wasn’t playing. A true measure of how good he was. I said to someone by me at the match yesterday that to a lesser extent, James Milner is our modern day Ronnie Whelan. The unsung hero who goes about his business efficiently and effectively with the minimum of fuss.
What of the goals themselves? I remember the game so well. For those who haven’t seen the goals, or for those who want a refresher, here are the goals from “On This Day 18th March 1990” – including Ronnie’s brilliant chip!!
Always great to put one over our foes down the East Lancs. Especially in their own back yard. At the end of that season we went to lift the title. Sadly, that was our last title win. It is clear that Jurgen Klopp is building something special at the Fields Of Anfield Road. Let’s hope it’s special enough to land us another title.
