On this day (April 16) 2001, Liverpool favourite Gary McAllister broke Everton hearts with his long-range free-kick at Goodison Park.
As what had been an enthralling Merseyside derby headed towards the full-time whistle at 2-2, the Scotsman caught out defenders and Paul Gerrard alike when his 40-yard free-kick snuck in the corner to give the Reds a 3-2 victory.
Earlier, Emile Heskey had given Gerard Houllier’s side a lead inside five minutes before Duncan Ferguson levelled as half time approached.
German full-back Markus Babbel handed the visitors the lead once more with a powerful volley from the edge of the penalty area.
Liverpool had to play out the final 15 minutes with a numerical disadvantage when Igor Biscan lunged into a late tackle, earning a second yellow card and his marching orders.
Minutes later there was more pain for the Reds when Sami Hyypia was penalised for leaning on Ferguson inside the area, David Unsworth converting the resulting penalty.
Not to be denied, with just seconds remaining, a counter-attack earned a free-kick and McAllister stepped up from a seemingly impossible distance to fire the Reds in front indefinitely this time.
Houllier’s men went 5th with the points and managed to fire their way into the all-important top four with an emphatic 4-0 victory on the final day.
