Everton and Liverpool drew an FA Cup fourth round replay 4-4 in February 1991
Everton and Liverpool drew an FA Cup fourth round replay 4-4 in February 1991
In The End, a book about Everton by Gavin Buckland, the game is compared to the 'Thrilla in Manila'.
“It was a bit like that,” said Jan Molby. “The reason for that maybe is because we both made mistakes in the game. Maybe mistakes we wouldn’t have made three years earlier. In the end, that makes a memorable game.”
It’s one of the most memorable Merseyside derbies ever to take place at Goodison Park. So what better time to look back on the 4-4 draw from 1991 on the eve of the final ever Merseyside derby to take place at the Grand Old Lady.
After a goalless draw in the FA Cup fifth round game at Anfield, they headed across Stanley Park for the replay. Buckland writes in the book chronicling the 1985-1994 era of Everton comparing the game to the great third clash of Muhammad Ali against Joe Frazier because it was one of the most exciting games between two sides who were coming to the end of their best.
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It’s why Molby, the Liverpool legend, agrees with the boxing analogy and then brings his own.
“It’s a bit like being a boxer,” he said. “You hit someone and think I’ve got him here and then they just keep coming back.”
Liverpool led four times in the game but Everton wouldn’t give in. The Toffees were trailing 3-2 heading into the final few moments when Tony Cottee was summoned from the bench.
“At the time I wasn’t particularly getting on with Howard Kendall, it was the early stages of my relationship with Howard,” said Cottee.
Tony Cottee celebrates at Goodison Park
Tony Cottee celebrates at Goodison Park ( Image: Mirrorpix)
“No surprise to be on the bench but if you’re on the bench you have to be ready to go. I was one of those players that didn’t bother warming up too much but if someone said ‘you’re going on’, I would be ready in 30 seconds.”
Cottee was ready. He scored the equaliser to force extra-time and then, after John Barnes had restored Liverpool’s lead, equalised again to land the Toffees another replay.
“Without a doubt they were two of the biggest goals I’ve scored in my career,” said Cottee. “In terms of the importance of the game, it never would have ended up being the dramatic 4-4 if I didn’t do what I did.”
It would also be remembered as Kenny Dalglish’s final game of his first stint in charge of Liverpool.
“People joke and blame me,” said Cottee. It is unlikely anything that happens tomorrow will get near that day. Everton will hope they bow out with a win at their home ahead of moving to a new stadium in the summer.
Liverpool celebrate one of their goals having taken the lead four times
“Personally as great as Goodison has been, I think it is time for the club to move on and the reason I can say that with optimism is I’ve seen the new stadium, it looks incredible,” added Cottee.
“Do I want Everton to leave Goodison Park? Of course I don’t. I don’t think anyone would want that. Do I think it is the right thing to move on? Yes I do. Hopefully the move will be the dawn of the new era.”
But the Goodison era will be something even Kop legends like Molby will miss. “I will miss Goodison,” said the Dane.
“It would be a big loss to lose Goodison but I think the timing is right. It needs change. Let's hope the next chapter in their wonderful history is a bit better than this one.”
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