LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SUNDAY, APRIL 9th, 2006: The Paisley Gateway outside the Spion Kop at Liverpool Football Club's Anfield home. The gates are a tribute to the most successful manager in English football history, Bob Paisley OBE, who managed the Merseyside club from 1974-1983. (Pic by Dan Istitene/Propaganda)

Remembering 5 title-clinching games for Liverpool

The Reds still have a faint chance of winning the 2013/14 Premier League title on Sunday, and Henry Jackson looks back at five occasions when Liverpool have clinched glory in years gone by.

LIVERPOOL 2-1 QPR- 28th April 1990

Although the Reds went on to win the title by nine points in 1989/90, their victory over QPR with two games to spare proved to be the last time Liverpool sealed a league title.

Anfield was stunned 14 minutes in, as Roy Wegerle opened the scoring for the visitors from close-range. With half-time approaching, Ian Rush fired Kenny Dalglish‘s team level, relieving the pressure somewhat ahead of the interval.

With 63 minutes on the clock, Liverpool were awarded a penalty when Steve Nicol was fouled by Danny Maddix. Footballer of the Year John Barnes dispatched the spot-kick to win the Reds the title.

CHELSEA 0-1 LIVERPOOL- 3rd May 1986

Liverpool were two points clear of Everton going into the final game of the 1985/86 campaign, and a single goal clinched them the title on an unforgettable day at Stamford Bridge.

The Reds had produced a superb winning run prior to the game, and had now overtaken the Toffees having trailed by 13 points at one stage.

Midway through the first-half, the defining moment of the match occurred. Jim Beglin’s flick found player-manager Dalglish, who fired the ball home to send the travelling fans delirious.

Despite some nervy moments after the break Liverpool were deserving of the win, and they held on to win the 16th league title in their history.

LIVERPOOL 4-1 ASTON VILLA- 3rd May 1980

Bob Paisley‘s side hosted Aston Villa in the penultimate First Division game of the season, knowing a win would secure the title ahead of Manchester United. They duly obliged.

Anfield was buzzing, and David Johnson’s early goal made the atmosphere even more electrifying. Avi Cohen’s own goal before the break soon put a change in the mood, however.

Despite this setback, Liverpool bossed the second-half. Cohen redeemed himself by scoring at the right end, while another from Johnson and a Noel Blake own goal sealed the deal.

WOLVES 1-3 LIVERPOOL- 4th May 1976

http://youtu.be/G1-7GzqHjsE

In one of the most unforgettable final days in Liverpool’s history- they played on a Tuesday when title rivals Queens Park Rangers had already played their final match- a potential nightmare for the Reds soon turned into the stuff of dreams.

Paisley’s men needed either a win or a low-scoring draw to win the league title, but when Steve Kindon gave the host’s the lead after 14 minutes, the title pendulum swung in favour of QPR.

With just 14 minutes remaining, Kevin Keegan pounced on John Toshack’s flick-on to score one of the most important goals of his Liverpool career. Toshack then put his side in front with a cool finish, before Ray Kennedy added a third, prompting a mass pitch invasion from the Reds fan who had travelled to Molineaux.

LIVERPOOL 2-0 LEEDS- 23rd April 1973

Although this victory over a very strong Leeds side didn’t mathematically win Liverpool the title in 1972/73, as Bill Shankly said afterwards:

“I think we can call ourselves champions now. I’m delighted for the players, for the club, and especially for the fans, who have again proved themselves the greatest in the world.”

After a tight opening 45 minutes, the Reds took the lead thanks to midfielder Peter Cormack’s opener. With five minutes remaining, Keegan put the icing on the cake, and Shankly’s side were all but champions.

It was arguably the finest season of Shankly’s legendary spell in charge at the club.

Can Liverpool do it on Sunday? Let us know in the comments section below.

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