It was a match we really had to win, to keep up the pressure on leaders Manchester United. Yet on a day when our fiercest rivals scraped a 3-2 victory at home against Coventry, we lost more ground to them - as Liverpool beat us 3-1 at Anfield.

There was a major surprise in O'Leary's team selection, with leading scorer Michael Bridges dropped in favour of Alan Smith, who had famously scored on his debut in the corresponding fixture last season. We were still without long term absentee Batty and Lucas, who was still away on International duty with South Africa.

Liverpool too had their injury problems, with both Fowler and Owen missing. On paper, at least it looked like this might not be a bad time of the season to face them. Camara, who had led us a merry dance at Elland Road earlier in the season, was partnered up front by Dutchman Eric Meijer, who was making a rare start.

Right from the first whistle, the home side tore into us, leaving little doubt that Duberry and Co. would be in for a torrid afternoon. And so it proved. As early as the seventh minute, Berger stated his intentions, blasting a left foot volley towards goal, which Martyn was only just able to tip round the post.

The first goal, coming on 19 minutes, was equally spectacular. Wilcox brought down Smicer 25 yards from goal and Hamann stepped forward to take the free kick. Catching a slight deflection off Woodgate, it screamed into the top right hand corner of the goal, giving Martyn no chance.