
Liverpool last hosted Ipswich Town at Anfield in a Premier League game 23 years ago, prior to the weekend just gone. It was a match that ended in a final-day thrashing as the Reds routed the relegated Tractor Boys 5-0.
Finishing the season with 80 points, it was Liverpool’s best points tally in the Premier League era as Gerard Houllier’s side ended up second, seven points behind title winners Arsenal. Everything pointed towards a bright future with the Frenchman, who had guided the club to triple cup success the previous season.