Former Newcastle United defender Philippe Albert says he will never forget his sensational chip in the Magpies 'very special' win over Manchester United. Kevin Keegan's side ran riot against the defending champions, just a few months after the Red Devils thrashed the Magpies in the Community Shield.
The 5-0 win is something supporters of a black and white faith still talk about to this day. 36,579 supporters crammed into St. James' Park back in October 1996 to see Darren Peacock, David Ginola, Les Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and Albert get on the scoresheet to dismantle Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
Newcastle supporters would love to see a repeat of that performance on the biggest stage this weekend as Eddie Howe's side take on Manchester United in the League Cup Final. The Red Devils had the last laugh in the 1999 FA Cup Final, winning the clash 2-0 at Wembley.
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A finish like Albert's chip back in 1996 would be fit to win any game under the famous Wembley Arch. When asked if he ever gets tired of talking about his sensational chip to round of the scoring, Albert told Four Four Two: "Never. Why should I mind?
"That was a very special result against a very special team, and my goal was against Peter Schmeichel – the best keeper in the world at the time.
"Any win against Manchester United has to be enjoyed, and because of the circumstances, this was more enjoyable than most [below]. After all, they had won the title the previous season when we had lost that big lead, and then they had smashed us 4-0 in the Charity Shield a few months earlier.
"My goal was the fifth but it wasn’t the only good goal of the game: David Ginola scored a fantastic one in the first half. But when you chip someone as tall as Schmeichel from outside the penalty area, it’s not something you forget in a hurry."
The Belgian centre-half became a cult hero during his Tyneside tenure, playing a key part in the Entertainers' side. Albert was - like the majority of the team - better known for his attacking qualities rather than his defensive display.
Keegan's side were intent on outscoring the opposition, which often resulted in emphatic scorelines. Another of Albert's favourite goals, came in a 6-1 win over Wimbledon.
He said: "The goal which really stands out was when we beat Wimbledon 6-1 and I scored our sixth – with Vinnie Jones in goal. Their keeper was sent off just after half-time and no one knew what to expect when Vinnie grabbed the gloves.
"But he was absolutely brilliant, pulling off a string of saves. We were on fire, creating chance after chance.
"My goal came late on: I had only just come off the bench and spent most of my time in the final third because we were attacking them so much. I played a one-two with Keith Gillespie and curled the ball into the net with the outside of my left foot – Vinnie had no chance at all."
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