On 20 October 1996, Newcastle United enjoyed one of the most famous afternoons in their Premier League history. Defending champions Manchester United were beaten 5-0 at St James’ Park. Darren Peacock, David Ginola, Les Ferdinand and Alan Shearer had already made it 4-0 when Philippe Albert provided the unforgettable finishing touch.
Albert may have been a centre-back, but under Kevin Keegan he was never a defender who simply stayed at home. When he found space outside the penalty area, the Belgian spotted Peter Schmeichel well off his line. Rather than choosing the safe option, Albert used his left foot to lift the ball over the Danish goalkeeper. It made the score 5-0 and became one of Newcastle’s most iconic Premier League goals.
“I was in the perfect position to try it”
The best part of the story emerged from a question Albert has been asked repeatedly ever since. With Newcastle already four goals ahead, would he really have attempted the same audacious chip if the score had been 0-0 or 1-0? His answer is an emphatic yes. Speaking to FourFourTwo in 2026, Albert explained that he trusted his left foot and believed he was in the perfect position to try it.
There was extra satisfaction behind Newcastle’s victory. Manchester United had overtaken Keegan’s side in the 1995/96 title race and then beaten Newcastle 4-0 in the Charity Shield in August 1996. Albert also remembered Schmeichel producing an outstanding display to deny Newcastle at St James’ Park earlier that year. The 5-0 therefore felt like the revenge Newcastle had been waiting months for.
Almost thirty years later, Albert is still asked about that goal — and he does not seem to mind. Beating a goalkeeper he regarded at the time as the best in the world only made the moment more special. One swing of a Belgian defender’s left foot was enough to secure his place permanently in St James’ Park folklore.