Liverpool’s historic match against Arsenal in 1964 marked the beginning of a television revolution in football broadcasting. The game, which saw Liverpool emerge as the victors, was the first to be televised on Match of the Day, a program that has become synonymous with English football.
At the time, Liverpool was riding high, having won the First Division title the previous season. They were 12 points and seven places above Arsenal in the league standings. The match was a momentous occasion, not just for the teams involved, but for the BBC as well, as it marked the first-ever broadcast of Match of the Day.
The atmosphere at Anfield was electric as the players took to the pitch. The crowd was treated to the sounds of The Beatles’ hit song “She Loves You” as the teams emerged from the tunnel. Liverpool, missing key players Ian St John and Alf Arrowsmith, fielded a strong lineup that included Ron Yeats, Ian Callaghan, and Roger Hunt.
Despite a slow start, Liverpool took the lead in the 11th minute through a spectacular acrobatic volley from Hunt, assisted by Callaghan. Gordon Wallace extended Liverpool’s lead after the break, but Arsenal fought back with quick-fire goals from Geoff Strong and Joe Baker, leveling the score. However, Wallace had the final say, scoring a dramatic winner from long range.
Commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme, in his characteristic wit, jokingly referred to the match as the “Match of the Century” rather than the “Match of the Day” in his post-match analysis. Unfortunately for Liverpool, their title defense that season was not as successful as they had hoped, finishing in seventh place as rivals Manchester United claimed the top spot. However, Liverpool did manage to win the FA Cup and reach the semi-finals of the European Cup, providing some consolation for their fans.
On the other hand, Arsenal had a disappointing season, finishing 13th, just three points behind Liverpool. The 1964 Liverpool vs Arsenal match was the sole game featured in the first edition of Match of the Day, with extended highlights shown to viewers. Little did anyone know that this would be the start of a long-standing tradition in football broadcasting.
Since that historic match, Match of the Day has gone on to become a staple for football fans across the country. It has evolved to include highlights from various games in the First Division, capturing the excitement and drama of English football. In its 60th year, the show is now hosted by Gary Lineker, a former England international.
As Liverpool prepares to kick off the new season, there is hope that they can once again feature prominently on Match of the Day. Arne Slot, the team’s new manager, will be under scrutiny as he navigates his debut campaign. With Arsenal also expected to be in the mix at the top of the table, their upcoming clash at Anfield could be one to watch.
Match of the Day continues to provide football fans with a comprehensive look at the best moments from each round of matches. From its humble beginnings at Anfield six decades ago, the show has become an integral part of the footballing landscape, showcasing the passion, skill, and drama that makes the game so captivating.