The first-ever Match of the Day broadcast
Match of the Day made its debut on BBC screens, beginning the story of one of football’s most iconic television programmes. The first broadcast featured highlights of Liverpool’s 3-2 victory over Arsenal at Anfield, although the identity of the match was kept secret until 4pm due to concerns that fans might stay away from matches to watch it. The programme showed nearly an hour of action, with commentary from Kenneth Wolstenholme and Walley Barnes. Liverpool’s Phil Chisnall was the first player to kick a ball on Match of the Day, while Roger Hunt scored the first goal shown on the programme. The broadcast was initially watched by only around 75,000 viewers, partly because BBC Two was not yet available across much of the country.
Events Today
A forgotten Ligue 1 classic: Marseille 5-5 Montpellier
Marseille and Montpellier produced one of Ligue 1’s most memorable matches, with Marseille recovering from a 4-0 deficit to earn a remarkable 5-5 draw. Montpellier raced into a four-goal lead before Christophe Dugarry inspired an incredible comeback, with Marseille scoring four times in the second half.
Nick Culkin’s 80-second Manchester United career
Nick Culkin made his Premier League debut for Manchester United in 1999, replacing injured goalkeeper Raimond van der Gouw in stoppage time against Arsenal. The third-choice goalkeeper played just 80 seconds, taking one free-kick before the final whistle. Despite staying at United for three more years, he never made another first-team appearance.
The day Arsenal matched a 26-year-old record
Arsenal equalled Nottingham Forest’s record unbeaten league run with a dramatic 5-3 victory over Middlesbrough in 2004. The Gunners trailed 3-1 early in the second half before Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pirès, José Antonio Reyes and Thierry Henry completed a remarkable comeback. The result extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run to 42 top-flight matches.
The first England defeat at the new Wembley
Germany became the first international side to defeat England at the new Wembley in 2007, winning 2-1 in a friendly. Frank Lampard gave England the lead before a Paul Robinson error allowed Kevin Kuranyi to equalise. Christian Pander then scored a stunning winner to hand England their first defeat at the rebuilt stadium.
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