Kop 10: Emile Heskey's best Liverpool goals
Emile Heskey scored his first Liverpool goal exactly 20 years ago today - and we've marked the occasion by picking out 10 of his very best strikes for the Reds.
Gerard Houllier signed Heskey for a club-record fee from Leicester City in March 2000 and he went on to form a lethal partnership with Michael Owen.
The England forward opened his account for the Reds within weeks of his arrival, during a 3-0 win over Coventry City at Highfield Road.
To celebrate the anniversary, enjoy a look back at 10 of our favourite Heskey goals…
Derby County – October 15, 2000
Heskey claimed his first hat-trick in senior football in this 4-0 win at Pride Park, with his second of the game particularly magnificent.
Receiving a lovely pass from Robbie Fowler, he sent an unstoppable, first-time shot from the edge of the penalty area into the roof of the net.
Birmingham City – November 30, 2003
Salif Diao’s cross from the right was chested down by the No.8 with his back to goal, but in an instant he acrobatically guided a thunderous volley home at the Kop end.
Coventry City – November 12, 2000
After chesting the ball down at the edge of the penalty area, Heskey produced an exquisite lob over future Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland as the Reds won 4-1.
Bradford City – August 19, 2000
On the opening day of the 2000-01 season, the Reds needed a breakthrough and Heskey gave them one in memorable style.
Collecting Dietmar Hamann’s pass, the No.8 turned the defender inside out and converted with an explosive, right-footed finish.
AS Roma – March 19, 2002
On a special night when Houllier returned to the dugout and Liverpool had to win by two clear goals to secure Champions League progress, Heskey delivered.
Danny Murphy’s pinpoint free-kick from the left found the striker, who powered a trademark header into the Kop net to bring up the required 2-0 scoreline.
Everton – April 16, 2001
In a dramatic 3-2 victory at Goodison Park, best known for Gary McAllister’s last-minute winner, it was Heskey who struck the opening goal from a classic breakaway.
An excellent pass by Hamann sent the forward clear and he held off the covering defender and finished expertly.
Bayern Munich – August 24, 2001
Heskey scored Liverpool’s second goal when Bayern Munich were beaten 3-2 in the 2001 UEFA Super Cup final in Monaco.
He surged past two defenders before tucking the ball beyond the reach of Oliver Kahn.
Leeds United – January 27, 2001
On as a substitute, Heskey sealed a 2-0 win at Elland Road in stoppage time to ensure Liverpool reached the FA Cup fifth round.
Fowler and Nick Barmby combined to tee up a chance at the edge of the box and he sent a suitably thunderous drive past Nigel Martyn.
Blackburn Rovers – May 8, 2002
Jamie Carragher’s pass from the left finds the No.8 with his back to goal outside the area at the Anfield Road end as a thriller nears its conclusion.
Heskey turns his marker and finds the net to secure a 4-3 result that ultimately helped Liverpool clinch a second-place finish in the Premier League.
Wycombe Wanderers – April 8, 2001
Liverpool reached the FA Cup final with a 2-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers at Villa Park, but Houllier’s side had to wait until the 78th minute to break the deadlock.
A pinpoint right-wing cross from Steven Gerrard allowed Heskey to power in a header and maintain course for a cup treble.