On this day (May 11) in 1997, Newcastle United finished second in the Premier League after thrashing Nottingham Forest in front of more than 36,000 supporters at St James’ Park.
The Magpies won 5-0, courtesy of two goals from Les Ferdinand and efforts from Faustino Asprilla, Alan Shearer and Robbie Elliot. United pipped Arsenal and Liverpool to a runners-up spot on goal difference, so that was consolation for Kevin Keegan’s men missing out on the title.
Newcastle opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Asprilla chipped Alan Fettis. Minutes later, Asprilla turned provider and assisted Ferdinand for the Magpies’ second goal. Ferdinand grabbed a brace before the half-hour mark before Shearer all but put the game to bed with another goal in the first half. Elliot bagged the fifth with 13 minutes remaining.
Manchester United finished as Premier League champions with 75 points and Newcastle were second with 68 points. Arsenal and Liverpool were third and fourth respectively on 68 points while Aston Villa finished fifth on 61 points.
In other news, Newcastle lose seven-goal thriller and hand title to Man City on this day in 1968
