The winning ways of Liverpool, Saturday October 16, 1993 were far removed from the engaging ones that made Anfield a centre of football excellence.
Once reality had settled on the relief at the late goals that brought an undeserved 2-1 victory over Oldham there were more expressions of shock and outrage from the home supporters than from the devastated losers.
The cries of anguish were for a lost art. What has become of that fine, skilful team known as Liverpool? "What has he done to us?" some bemoaned, pointing the finger at manager Souness.
The fear is that the beautiful passing game has gone forever. Little more than two months into a campaign that began with affirmation that the Liverpool way would never be compromised we have witnessed the betrayal.
Liverpool - yes Liverpool - taking to Route One as crudely as much-criticised Wimbledon and Sheffield United have done. It proved effective but I heard the greatest condemnation from one disbelieving, disillusioned fan: "I'd rather we lost."
Liverpool, as Neil Ruddock, the high riser in that bombardment, admitted, "hardly strung three passes together."
They were fortunate that Oldham did not punish them with more than one goal, credited to Darren Beckford after 73 minutes but open to debate with some players saying it went straight in from Nick Henry's corner and others that Bruce Grobbelaar got the last touch.
Beckford shot against a post after 29 minutes and lobbed over when he should have made it 2-0 after 85.
With records in sight - Oldham's first win at the stadium since December, 1914 and the longest run without a league goal in Liverpool's history - the desperation showed and finally told.
Ruddock, the big, powerful 2.5 million pound defender, was pushed forward and the rockets were launched. After 88 minutes he headed over the defending line and Robbie Fowler nipped in to equalise.
"It hit me on the knee and then went through the goalkeeper's legs but they all count," said the 18-year-old of his first strike in the Premiership - Liverpool's first league goal since Jan Molby's penalty against Leeds on August 28.
Another raid a minute into the time added to the 90 by referee Alan Wilkie ended with the unfortunate Andy Barlow turning Ruddock's low cross-shot into his own net.
Striker Graeme Sharp, a respected rival from 11 years with Everton, said: "This is the worst Liverpool team I have seen. They shoved Ruddock up front and just bombarded us with high balls. It's not the Liverpool way of football."
Sharp, Milligan and all connected with Oldham were, as manager Joe Royle said: "Totally devastated." They appear to be developing the Oldham way of losing. They are conceding too many goals in the last few minutes. "It's absolutely ridiculous. We just have to learn," Sharp said.
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