Before the match, both clubs had lost their previous fixtures but still had a chance of winning the league and wanted to close the gap between themselves and leaders Manchester United.
In stoppage time, Collymore scored his second goal of the match involving a one-two with Ian Rush and John Barnes in the buildup.
Liverpool lost 1–0 to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on 23 March 1996, where the winning goal was scored by midfielder Steve Stone.
[9] Newcastle's loss allowed Manchester United to move three points ahead at the top of the league the following day after striker Eric Cantona scored the winning goal against Tottenham Hotspur.
[14] They lined up in a 4–4–2 formation, with Faustino Asprilla and Les Ferdinand serving as the two upfront and David Ginola and Peter Beardsley as the wide men providing width and service.
Stan Collymore, who received the ball from the left wing by Jamie Redknapp, produced a cross inside the penalty box for Robbie Fowler to head in at the far post and convert his 27th goal of the league season.
Striker Faustino Asprilla swept past Neil Ruddock inside the right channel of the Liverpool box to pull the ball back and find Ferdinand.
Ferdinand was involved in the buildup once again, releasing David Ginola on the left, who surged forward and scored his fifth goal of the league campaign.
[15] Liverpool threatened to score a second goal; Fowler missed close-by, Redknapp went close from long range and Steve McManaman mis-timed a header.
[15] Newcastle began to dominate territorially and missed a chance to increase their lead shortly after Asprilla's goal: Ginola's misplaced final ball failed to reach an incoming Ferdinand.
[15] Liverpool continued to press forward and in the 67th minute levelled the score again; McAteer's curling cross confused the Newcastle defence and reached Collymore, who took a shot past goalkeeper Pavel Srníček.
Although they beat Queens Park Rangers three days later, they lost to Blackburn Rovers, conceding two goals in the final ten minutes of the game.
[22] Ferguson, who accused Leeds of "cheating" their manager in their performance at Old Trafford two weeks earlier, was perceived by the press as playing a mind game against his opposition.
[22] Newcastle finished second in the league that season, four points behind Manchester United, which prompted Keegan to offer his resignation, which was rejected, in the summer.
In the FA Cup final, Liverpool were beaten by Manchester United; Eric Cantona scored the winning goal in the 85th minute.
[25] Both teams ping-ponged in search of a winner, which eventually came in injury time when Collymore, Liverpool’s record £8.5m signing, stroked home to settle a match of rhythmic, aesthetic and narrative purity.
[26][27][28] FIFA general secretary Sepp Blatter praised Kevin Keegan for his attacking football philosophy and personally sent him a faxed letter commending "the positive attitude you bring to our game".
[29] In 2011, Sky Sports celebrated its 20th anniversary with a rundown of the top 20 live Premier League games broadcast on the network; the match was placed at number one, ahead of the 2009 Manchester derby played at Old Trafford on 20 September.
[33] In October 2011, in order to raise funds for several charities, including the NSPCC and Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, both clubs staged an re-enactment of the 3 April 1996 match.