Everton 2 – 0 Newcastle United

After escaping relegation by the skin of their teeth in 1994 and 1998, nobody could’ve predicted Everton pushing for a European place by 2005. Against all odds, they finished fourth. At that point in time the ‘Top Four’ (Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea) were in full swing and it was very rare that anyone encroached on them, least of all a team that had finished 17th the season prior. This victory against Newcastle meant the Toffees would qualify for the Champions League if local rivals Liverpool failed to beat Arsenal the following day. They lost 3-1. In a bizarre twist, the Reds won the Champions League, putting Everton’s place in jeopardy. Rules were changed, everyone was happy.