With 90 minutes on the clock, Everton and Arsenal were level at 1-1. Time was ebbing away for either side to find a late winner. Then came the most telling of interventions.
At first, silence. Soon after, a cacophony of noise. “Remember the name: Wayne Rooney!” bellowed the enthusiastic Clive Tyldseley just after the Everton youngster's curling effort crashed off the bar and into the net from range.
As pieces of commentary go, this was perfect. Tyldesley's words are just about the first thing supporters associate with that moment of footballing history. Not only had a new 16-year-old superstar announced himself on the biggest of stages, but he had also ended Arsenal's 30-game unbeaten run in the league.
'The Invincibles' of Vieira, Campbell and Seaman had been floored by a relative novice. A novice, though, that seemed as though he'd been playing the game for years.
Taking a high ball out of the sky and turning on a sixpence, the teenager curled a magnificent effort over David Seaman's dive and into the top corner of the net. It was a goal worthy of winning any game of football.
Rooney's dramatic arrival onto the scene captured the imagination of both Everton fans and the wider public. A symbol of promise at Goodison, where fans yearned for a return to the glory days of the 1980s, pundits and managers alike were quickly queuing up to lavish praise on someone who so evidently have the world at his feet.
Memorable solo goals away to Leeds United and Arsenal followed, as did an England call-up. After a stunning Euro 2004 in Portugal, it quickly became apparent that Everton would face a real battle to keep hold of their prized asset. For, make no mistake about it, Rooney was a once-in-a-generation talent.
The rest is history... 🏆
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He was sold that same summer to much angst on Merseyside. Everton fans recalled the 'once a blue, always a blue' t-shirt worn in the 2002 Youth Cup final at Goodison Park and felt betrayed. In truth, while partly justified, Rooney's sale served as a further indication of just how far Everton had fallen. Players of his calibre simply didn't feel confident they could fulfil their ambitions at Goodison.
Then came the sickening feeling as Rooney netted a sublime hat-trick on his Manchester United debut against Fenerbahce. Further success ensued, with the Croxteth-born star justifying his controversial move by winning just about everything there is to win in the club game. Fame, fortune and a host of trophies no doubt provided adequate compensation for a player who had gut-wrenchingly left his boyhood club to cross the Liverpool-Manchester divide.
Fifteen years after that famous goal and Rooney is back at Goodison Park. His legacy has been forged, but there's still unfinished business with Evertton. A bit-part player for Jose Mourinho's United lasts season, the 31-year-old old jumped at the chance to join Ronald Koeman's big-spenders over the summer.
With his powers diminished, the former England captain has had a mixed start to his second spell in L4. Four goals in 14 games is not a bad record for someone no longer playing as the main striker on a regular basis, but three months in, his role in the Dutchman's team somehow remains both undefined and up for discussion. Tellingly, games have been rescued once the veteran has been substituted.
For now, Rooney will continue to attempt to roll back the clock and search for moments as invigorating as the one 15 years ago today. It does seem to be the case, though, that only the prospect of lifting a trophy for Everton would suffice in that regard.
Whether or not such success is possible remains to be seen. Both Everton and Rooney have significant hurdles to overcome if that particular dream is to become a reality.
Back in 2002, Tyldesley's commentary marked the moment the whole nation became aware of a prodigious young talent. Thanks to a glittering career, now everyone knows who Rooney is- but it's hard to escape the feeling that days such as this one could well be behind him.
