August 3rd wasn’t a day for transfer speculation or Luis Suarez it was all about Steven Gerrard. A player who has graced the Anfield pitch for 15+ years. His opponents were the Greek outfit Olympiacos a team who Liverpool beat dramatically to progress in the Champions League campaign of 2005 of which Liverpool won remarkably. The match was best known for his late wonder goal (also for Martin Tyler and Andy Gray’s brilliant commentary) which is arguably his best ever goal in his long, eventful and legendary career. To make it more special Liverpool Legends Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler were also in the squad. In a sell-out crowd at Anfield, Steven Gerrard received a huge reception as expected and Anfield was rocking from start to finish; absolutely extraordinary scenes in Liverpool.
Over to the match it was a great one to watch, chances from
Liverpool came left, right and centre. Iago Aspas, who has impressed a lot
since his move from Celta Vigo was on top form again leaving defenders for dead
with his dribbling skills. His brilliant flick on set up Joe Allen who missed a
sitter, however moments later another brilliant pass from Aspas set Joe Allen,
who was in the centre of Liverpool’s chances, up for a tap in. As usual Steven
Gerrard with Lucas were bossing the midfield and Philippe Coutinho was working
his magic not allowing the Olympiacos players to have a sniff of the ball.
In the second half legends Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler
made their appearance which was met with a huge roar from the Anfield faithful.
Robbie Fowler wasn’t up to his usual best as anticipated but it was great to
see him back in Anfield once again. Also coming on was Luis Suarez who has been
linked with a move away from Liverpool to Arsenal. Many, including myself,
expected Suarez to receive jeers and boos but it was the complete opposite as
his appearance made Anfield go wild in cheers and even the Kop started to sing
his song; it was as if it was his testimonial. If that doesn’t persuade him to
stay I don’t know what does because as preseason so far has proved, Liverpool
have the best fans in the world and he won’t get the same reception at the Emirates
that’s for sure.
Along with those big names substitutions Jordan Henderson also came on. Within 12 seconds of his appearance he scored letting the Kop know that he came on as well. In form Raheem Sterling pass broke through the Greek defence and Henderson’s cool finish made it 2-0. Olympiacos had some recognizable names in their ranks such as Vladimir Weiss, formerly of Rangers and Manchester City, and former Real Madrid and Barcelona star, Javier Saviola, but they couldn’t do anything against a strong and organised Liverpool.
The match ended with Steven Gerrard taking a lap of honour around the pitch, with 45,000 applauding the Scouse Icon. Although it was a special match business was done for Liverpool who have had a great preseason thus far winning 5 out of 5 scoring 13 and conceding none. Next up for the Reds they travel to Oslo, Norway to face Valerenga on Wednesday. The Testimonial was a match that I won’t forget in a long time, the only thing that was missing was Robbie Fowler scoring in front of the Kop or Steven Gerrard, one of the greatest footballers of all time, scoring a thunderbolt from 30 yards.
Along with those big names substitutions Jordan Henderson also came on. Within 12 seconds of his appearance he scored letting the Kop know that he came on as well. In form Raheem Sterling pass broke through the Greek defence and Henderson’s cool finish made it 2-0. Olympiacos had some recognizable names in their ranks such as Vladimir Weiss, formerly of Rangers and Manchester City, and former Real Madrid and Barcelona star, Javier Saviola, but they couldn’t do anything against a strong and organised Liverpool.
The match ended with Steven Gerrard taking a lap of honour around the pitch, with 45,000 applauding the Scouse Icon. Although it was a special match business was done for Liverpool who have had a great preseason thus far winning 5 out of 5 scoring 13 and conceding none. Next up for the Reds they travel to Oslo, Norway to face Valerenga on Wednesday. The Testimonial was a match that I won’t forget in a long time, the only thing that was missing was Robbie Fowler scoring in front of the Kop or Steven Gerrard, one of the greatest footballers of all time, scoring a thunderbolt from 30 yards.
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