Crystal Palace spoil Gerrard’s big day at Anfield, beat Liverpool 3-1

Departing Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard’s final appearance at Anfield ended in disappointment as his side could not give him the send-off the occasion demanded in a 1-3 defeat to Crystal Palace.

The 34-year-old midfielder bade an emotional goodbye to his spiritual home ahead of his summer move to LA Galaxy.


For the majority of the 44,673 inside the ground the result was not important — but you can guarantee there was one man on the pitch for whom this stung as much as any other defeat.

Adam Lallana’s opener was cancelled out by Jason Puncheon’s free-kick before substitute Wilfried Zaha scored 23 seconds after coming on as a substitute.

Glenn Murray spoiled the Liverpool celebrations of their long-time servant by firing home the rebound after missing an added-time penalty as Palace deservedly left with three points.

Two mosaics — “SG8″ in the Kop and “Captain” along the lower tier of the Centenary Stand — as well as a guard of honour paid tribute to one of the club’s greatest players.


However, in the first half there was little evidence of the Gerrard whose name and deeds are writ large in Liverpool’s rich history.

It was Jordan Henderson spraying the raking crossfield balls and making driving runs into the area, his midfield colleague restricted to dropping deep and knitting play together with easy lay-offs.

The testimonial feel of the pre-match guard of honour, mosaic and back-slapping was extended into the first 20 minutes with hardly a shot or tackle in anger.