Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is set to make his final Anfield appearance against Crystal Palace today
The Footballing world will all be watching this evening’s 5:30pm kick off and there is no doubt about it. Players and managers, past and present, have been paying tribute to Gerrard and wishing him luck in the MLS next season when he moves to LA Galaxy. Silly Season would like to do the same.
As the Reds skipper’s last home game approaches Silly Season looks back at his glorious Liverpool career which has lasted almost 17 years.
The big 5 moments of Gerrard’s career
5. Goal vs Manchester United, 2001
The strike that rubber stamped his presence on the scene of the Premier league. It was Gerrard’s first goal against Liverpool’s arch rivals and this only added to the massive rivalry between the two giants. A little cushioned touch from Robbie Fowler allowed Steven Gerrard time and space to fire a 35 yard strike past United goalkeeper Fabian Barthez and in to the top corner of the net.
4. Hat-trick vs Everton, 2012
This game proved to be a real defining moment in Gerrard’s career. Gerrard opened the scoring in the game during the first half with a left footed strike that flew over Tim Howard. The second came after Luis Suarez showed tremendous skill to set Gerrard up for a shot with his right foot which ended up in the back of the net at the Kop end. The icing on the cake came late in the game when Gerrard stole the ball in midfield and released Luis Suarez in on goal but the Uruguayan unselfishly gave the ball back to Gerrard for the skipper to tap the ball in to the net and become the first Liverpool player since Ian Rush in the 80s to score a hat-trick against Everton.
3. FA Cup final vs West Ham United, 2006 (The Gerrard Final)Â
Liverpool seemed to have some sort of love affair with the City of Cardiff between 2001 and 2006 and this would be the last FA Cup final at the Millenium stadium. Liverpool had some wonderful memories prior to that final, but it looked like West Ham were going to steal the show. The hammers were 2-0 up before Liverpool even knew it and they needed someone to pick them up off the floor. Who else but Steven Gerrard? The skipper played a long ball in to the box to help Djibril Cisse net a goal before firing one in himself to draw level at 2-2. West Ham took the lead again through Paul Konchesky’s wonder goal but as the stoppage time was announced the ball fell to the Reds’ talisman who released an absolute thunderbolt from 35-yards to equalise. Gerrard described that goal as “a dream goal”. The captain went on to score in the penalty shoot-out and lift Liverpool’s seventh FA Cup.
2. Goal vs Olympiakos, 2004
Arguably his greatest thunderbolt of all. Liverpool were in danger of being dumped out of the Champions League in December of 2004 and needed to win by two goals to progress to the next round. After going 1-0 to a Rivaldo free-kick, Liverpool fought back to leading 2-1. They needed another goal from somewhere as stoppage time was upon them. Jamie Carragher crossed the ball in to Neil Mellor who with a lovely cushioned header set Gerrard up for an absolute beauty of a goal at the Kop End. The goal made sure Liverpool won the game and secured their place in the knock-out stages of the Champions League.
1. Goal vs AC Milan, 2005
If there was ever going to be one moment that Gerrard was remembered for among Liverpool fans it would be this goal. Possibly the most famous Champions League final of all. Liverpool trailed AC Milan 3-0 at half time and they needed a miracle for them to come back. That miracle arrived in the form of Steven Gerrard. On 54 minutes John Arne Riise delivered an inch perfect cross for the captain who headed home a brilliant goal. The goal gave Liverpool a lifeline sparked wide belief that Liverpool could actually fightback and complete the impossible mission.Two minutes later Vlamdimir Smicer scored a long range effort to make it 3-2 before Gerrard went down in the Milan box to earn his side a penalty which Xabi Alonso missed but scored the rebound to draw level at 3-3. All three Liverpool goals coming in a six minute period in the second half. Â The Scousers went on to win the trophy 3-2 on penalties and Gerrard joined the long hall of legendary Liverpool captains by lifting the European cup in impossible circumstances.
There is no denying that Steven Gerrard is a legend, not only a Liverpool legend, but a legend of the entire Footballing world. The Premier League has lost a true great.
On behalf of Silly Season, We wish Steven Gerrard the best of luck for the future at LA Galaxy.
Written by Connor Breen
@Connor_breen12
