Steven Gerrard helped his team come from behind to draw 2-2 with Jamie Carragher’s side…
It was a game that gave the Liverpool captain everything that he could have hoped for – a wonderful day full of celebration, with a high quality and high tempo match that kept the Anfield faithful more than entertained.
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Gerrard scored twice from the penalty spot either side of half-time, while Mario Balotelli and Didier Drogba also found the net in a close-fought game. The full highlights of which you can see here.
Here are five things we learned from the game:
5) Where has this Mario Balotelli been all season?
For those members of the Liverpool squad not on international duty this weekend, this was an opportunity to prove something, and no one took that opportunity more than Mario Balotelli. Playing in a slightly deeper role off of Drogba, the Italian enjoyed a fine afternoon – scoring a brilliant first from just outside of the area, giving Brad Jones no chance with his bullet shot, before playing a perfect pass to his strike partner for the second. With Daniel Sturridge sidelined through injury, we need more of the same please Mario!
4) Liverpool fans can forgive and forget
There were question marks in the build-up about what sort of reception Fernando Torres would receive from the Liverpool fans. It was superb. There was not even the hint of a boo, following the player’s controversial departure from the club in January 2011, when he joined Chelsea in a £50m move. There was simply an appreciation of a player who did a wonderful job for the club for several years, scoring goals for fun and leaving a lasting impression on Anfield.
3) Two for the future! Jerome Sinclair and Cameron Brannagan impress
A number of Liverpool youngsters were given the chance to impress today, but those that impressed most were Jerome Sinclair and Cameron Brannagan. Sinclair, 18, joined Wigan Athletic on loan earlier this month, and has long been tipped as a star of the future. His wonderful piece of skill saw him force an excellent first-half save from Pepe Reina. Brannagan, also 18, impressed with his fleet footwork in the second-half, as well as his clearly excellent range of passing. Exciting stuff!
2) Brad Jones isn’t that bad an understudy
It was nice to see the Australian back after three months on the sidelines. When he limped off against Burnley on Boxing Day, he was our first-choice goalkeeper. Unfortunately for him, he’s now firmly back behind Simon Mignolet in the pecking order, following the Belgian’s excellent run of form. On a more positive note, Jones’ performance today did at least suggest that he’s capable of putting in a decent performance if every he’s called upon. He outshone Reina today, making several impressive stops.
1) Steven Gerrard will always be a Liverpool legend
Forget the slips. Forget the red cards. Steven Gerrard has done more for Liverpool football club than almost anyone else, and you could see today just how much the whole occasion meant to him. We need to put this all in perspective. This is a player that has dedicated his entire career to Liverpool, won multiple trophies, and almost single-handedly dragged us to the Champions League in 2005, and the FA Cup twelve months later. He’s turned down multiple moves away from the club, and he should continue to be celebrated for his loyalty and passion. The complete an utter epitome of a living football legend.
