Liverpool beat Olympiacos in Steven Gerrard testimonial

Friendly Steven Gerrard Testimonial
Saturday 03 August 2013 - 12:45 pm
Anfield
Liverpool2
0Olympiacos
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⚽️ Allen23'
⚽️ Henderson63'
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Liverpool ran out 2-0 winners over Olympiacos in Steven Gerrard's testimonial at Anfield.

A packed Anfield saw the club captain, with over 15 years service and 630 games under his belt, take part in his testimonial.

Gerrard trains ahead of his testimonial

Steven Gerrard testimonial

Gerrard makes his way on to the pitch

Liverpool fans ask Gerrard for a favour

Steven Gerrard prior to Kick Off v Olympiacos

The friendly match against Olympiacos has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity - the Steven Gerrard foundation.

Carragher and Fowler were both named on the bench - but otherwise the teamsheet reflected a serious pre-season fixture as Brendan Rodgers continued with what appears to be a starting XI for the season - Allen, Aspas and Toure all favoured ahead of Henderson, Skrtel and Suarez.

Starting XI: Mignolet, Enrique, Agger, Toure, Johnson, Lucas, Allen, Gerrard, Coutinho, Sterling, Aspas.

Bench: Jones, Kelly, Alberto, Skrtel, Downing, Henderson, Ibe, Wisdom, Coates, Borini, Spearing, Suarez, Carragher, Fowler.

On Anfield's fresh turf, the reds got off to a good start - with Joe Allen and Iago Aspas combining well on a number of occasions.  The first chance fell to Joe Allen, who was set up by a lovely touch from Kolo Toure but pulled his shot wide of the post.

Moments later and Allen was again surging forward, this time unleashing Iago Aspas who saw his shot smothered by the Olympiacos keeper.

Coutinho gradually eased himself into the game, displaying the kind of touch and close control that Liverpool fans have enjoyed so much in his brief Liverpool career to date.

Mid way through the first half and Liverpool were ahead - thanks to a misfired shot from Iago Aspas.  The Spaniard's low shot was pounced on by this new-look attack-minded Joe Allen in the 6 yard box - and the Welshman tapped it in to the net.

The reds made no changes at half time as they came out to kick towards the Kop.  Raheem Sterling was finding plenty of space on the right wing but unable to convert into gilt edge chances.  There were mini-appeals for a penalty when Coutinho went down in the penalty area - but these were correctly waved away by referee Mark Halsey.

Just after the hour mark and Luis Suarez was subbed on to a very good reception from the Liverpool faithful.  Jamie Carragher and Jordan Henderson also made their way on to the pitch - and 12 seconds after his arrival Henderson put the ball in the back of the net - doubling Liverpool's lead.

He latched on to a great forward pass from Raheem Sterling and applied a cool finish in front of the Kop.

With just over 15 minutes to go the reds sent on Robbie Fowler to partner up with Suarez and Gerrard.

Fowler almost had his name on the scoresheet.  Suarez passed to Gerrard, who set up Fowler - but Fowler's shot was deflected by an Olympiacos defender and his shot squirmed wide and high of the Kop end goal.

With five minutes remaining Gerrard was substituted off to a standing ovation and replaced by Jay Spearing.

A good run out for Liverpool - a positive reception for Luis Suarez and a fitting tribute to a Liverpool legend.

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