Jamie Carragher
Famous faces: Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson and
former boss Gerard Houllier on the bench at Anfield
Jamie Carragher
marked his big day with a goal for each side as his Liverpool team
rolled back the years in beating an Everton XI 4-1 in his
testimonial at Anfield.
The 32-year-old
defender scored from the spot in the first half for the Reds before
converting a penalty own-goal for the club he supported as a boy
after the break.
Big favourites: Luis Garcia (right) celebrates scoring
with Joe Cole
Trademark celebration: Luis Garcia
After Luis
Garcia's second-minute opener it was only fitting the veteran
defender claimed the spotlight as he celebrated 14 years'
professional service with the Reds.
But if you were being
charitable to Everton, managed by David Moyes, you could say they
did not want to spoil the occasion.
Gerrard, given
dispensation by Fabio Capello after featuring in England's 4-0
victory over Bulgaria last night, played the opening 10 minutes
before being replaced by Murphy.
On the bench former
Reds manager Gerard Houllier warmed up for a possible Premier
League return with Aston Villa by sitting alongside current boss
Roy Hodgson.
Surprise appearance: Steven Gerrard
Friendly rivals: Michael Owen (left) and Luis Garcia
tackle Everton's Leon Osman (centre)
Legend: Fans show their support for Carragher
Manchester United
striker Owen assumed the role of pantomime villain with a mixed
chorus of boos and cheers from the crowd of 35,631 greeting his
every touch.
He played up to his new status
when his shot struck Jose Baxter's arm for the 44th-minute penalty,
pretending to lay claim to the spot-kick before allowing Carragher
to take two steps and roll the ball past Iain Turner.
Prior to that referee Mark
Halsey had provided the comedy moment when he delivered a slap
around the head to Lee Carsley after booking the Toffees midfielder
for theatrically kicking the ball away.
Luis Garcia's goal after being
set up by Cole and Heskey on the right of the penalty area was a
sign of things to come.
Owen had a shot tipped around
the post, Luis Garcia sidefooted wide Cole's cross, Heskey - as he
often did in a Liverpool shirt - squandered a great chance when he
skewed well off target after being put though and Murphy also
rolled a shot wide.
In the second half Cole volleyed
in his first goal at Anfield - having missed a penalty at the
ground in the Europa League qualifier against Rabotnicki - from
Ryan Babel's cross and reserve team striker Nathan Eccleston fired
home.
Something old, something new: Carragher (left) and Paul
Konchesky (right)
In between Carragher
fouled James Vaughan and saved the Everton player the trouble by
shooting past Brad Jones, making his first appearance in a
Liverpool shirt after signing last month from
Middlesbrough.
Carragher is hoping to raise
£1million for his 23 Foundation from his game and a gala dinner,
with proceeds going to local groups and charities.
Pride of Pool: A Liverpool fan holds up a banner
