Gerrard Farewell Spoiled by Liverpool Defense

It was supposed to be the perfect send off for a club legend.  It was supposed to be a tearful, heartfealt goodbye to the man who had stuck by the club through thick and thin when greener pastures were readily available.  Instead, the same old problems reared their ugly head and spoiled the occasion.  Steven Gerrard was even pushed forward, trying to come up with that magic moment he has become synonymous with.  It was not meant to be.

Liverpool looked great out of the gate.  The team was fresh, cohesive and on point.  The passing was good and the team was dominant.  Liverpool looked like they would rule the day.   Midway through the first half, the Reds were controlling 80% of the possession.  By the end of the match, Liverpool still held the edge in possession 66% to 34%.  Unfortunately, it led to nothing.

Adam Lallana gave the Reds hope that the sunny day would end with a glowing finish.  Lallana knicked away a poor pass from former Liverpool defender, Martin Kelly, raced past Scott Dann and then flipped one just over goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.  Lallana went straight for the team captain to celebrate and embraced his leader tightly.  Alas, it was to be the last true bright spot for Liverpool for the rest of the match.

Despite chances and possession, Liverpool failed to create and capitalize.  Crystal Palace poached the equalizer just before the half.  The Reds gave up an ill advised foul close to the penalty area just two minutes before the break.  Jason Puncheon went over the wall and far post, putting it in the back of the net.  Simon Mingolet, perhaps having scouted Puncheon's last free kick attempt took a step to the near post right off the kick, leaving him no chance to recover once the ball went the other way.

Wilfried Zaha, the former Manchester United foe, turned out to be a thorn in the side of his rival again.  Only 22 seconds after coming onto the pitch, Zaha struck and Liverpool conceded.  Down 2-1 for most of the second half, Liverpool tried to push forward.  They moved Gerrard into an attacking position and put on Rickie Lambert in an attempt to spur the offense.  Emre Can was given more leway to venture upfield as well.  It was for naught though as the club either fumbled away decent chances or passed the ball too many times instead of looking for a shot.

Palace put the nail in the coffin in extra time.  The spoilers were wrongly awarded a penalty kick when Lucas fouled Zaha just outside the box.  Glenn Murray's spot kick was neatly saved by Simon Mingolet, but the Belgian was given no help on the rebound attempt and Murray slotted it just past Mingolet's outstretched left foot.

Liverpool, for a second season, failed to fully show up against Crystal Palace in a late season match.  Excluding a cup match, Liverpool are now 0-1-2 in their last few league games against Palace.  The Eagles have looked most comfortable in spoiling Liverpool's party the last few seasons.  Again, the lack of a true scorer cost the Reds.  Though it was almost impossible, the loss also officially eliminates Liverpool from Champions League football next season.  Just another grain of salt in the wound.

Ultimately this game is just another example of the changes that need to be made to this club.  There was really little to play for, outside of pride and to send Gerrard off the Anfield pitch with a fond memory.  Liverpool failed to do that and just about everyone on the pitch failed to prove that they are assured of a place in the team next season.  Big changes are in store for the club in red next year.  Unfortunately, regardless of the talent they may bring in, there will still be a huge hole.  That hole will be in the shape of a number 8.  Leadership is a value that is hard to recruit and hopefully someone can at least partially fill those large shoes.

Walk On.