Well the result doesn't mean much in the end and these fans show that as they spend the final minute giving Gerrard a standing ovation. The final whistle sounds and Anfield erupts in applause.
90' +3
Liverpool are set to lose just their second home match of this Premier League season as we finish the third of four minutes of stoppage time. They couldn't have picked a worse time for it, either.
90' +1
G. Murray has scored a goal for Crystal Palace!
Penalty saved by S. Mignolet!
MURRAY CLINCHES ALL THREE POINTS! Mignolet makes the save from the spot kick, but the rebound falls kindly for the striker who slides it in at the far post. Gerrard's day is set to end in defeat!
90'
PENALTY TO PALACE! No complaints from Liverpool as Zaha is tripped up by Leiva. The contact appeared to come outside the area, but the winger fell in the box and Jonathan Moss doesn't hesitate in pointing to the spot.
89'
ALMOST THE DAGGER! Puncheon makes it look too easy inside the area, making quick work of Lovren and Skrtel before forcing a brilliant stop from Mignolet at the near post.
88'
Liverpool make their final change, pulling Alberto Moreno off in favour of Jerome Sinclair, which means Glen Johnson doesn't get his Anfield farewell. It is Gerrard's day, but the right-back is set to leave the club this summer as well after six years of service.
87'
J. Sinclair enters the game and replaces Alberto Moreno.
Philippe Coutinho gets yellow.
86'
It has been 24 years since Crystal Palace last won a league match at Anfield, in November of 1991. Marco Gabbiadini and Geoff Thomas scored in a 2-1 victory for the Eagles. It's Jason Puncheon and Wilfried Zaha who have the goals tonight, but this one could prove to be a much more demoralizing defeat for Liverpool should the result stand. The Eagles have never done the league double over the Reds, either, another run which could come to an end today.
84'
J. Mutch gets yellow.
Liverpool's approach has turned into desperation as every little bit of contact sends the players and fans alike into a frenzy, hoping for a set piece situation for their hero. They're almost looking for a penalty to provide Gerrard with his fairytale ending.
83'
G. Murray enters the game and replaces Y. Bolasie.
J. McArthur gets yellow.
Minute
Description
82'
Bolasie makes his way off to a wonderful ovation from the traveling fans after a remarkable performance, capped off with an assist on the winning goal as it stands. Glenn Murray comes on to replace him for the final Palace change as they get set to take a corner kick.
80'
This crowd, which had every reason to celebrate before the match, has had little to cheer about since the opening kick-off. They are crying out for a hero, and you know who they want to see step up, but it's not looking like happening at the moment.
79'
J. Ward gets yellow.
78'
Sterling wins a free kick just over 30-yards out from goal and who else but Steven Gerrard stands over to take it. Anfield buzzes with anticipation as their captain looks to leave his mark on the match, but the end result is a bitter disappointment as his free kick sails well over the bar.
76'
J. Mutch enters the game and replaces M. Chamakh.
Pressure starting to build for Liverpool as they desperately search for an equalizer. Palace have defended admirably thoughout, but as the Reds get forward in numbers, they are starting to pick out one or two cracks in the foundation.
74'
GERRARD FACTS: Steven Gerrard was named Man of the Match in Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League final victory over Milan. The midfielder and captain scored and won his side a penalty as they clawed back from a 3-0 half-time deficit to win the match on penalties.
72'
LIVERPOOL NEARLY EQUALIZE! Clever build-up play as the ball is worked inside the area for Can. The defender tries to chip a short cross into the centre to pick out the run of Lambert, but Kelly manages to clear behind for a corner.
70'
Bolasie is having himself a field day in attack, taking on Liverpool defenders and beating them at will. Skrtel scrambles to nudge clear an attempted through ball, but again more time is wasted for Liverpool as they are forced to deal with the ensuing throw deep in their own end.
68'
There's a bit more urgency about Liverpool now, but it's still Palace who are looking the more threatening side in attack. Bolasie and Zaha are creating all sorts of problems for the Reds defence with their pace and they should continue to have chances as the hosts push forward for an equalizer.
67'
OFF THE BAR! Bolasie does well to gets in behind the defence on the right side of the box. He checks back inside and sends an effort towards the far corner which hits the frame of the goal. That could have sealed it!
66'
Meanwhile, it's a double change for Liverpool as Lucas Leiva and Rickie Lambert come on to replace Jordon Ibe and Adam Lallana. The Brazilian will likely sit deeper in Gerrard's position, allowing the captain to push forward a bit and cap off his day with a goal.
65'
R. Lambert enters the game and replaces J. Ibe.
Lucas Leiva enters the game and replaces A. Lallana.
GERRARD COMES CLOSE! Sterling puts in some good work to hold the ball up in the area before picking out his captain atop the area. Gerrard tries to place it in at the near post, but he needed to get more behind it as Hennessey makes the save.
64'
STAT ATTACK: Crystal Palace have won 18 points this season from losing positions, the highest total among teams in the top flight. They have impressively managed to take 11 of those away from home.
62'
Liverpool are all over the place in defence, with Lovren particularily having a dreadful time as he goes up against Bolasie. The visitors are back on the front foot, looking to add to the Reds' misery!
60'
W. Zaha has scored a goal for Crystal Palace!
HOW ABOUT THAT FOR AN INTRODUCTION?! Less than 30 seconds after coming into the match, Wilfried Zaha gets on the end of a Bolasie cross to tap the ball into a gaping net at the near post and Crystal Palace continue to spoil Gerrard's Anfield farewell!
59'
W. Zaha enters the game and replaces Lee Chung-Yong.
58'
HENDERSON! The midfielder is presented with the ball atop the area, but it just doesn't sit kindly enough for him as he lashes an effort inches wide of the far post. He's scored those before and he'll do so again, but he doesn't get the bounce this time.
56'
The match has turned into quite the cagey affair out on the pitch. The ball is being contained largely in midfield and neither side has been able to muster much in terms of an attack in the last five minutes or so.
54'
GERRARD FACTS: Steven Gerrard scored his first senior goal with Liverpool in his second season, on December 5, 1999. His tally on the day was the third Reds goal in a 4-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Anfield.
52'
PALACE DENIED A PENALTY? Skrtel appears to catch Lee with a late trip as the forward tried to burst through on goal. There was clear contact and Jonathan Moss did hesitate, but opts not to make the call! Pardew is livid with the decision and you can't blame him.
50'
Henderson makes a great run inside of Souare and he's picked out with a ball over the top. He can't quite sort out his footing as he fails to direct a shot on target. The pressure stays on and Ibe comes up with it, but smashes his follow-up into the side netting.
48'
Puncheon was arguably the best player on the pitch in the first half and the midfielder is at it again, sprinting down the right, eluding Moreno far too easily before cutting into the centre. He switches it onto his left for a shot but can't keep it down as it lifts over the bar.
46'
Back underway at Anfield! Gerrard was more of a peripheral figure in the first half - we'll see if he can rise to the occasion over the final 45 minutes.
45'
Just one minute to be added on at the end of this first half.
43'
J. Puncheon has scored a goal for Crystal Palace!
STUNNING FREE KICK AND PALACE ARE LEVEL! From virtually an identical spot to where he scored last week, Jason Puncheon this time picks out the far corner and does so brilliantly! Mignolet had no chance to keep that free kick out and Crystal Palace have a deserved equalizer.
42'
E. Can gets yellow.
DANGEROUS CHALLENGE! The pace of Bolasie proves too much for Can to deal with as the winger sprints past the defender en route to goal. The centre-half slides in from behind, making no contact with the ball as he takes out the man and will be issued a yellow card for the challenge.
40'
APPEALS FOR A PENALTY DENIED! Gerrard tries to chip a pass through for Henderson, but Dann manages to clear. It comes to Sterling inside the top of the area, but he's toppled over by Ledley with the ball in the air. It was a clumsy challenge, but the midfielder only had eyes for the ball.
38'
STAT ATTACK: Crystal Palace have not kept a clean sheet since a 1-0 victory over a then struggling Leicester City side on February 7 – a run that has now stretched to 13 matches. Their six clean sheets in the league this season is joint-fewest in the top flight, along with QPR.
36'
Liverpool have not offered very much going forward, and will have to consider themselves fortunate to be in front. The gaps are far too long between their forays into attack and Palace continue to grow in confidence. The visitors have been on the front foot for much of this first half as they continue to push for an equalizer before the break.
34'
GOOD SAVE! Puncheon takes a pass from Chamakh and strides forward before having a go for goal. His left-footed strike takes a deflection and has eyes for the far corner, but Mignolet does really well to get down and knock it behind with a strong hand.
32'
HAS TO BE BETTER! The build-up from Coutinho was superb, before delivering a clever flick on into the path of Sterling. The forward breaks into the area and gets a shot off, but it doesn't trouble Hennessey. Coutinho was shouting for a return pass as he continued his run, but never did get it back.
30'
Lallana's goal is really quite harsh on Crystal Palace. It's arguably more than they deserve considering the visitors had really taken the match by the horns and had created more clear cut opportunities in attack. Nonetheless, the game of football is a cruel mistress and one mistake can be punished as we just saw.
28'
Bolasie bullies Lovren off the ball as Palace get back on the front foot. His cross into the area is knocked away by Can, but only into the path of Ledley who can't direct his shot on target! That was a great chance for the visitors to pull level.
26'
A. Lallana has scored a goal for Liverpool!
LIVERPOOL DRAW FIRST BLOOD! Dreadful back-pass from Kelly, who puts Dann under a ton of pressure. Lallana runs on to intercept and sprints through on goal, finishing emphatically into the top corner. Gerrard is the first to run over and congratulate him as his sendoff takes a turn in the right direction!
25'
GERRARD FACTS: He made his 400th Premier League appearance for Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby against rivals Everton on March 13, 2012. He scored all three goals in a commanding 3-0 victory.
23'
BOLASIE! Palace haven't had as much possession, but they've certainly made the most of their time on the ball. The winger takes on Can on the left and cuts inside toward the top of the area, but his strike is deflected wide by the head of Skrtel.
21'
PUNCHEON RUNNING RAMPANT! The midfielder is back in the starting lineup and it's proving to be a smart decision by Alan Pardew. He holds the ball up brilliantly atop the area before picking out Joel Ward on the right. The defender measures up a cross but there's too much pace behind his delivery as it whizzes across the face of goal and out for a throw.
19'
Great stuff from Henderson! The man touted as the possible Gerrard replacement does brilliantly atop the area, linking up with Coutninho before bursting into the penalty area via the right channel. Kelly reads it well, however, to stick with the run and nudge the ball behind for a corner.
17'
Puncheon makes a probing run to the top of the area, working a clever one-two with Lee. He lays a pass off for Souare on the left, but the defender's cross is too close to Mignolet who has no trouble plucking it out of the air.
15'
Gerrard lines up a free kick to the right of the area in what promises to be his first chance to make an impact on the match. His delivery is inviting and Skrtel rises to meet it, but sends his header well over the bar.
13'
Ward is issued a warning as he slides in with a loose challenge, trying to win the ball back near the touchline as Gerrard's ball for Moreno looked to send the wing-back into space. It's a bit of a careless tackle, but there's not enough in it to earn the right-back a booking.
11'
GERRARD FACTS: Steven Gerrard made his Anfield debut on November 29, 1998 against Blackburn, replacing Vegard Heggem in the 89th minute of a 2-0 victory. Paul Ince and Michael Owen scored the goals for Liverpool in the first half.
9'
The atmosphere has been subdued by this sluggish start to the match, which has yet to really take shape and spring to life. Crystal Palace are doing a wonderful job of keeping their shape - and of course it's not their job to ensure Gerrard's day goes according to plan.
7'
It's the same story for Liverpool again in the opening stages as they dominate possession with little to show for it. They're passing it around quite well, but Palace have committed men back in defence to make life difficult on the Reds as they try and find a way through.
5'
Liverpool push forward and win an early corner. Henderson's delivery is cleared and Palace look to break. Puncheon sprints forward, but his ball over the top fails to pick out the run of Bolasie as the Reds regain possession.
3'
Amidst all the pageantry, it was almost lost that there's still a match to be played! The emotional pre-match festivities seem to have had a positive effect on Liverpool as they enjoy an encouraging start to the match, keeping the bulk of possession.
1'
And we're underway as Crystal Palace kick-off!
Hello Premier League fans around the world, and welcome to Merseyside! There isn’t much to play for as far as the standings are concerned, but it promises to be an emotional match as the Anfield faithful bid farewell to captain Steven Gerrard as he takes the pitch for his final home match in the famous Liverpool red. I am Alex Moretto and I will be your in-game host, guiding you through the match LIVE as it happens.
A long, prolific Liverpool journey for Steven Gerrard has reached the end of the road, as he gets set to take the pitch at Anfield for the last time. The captain will be presented with a guard of honour before the match ahead of his final home appearance and it promises to an emotional send-off for the midfielder, who has made over 500 Premier League appearances for the club. There’s little at stake as far as the league table is concerned, but it hardly would have mattered, as Gerrard’s departure was always going to take centre stage.
In his 17 years with the senior team, Gerrard has made 708 appearances across all competitions – set to add another here today. He joined the academy at the ripe age of nine, spending his entire career with the Reds, a true rarity in today’s game, and has accumulated an abundance of silverware over that span: two FA Cups, three League Cups, a Community Shield, a Champions League, a Uefa Cup and two Uefa Super Cups. His personal accolades are endless, too long to list here, which is a fitting testament to his abilities as a player and his tremendous character as a father, husband, friend and teammate.
Tickets for the match – near the halfway line – are selling for nearly £2,000. The Kop end should provide an atmosphere that would rival that of a Premier League final, but both sets of fans in attendance, as well as those watching around the globe, can appreciate that they are witnessing the departure of a true legend of not just English football, but the sport as a whole. The gameday program has been renamed "GERRARD" and mosaics and banners are littered throughout Anfield. The scene is set for the captain who is in for one last big occasion in Liverpool colours - and he's proved time and time again that he's up for it.
Alan Pardew has made a grocery list of changes to his squad, as he tries to end a four-match losing skid at the expense of Gerrard's farewell party. Wayne Hennessey, Jason Puncheon, Chung-Yong Lee, Yannick Bolasie and former Liverpool player Martin Kelly are all reinstated into the starting lineup in place of Julian Speroni, Damien Delaney, Mile Jedinak, Wilfried Zaha and Glenn Murray
A misty-eyed Steven Gerrard waits in the tunnel, accompanied by his three beautiful daughters. It's a truly special moment as his lengthy list of accomplishments are read out through the loudspeakers. He steps onto the pitch and Anfield erupts in a historic moment for English football.
A wonderful rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" echoes through Anfield, as their storied captain stands at the halfway line with his wife and three daughters, taking it all in. Gerrard is met by Liverpool-born Scott Dann, captaining the Crystal Palce side today, as he takes part in the ceremonial coin toss for the last time.
HALF TIME: LIVERPOOL 1-1 CRYSTAL PALACE. Gerrard's party is not going according to plan as the stubborn Eagles side did well to spoil the fun in the first 45 minutes. Lallana's opener went according to script, but Puncheon's equalizer has sent Liverpool back to the drawing board as the teams make their way into the tunnel.
Steven Gerrard starts and captains the side in midfield - surprise, surprise! Jordan Henderson has the honor of lining up beside him, with Jordon Ibe and Alberto Moreno providing support on the flanks as the two designated wing-backs, both returning to the starting lineup at the expense of Glen Johnson and Rickie Lambert. Mario Balotelli has been left out of the squad altogether, with Raheem Sterling starting as a false nine.
FULL TIME: LIVERPOOL 1-3 CRYSTAL PALACE. Even an Eagles victory can't put a damper on the celebrations as the Anfield faithful pay their final respects to a man whose contributions to the club have been immeasurable.
Steven Gerrard walks off the pitch after a 709th appearance for Liverpool, but he makes his way down the tunnel for the last time at Anfield, sadly on the losing end.
Gone but not forgotten is the sentiment shared by staff and fans alike, for while he may never return to Anfield as a player, his contributions to the club both on and off the pitch will be passed down by generations of Liverpool supporters as he enters the proverbial hall of club legends. Until next time, the footballing world bids Gerrard a loving farewell.
And that's me, Alex Moretto, bidding a farewell myself. Thank you all for joining me here on this momentous occasion. Good bye!
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