Arcadie blog

Carragher scores for Reds and Blues in testimonial

LONDON (AFP) – Jamie Carragher scored for Liverpool and Everton as his current club secured a 4-1 win over the team he supported as a boy in his testimonial at Anfield on Saturday.

Carragher converted a spot-kick in the first half for the Reds before scoring a penalty own-goal for Everton after half-time.

The 32-year-old was granted the fixture as he celebrated 14 years with Liverpool and he hopes to raise one million pounds for his 23 Foundation from the game and a gala dinner, with proceeds going to local groups and charities.

Liverpool team-mates from past and present including Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole, Michael Owen, Luis Garcia, Emile Heskey, Danny Murphy and Jerzy Dudek turned out for Carragher's big day.

Gerrard, given dispensation by Fabio Capello after featuring in England's 4-0 victory over Bulgaria on Friday, 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 Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson.

Carragher said: "As an Everton fan as a kid I've always dreamed about scoring against Liverpool so that is why I did that.

"Steven Gerrard is the best player I've ever played with so I'm delighted he was involved as well.

"A big thank you to the people at the FA because it is not easy as they had two massive games."

Gerrard added: "Because I'm so close to Jamie, not just as a team-mate but as a friend, I wanted to be here to share it with him.

"I asked for permission to fly in and out and have a small cameo and he (Capello) was fine with it, although I'm sure his decision was based on beating Bulgaria 4-0."

Manchester United striker Owen was greeted with boos and cheers from the crowd of 35,631 as some fans showed their displeasure at his move to Liverpool's arch rivals.

Luis Garcia opened the scoring after being set up by Cole, then Carragher scored from the penalty spot after Owen's shot hit Jose Baxter on the arm.

In the second half Cole volleyed in his first goal at Anfield from Ryan Babel's cross and reserve team striker Nathan Eccleston fired home the fourth.

In between Carragher fouled James Vaughan and, in a bizarre bid to score for his childhood team, took Everton's penalty himself.

He shot past Brad Jones, making his first appearance in a Liverpool shirt after signing last month from Middlesbrough, to give Everton their consolation goal.