Liverpool and Chelsea stars of yesteryear took to the field at Anfield in a Legends match to raise money for charity, and it was Reds hero Peter Crouch who stole the show
Comments
Sport
Updated 17:00, 22 Mar 2025
Peter Crouch celebrates scoring for Liverpool Legends
Peter Crouch brought out the robot after scoring for Liverpool Legends
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Former England and Liverpool star Peter Crouch treated fans to his famous robot celebration after scoring for Liverpool Legends against Chelsea. The 44-year-old reserved the move for England matches during his playing career, but couldn't resist bringing it back out when he opened the scoring.
Crouch was introduced as one of a number of half-time substitutes, and wasted little time breaking the deadlock. There was plenty for him to do as a cross came in from the right flank, but he powered a header into the top corner of Carlo Cudicini's net.
He made it two midway through the second half. Crouch's first effort from a Mark Gonzalez cross was blocked, but he reacted quickest to lift the ball into the far corner.
Kenny Dalglish took charge of the Liverpool team, with former captains Sami Hyypia and Steven Gerrard joined by younger ex-players including Ragnar Klavan and Martin Kelly. It was Roberto Di Matteo in charge for Chelsea, and the Italian called upon his compatriot Gianfranco Zola during the second half.
Liverpool sold out their allocation for the game, which helped raise funds for the LFC Foundation. And those in the home end were delighted to see Crouch not just score but celebrate in style.
READ MORE: Ex-Liverpool star hospitalised with punctured lung makes return to AnfieldREAD MORE: Roy Keane U-turn saw Man Utd icon show true colours in Liverpool Legends game
Earlier, Natasha Dowie made history by becoming the first female player to represent Liverpool in a Legends football match when she featured at Anfield on Saturday. The former England international had a better time of things than a couple of other ex-pros, though, with injury striking on more than one occasion.
Dowie was greeted by warm applause as she entered the field towards the end of the first half, replacing Mohamed Sissoko. The 36-year-old was one of the younger players on the field in Merseyside, and made her presence felt with challenges on Claude Makelee and Ramires in Chelsea blue.
Liverpool's Natasha Dowie challenging Chelsea's Claude Makelele
Liverpool's Natasha Dowie challenging Chelsea's Claude Makelele(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Another former Red, goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, had a day to forget. His afternoon came to an end inside 20 minutes as he picked up an injury trying to launch a counter-attack, with Sander Westerveld taking his place.
Westerveld, who was once a team-mate of current Reds boss Arne Slot at Sparta Rotterdam, pulled out the save of the game at 1-0. Robert Huth powered a header towards goal from point-blank range, only for Westerveld to pull out a fine reflex stop to push the ball to safety.
Gianfranco Zola coming on for Chelsea Legends vs Liverpool legends
Gianfranco Zola was one of the Chelsea legends involved at Anfield
"Almost the perfect day," goalkeeper Westerveld told Liverpool's YouTube channel after the game. "Clean sheet, I don't know how I did it [the save from Huth], it was a reflex - I didn't know I had it in me.
"[I'm] happy with that save, happy to help the team, a good win and I'm super proud again. So much money for the foundation, can't be better.
"It's a perfect day for us as players. We miss those games - we don't miss pre-season... but a full stadium with this pitch and these people, giving back to the people, helping the foundation to raise money. I've been privileged to be at the Anfield Community Centre, I see what they do with the money and it's unbelievable."
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.