This is the end
LIVERPOOL striker Robbie Fowler said an emotional fairwell to Anfield, as he leaves Liverpool at the end of the season when his contract runs out, the tabloids already linking him with a move to Portsmouth.
He didn't get the start he would have been wishing for though, when the already relegated Charlton Athletic went 1-0 within two minutes away at a team that will play in the Champions League Final for a second time since Rafael Benetiz took charge of the Merseysiders.
Javier Mascherano misplaced his pass in midfield, and the ball was slotted through to Matt Holland who unleashed a six-yard shot, which bobbled all the way in to the back of Daniele Padelli's net. The youngster was deputising in the absence of Jose Reina and Jerzy Dudek.
![]() ABOVE: Carson returns to Anfield this summer after his loan-spell |
The scousers missed a glorious chance soon after, when Addicks defender Madjid Bougherra slipped on the wet Anfield surface, leaving Alvaro Arbeloa to have a clean run on goal, but his sidefoot shot was put wide of Darren Randolph's far post.
Randolph was deputising for Scott Carson, who was eneligable to play as he is on-loan from Liverpool, and is set to return to Anfield when his loan deal comes to an end in the summer.
Ambrose scuffed a unmarked shot before Darren Bent felt he should have had a penalty after a Jamie Carragher push, but nothing was given.
Bent, who is an almost certainty to leave the Addicks this summer following relegation, is rumoured to have been a Liverpool target in the past, so who knows, he could be Robbie Fowler's replacement at Anfield next season. Actually scrap that, Bent isn't Spanish so he will never be signed by Rafa Benitez will he?
Charlton's leading scorer with 14 was involved again when he beat the offside trap and slid the ball into the six-yard box and, after Liverpool failed to clear, Alexandre Song saw shot was cleared off the line by Irish International Steve Finnan.
Xabi Alonso equalised when he slotted in Dirk Kuyt's nod down following a Harry Kewell cross in to the area. Kewell then struck the post before Darren Bent volleyed in to give Charlton the lead. Song hit the foot of the post for the visitors as it looked like Alan Pardew's men would sign out of the Premiership on a high note.
Fowler was substituted late on, minutes before Liverpool were rewarded a penalty, a penalty that he would have been stepping up to take. Bougherra was judged to have handballed, Kewell stepped up to give Liverpool a share of the spoils.
Liverpool: Padelli, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Arbeloa (Alonso 61), Gerrard, Mascherano, Zenden (Kewell 57), Riise, Kuyt, Fowler (Crouch 88).
Subs Not Used: Martin, Hyypia.
Goals: Alonso 62, Kewell 90 pen.
Charlton: Randolph, Young, Bougherra, Hreidarsson, Thatcher, Ambrose (Hughes 52), Holland, Song Billong, Zheng (Marcus Bent 90), Sam (Hasselbaink 82), Darren Bent.
Subs Not Used: Elliot, Fortune.
Goals: Holland 2, Darren Bent 72.
Att: 43,134
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