Skip to content

James McArthur out to spoil Steven Gerrard farewell at Anfield

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Crystal Palace's James McArthur talks to Dickie Davies about Alan Pardew, performances and his infamous clash with Nigel Pearson

Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur is hoping to “spoil the party” for Steven Gerrard when the Eagles face Liverpool.

Alan Pardew’s men travel to Anfield on Saturday Night Football, when Gerrard plays his last home game for the club ahead of his move to LA Galaxy.

Palace couldn’t ruin Chelsea’s celebrations two weeks ago as they lost 1-0 to the Blues, who secured the Premier League title with the win, but McArthur told Soccer Saturday the occasion won’t be a problem for them at Anfield.

“It’s just another game for us,” he said. “We’ll go in there to try and win the match. We’ve played well in the last two games – we want to emulate that and try to get the three points this time.

Live Ford Saturday Night Football

“Obviously it’s a great occasion for him. He’s been an ambassador for football – he’s a legend at Liverpool. It’s great for him but hopefully we’ll spoil the party.”

The Eagles have lifted themselves well clear of the drop zone but have lost their last four Premier League games in succession.

McArthur insists the players are still putting in the effort, and believes they were unlucky in their recent defeats to Chelsea and Manchester United.

More from Liverpool V Crystal Palace

“I think if you look at the last two performances it shows we’ve not taken our foot off the gas,” he added.

“We’ve played well, we’ve just been unfortunate. We had a dip in performances against Hull and West Brom, but with the last two I think the manager’s been pleased with the performance.”

Watch the extended interview with James McArthur via Sky Go, the Sky Sports iPad app or On Demand.

Around Sky