Jamie Carragher was grateful Gary Neville pulled his hamstring mid-way through Vincent Kompany testimonial after his error gifted the Manchester City legends’ an early goal.
Neville endured a nightmare opening minute at the Etihad, losing sight of Martin Petrov and leaving the former City star free to run through on goal.
After Petrov smashed the ball into the roof of the net, Carragher blasted Neville for abandoning his runner and leaving Petrov all alone on the wing.
Neville then pulled his hamstring and Carragher was relieved to see his fellow pundit hobble off.
“He gave a goal away in the first minute, pulls his hamstring and then after he goes off – we’re fine!” ?@Carra23 still isn’t happy with @GNev2…? pic.twitter.com/lq9UF106E3
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 11, 2019
‘You’ve got to go with your runners, haven’t ya? You’ve got to go with your runners,’ he told Sky Sports after the game.
‘He (Neville) gives a goal away in the first minute, pulls his hamstring and then after he goes off, we’re fine.
‘We were in total control when he went off. You’ve got to go with your runners. How many times have we heard Gary Neville said that on Monday Night Football?’
While Neville’s early error put the Premier League All-stars on the back foot, Robbie Keane levelled proceedings with a slick finish after a flowing move that involved former Manchester United trio Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs and Robin van Persie.
And the fightback was completed in the second half when Van Persie, only recently retired, produced a trademark finish to make it 2-1 for the visitors.
But there was to be late celebrates for Kompany and the City legends when Benjani headed in from a free-kick in the 89th minute.
