The talismanic Liverpool captain is still the most influential player for the Reds and his new lynchpin role in midfield has allowed for their ruthless offensive capability
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In 2007, Rafa Benitez famously substituted Steven Gerrard, sending in Lucas Leiva for his debut as he cited the need for cool heads.
If Benitez was still managing Liverpool in the 222nd Merseyside derby, it is unlikely he would have made a similar move, such was Gerrard’s composed performance.
In the same way Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso once allowed Gerrard to bomb forward, the skipper’s defensive discipline allowed Luis Suarez, Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge to attack.
The whole game saw Gerrard reining in his attacking instincts in a style rarely associated with the swashbuckling midfielder, silencing those who questioned if he had the discipline required to play in that defensive midfield role.
In his 28th Merseyside derby, Gerrard married class and commitment, contributing at both ends of the pitch.
On top of his goal, Gerrard also displayed considerable defensive prowess, finishing the game with three blocked shots, four clearances and three successful tackles. His heat map also showed how Gerrard rarely ventured forward, preferring to stay at the back to shield his back four.
In contrast, while Everton’s Gareth Barry made five successful tackles, he failed to make a single clearance.
We needed to play with our brains and not with our heart. We needed to pass the ball better. You can have too much passion.
- Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, in explaining why he substituted Steven Gerrard in a derby match against Everton in 2007
Indeed, Gerrard arguably provided the platform for his team to shine, with his intelligence giving him the anticipation to drop deep and act as an auxiliary sweeper to give his full-backs greater license to push forward.
His ability to play the long balls also gave the Reds a chance to launch quick counter-attacks, something they were keen to exploit.
In fact, their counter-attacks were so ruthless, it was almost as if each Everton attack would result in a Liverpool shot on goal.
It was the speed of Liverpool’s counter-attack that led to all four of their goals as the Reds ensured Everton failed to end their 14-year Anfield win-less streak since 1999 – coincidentally the same year Gerrard played in his first Merseyside derby.
Even Suarez’s corner, curled ironically onto Gerrard, who usually has corner-kick duties, was won as a result of a Liverpool fast break.
However, it was not that Everton were playing badly. In fact, they enjoyed 61% of the possession and won eight corners to Liverpool’s five.
Everton were just unable to deal with the sheer speed of Liverpool’s attacks, something not helped by the high-line employed by manager Roberto Martinez.
The situation was further hampered with Martinez being forced to rush back a less-than-match-fit Antolin Alcaraz and Phil Jagielka after already seeing striker Romelu Lukaku go off injured early in the first half.
In fact, Liverpool’s goals were all scored either against the run of play or after a promising Everton attack.
Certainly, the match left Rodgers with plenty to smile, with his attacking players mirroring their captain’s discipline in terms of their off the ball pressing as Liverpool broke Everton’s seven-match unbeaten away game streak.
Indeed, there was even the bonus of Liverpool keeping a clean sheet for just the fourth time in 20 games, such was Liverpool’s dominance.
With a front pairing which has already netted 35 goals this season, Liverpool fans definitely have much cause for optimism, especially with Lucas, Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique yet to return to fitness.
With Gerrard at the heart of it all, a Champions League place is definitely an achievable target.
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Gerrard discipline allows Suarez and Sturridge to thrive
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