[lfc-news] Gerrard hails Liverpool "lions" - PA

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PA Sport, 20 Mar 2005
GERRARD HAILS LIVERPOOL 'LIONS'

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard said the Reds "defended like lions" to
make sure of three points from the 201st Merseyside derby.

Gerrard opened the scoring and Luis Garcia doubled the advantage before
Tim Cahill set up a frantic finish with an 82nd-minute goal.

But the Reds held on to cut the gap between Everton and themselves to
just four points as the chase for fourth place - and possible Champions
League qualification - hots up.

Gerrard said afterwards: "The game could have been a lot easier if Milan
Baros had taken his chances but unfortunately he missed them and was
later sent off.

"But as a defensive unit we defended like lions.

"Everything went wrong with injuries (to Fernando Morientes, Dietmar
Hamann and Stephen Warnock) in the first half but we stuck together and
ground it out.

"We dominated the game to get 2-0 ahead - but then there was hard work."

Gerrard is hoping his performance will silence some of the critics who
were unhappy with the midweek goalless draw against Blackburn.

He said: "I always enjoy playing and scoring and it was nice to get my
10th goal of the season - we knew nothing else would do other than the
three points.

"I'm captain of this club so I'll take criticism - some of it is a
little bit unfair but I'll take it on the chin and get on with it."

Team-mate Jamie Carragher added on Sky Sports: "We've taken a lot of
stick this season and I think a lot of people wanted Everton to win today.

"But it was a massive game for us and psychologically it will give us a
big lift."

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said: "I'm delighted for the players, for
the supporters and for the club - it's a fantastic victory.

"We knew it was important to get the three points for the confidence of
the team and to win in front of your own supporters is also important."

The Spaniard, who confirmed that Fernando Morientes and Dietmar Hamann
had joined the Anfield injury list, added: "It's difficult to be
consistent without all the squad fit.

"But we've put pressure on Everton - and we'll try to do it in the next
game."

Everton counterpart David Moyes was disappointed referee Rob Styles only
played three minutes of added time in a game which also saw Milan Baros
dismissed.

He added on Sky Sports: "It definitely wasn't three minutes - and I
think we played three minutes to the second - I can't believe it.

"But I've got to say I thought Liverpool were very good in the first half.

"They put us under pressure, which we knew would happen, but we didn't
get a lot of protection or the decisions that matter to us.

"But they probably deserved the win on their first-half performance."

The Scot revealed Nigel Martyn has accepted responsibility for
Liverpool's second goal, as he inadequately dealt with a long-range
Morientes effort.

Moyes explained: "He has been our best player probably for the last two
years - but he has held his hand up.

"We're disappointed with it but he's a terrific goalkeeper and he's
saved us many, many times, so we'll move on and hopefully it won't
happen again.

"Four points is a decent number (points advantage over Liverpool) and
it's great to talk about us being there.

"A lot wasn't expected of us this season so it's nice to be in there."

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