Consistently inconsistent: We only have ourselves to blame for missing out on top four admits Gerrard

1 Apr 2013 22:30

“In the majority of games we’ve played well enough to be higher than where we are in the league," says Liverpool skipper

Winner: Gerrard celebrates scoring Liverpool's second goal

Stu Forster

Steven Gerrard says Liverpool can only blame themselves for missing out on the top four after bemoaning their inconsistency.
The Anfield club recovered from conceding the first goal to go on and win for the first time this term in Sunday’s 2-1 triumph at Aston Villa.
The visitors’ character delighted boss Brendan Rodgers and skipper Gerrard, who converted their match-winning penalty and headed a certain goal off the line.
It was a formidable display after tamely losing 3-1 at lowly Southampton in their previous game.
Midfielder Gerrard, 32, is now targeting a strong finish to the season by the Reds, who are seventh.
But he cannot hide his frustration at again missing out on the Champions League places.
Gerrard said: “We know what our problem is and it’s inconsistency.
“In the majority of games we’ve played well enough to be higher than where we are in the league.
“But when you look at performances like Southampton, Villa at home, West Brom away, Arsenal at home, there’s a handful of games where this team hasn’t turned up.
“That’s the reason why we are sitting where we are in the table.

2-1: Gerrard scores the second Liverpool goal

Stu Forster

“In between those games there have been some fantastic performances, well worth a top four finish. So we know we’re not far away.
“But I think if you say that you haven’t got what you deserved then there’s an element of feeling sorry for yourself.
“If there’s a few improvements in the summer to the squad, we believe we can put in a better challenge to the top four next season.”
There were several encouraging signs for boss Rodgers at Villa Park. His flair players Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez both performed superbly and were unlucky not to score.
Tiny Brazilian midfielder Coutinho, 20, produced an exquisite through ball for Jordan Henderson’s leveller.
Coutinho continues to excite following his £8.5million January move from Inter Milan.
Gerrard added: “If you look at the weight of his pass for the first goal, that sums him up. People talk about how skillful he is and how quick his feet are.
“When you can deliver a pass like that to set up a goal in the final third, then everyone knows what quality you possess.
“If you have attacking players of the quality of Coutinho, Stewart Downing and Suarez, you win games.

Boy from Brazil: Gerrard celebrates after scoring the second Liverpool goal with Philippe Coutinho

Stu Forster

“If they play close to their level then you know you’re going to score goals against teams. Inevitably you win important games.
“Personally as a player, I always find it easier to play with top quality players - the likes of Michael Owen, Fernando Torres, Suarez and Coutinho. They are the easiest players to play with.”
But none of Liverpool’s players performed better at Villa than man-of-the-match Gerrard, who also made that vital headed clearance to preserve victory.
Rodgers has already promised Gerrard a new deal as the midfielder is set to finish his career at Anfield.
Gerrard said: “Of course I’m happy that the club are mentioning new contracts, but it’s not important at the moment.
“The most important thing for me now is to move on to the West Ham game on Sunday.
“I want to finish the season strong. I’m feeling good.”

The games where Liverpool didn’t show up

Aug 18 West Brom 3-0 Liverpool
Trailing 1-0 at half time, Liverpool fell apart in 19 minutes when first Daniel Agger was sent off and then Peter Odemwingie and Romelu Lukaku scored.
Sep 2 Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal
After holding champions Manchester City in their home opener, they drew a blank in their next Anfield showing as Lukasz Podolski and Santi Cazorla put them away.
Dec 15 Liverpool 1-3 Aston Villa
A Christian Benteke double and one from Andreas Weimann put Villa in control early in the second half before Steven Gerrard’s late consolation.
Mar 16 Southampton 3-1 Liverpool
Another slow start from the Reds saw them 2-0 down from goals by Morgan Schneiderlin and Rickie Lambert. Coutinho gave them hope before Jay Rodriguez finished them off. -------- Mirror Football