Captain Fantastic rescues Reds

LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard came to his side’s aid once again as his late hat-trick inspired the side to a Europa League victory against Napoli which highlighted the gulf in class within the squad.

The Reds were behind to Ezequiel Lavezzi’s goal after a dire first-half performance but the midfielder’s introduction at the interval changed the dynamic. Gerrard scored three goals in the final 15 minutes to extend Liverpool’s lead at the top of Group K. It also made it two wins and two draws in the last four matches.

Gerrard played down his own role. “The manager asked me to come on and see if I could help get the lads back in it. Every one of the lads in the second half was just fantastic.