Rodgers: Time to lay off Gerrard

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes there has been too much focus on Steven Gerrard’s slip in last week’s defeat to Chelsea and says the captain should in no way be held accountable.

The Reds lost 2-0 at home to the Blues in a match where the opponents blunted any attacking threat with a blanket defence and capitalised on a mistake by the Reds captain to score the opening goal.

Gerrard’s slip just inside his own half, presenting Demba Ba with a clear run on goal, has been the subject of much analysis and numerous jokes and comment on social media and beyond, but Rodgers attaches no blame to the England international.

“Stevie was like us all — we all hurt,” he said when asked whether he had needed to lift his captain’s spirits this week.

“He’s a really good man. I think it’s been a bit over-analysed as well — the guy slipped, which can happen to anyone. Unfortunately it led to the goal and that was a big factor in the game. However, it happens and we move on.”

Last weekend’s defeat took the title destiny out of Liverpool’s hands and made Manchester City favourites as they are only three points behind with a match in hand and a superior goal difference.

The Reds still lead the Premier League by two points from Chelsea but find themselves in the unusual position of needing near-neighbours Everton to do them a favour when Manuel Pellegrini’s side visit Goodison Park this evening.

“City have a really tough game against Everton and I’ve read one or two bits about Everton not wanting to do Liverpool a favour,” added Rodgers, whose side do not play until Monday at Crystal Palace.

“Make no mistake, Everton in their own right are a great club who have done well this year, particularly at home, and they are fighting for a Champions League position.

“Everton have their own reasons to do their own job.”

Striker Daniel Sturridge’s fitness will be assessed over the weekend to see whether he is ready to start against Palace on Monday.

Meanwhile, Tony Pulis has brushed off suggestions he is unhappy at Palace but admits he cannot guarantee he will still be in charge at Selhurst Park next season.

Pulis, who was yesterday named the Barclays Premier League manager of the month for April, said: “You can never guarantee I’m going to be here next season.

“You take every day as it comes. I’m very, very proud to be stood here as manager of Crystal Palace and that we’re still a Premier League football club next season.”