Gerrard still the talisman

If Liverpool are still struggling to come to terms with the loss of Luis Suarez then, even as the last week has catapulted them back into Champions League contention, it has also offered Brendan Rodgers the glimpse of an even more unpalatable Anfield future.

Injury to Daniel Sturridge and the failure to replace the controversial Uruguay forward have contributed to an embarrassing return of seven goals from as many home games for Rodgers’ side this season.

But the last two of those home games — a nervy 1-0 win over Stoke and this tepid stalemate with Sunderland — have come with living legend Steven Gerrard out of the starting line-up.