We deserved to win, Gerrard

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard blamed his side’s inability to kill off Swiss opponents Basle in the first half for their frustrating 1-1 Champions League draw at Anfield tonight.

Czech striker Milan Baros opened the scoring in the first half and also saw a shot hit the angle of post and crossbar and bounce out. Left-back John Arne Riise also had two strikes crash back off the crossbar and then just before half-time Julio Rossi snatched an equaliser.

“It was disappointing in the end. I thought we deserved three points,” said Gerrard.

“The lads have worked hard. We have hit the bar three times and been close with a couple of shots and you can’t do more than that.

“I think we put a lot into the first half and we should have been three or four up in the first half.

“We were 1-0 up and cruising but credit to Basle they scored a goal at the Kop end.”

The England midfielder added: “Basle made it hard. They worked very hard.”

Manager Gerard Houllier said he was pleased with the way the team reacted following their 2-0 humiliation against Valencia last week.

“I think we created enough chances to win the game but I must give special tribute to the players, they were absolutely brilliant.

“They played some exciting football and we tried everything. Their goalkeeper saved them on a couple of occasions, the post as well – we hit that three times.

“Even if I feel a bit disappointed for my players I feel proud of the football they played. We are improving in the Champions League. In terms of football, today it was a different team.”

Under-fire striker Michael Owen was substituted shortly before the end after failing to add to his solitary goal this season but Gerrard backed his club and England team-mate to come good.

“It is not happening for Michael but he will come strong. He will be back sooner or later,” he told ITV2.

And Gerrard added that although the Reds have only one point from two matches and lie third in the group, there was plenty of time to turn things around.

“Valencia are going to be difficult for Basle and we can go into Basle and get three points. There’s no panic yet,” he said.