Steven Gerrard says Liverpool showed ‘big improvements’ in their 1-1 draw with Everton at Anfield on Saturday, after a poor run of results and performances.
The skipper thought he had won the game for the Reds with a superb free kick, only to see a last minute wonder strike from Phil Jagielka give the Toffees a share of the spoils.
And whilst Gerrard conceded he was gutted to see two points dropped, the 34-year-old says the performance level was a definite step in the right direction.
“I think there were big improvements today as far as the performance was concerned,” the midfielder told BT Sport after the final whistle.
“I said before the game that we needed more intensity with and without the ball, and I thought we did everything right today but just get over the line.
“Credit to Jagielka – it was a wonder strike. It’s the type of strike you hit once in your career. But over the 90 minutes and chances created, we’re disappointed not to take three points.
“We need to improve – we’re all aware of that. It wasn’t the start we were looking for, but there has been a lot of change here. We’re aware we need to improve and it will happen.”
Gerrard said of his free kick goal:
“You get a feeling for certain areas in the pitch when you get a free-kick. Mario got a feeling for a few in the first half and he hit one that nearly came off.
“You need to have options in your team when it comes to set-pieces. When I saw us get the foul where it was, I fancied it and thankfully I got the strike right.
“I think Mario did everything today but get that goal. He had a wonderful chance to wrap the game up.
“But I’m sure he’ll start slotting those chances the more he gets settled and gets used to his teammates. In his performance today, I think he did everything right but score.”