Slice of humble pie for Stevie G

Credit where credit is due, Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has made a u-turn and ordered a large slice of humble pie.

The bitter midfielder branded Everton as a direct team similar to Stoke in the aftermath of his side failing to put the game to bed after taking a surprise 2-0 lead early in the first half at Goodison Park on Sunday.

Everton of course fought back with goals from Osman and Naismith, before Suarez had a last minute winner wrongfully disallowed for offside.

The England midfielder clearly frustrated with the honours being shared on Sunday evening went on to say: 'There was only one team who came into the derby trying to play football. Everton are effective because they have some big physical lads in the team and are very direct. They are effective. But the only team who tried to play football was us.

Despite the match statistics proving completely otherwise, with Everton dominating possession, pass completion, crosses and efforts on goal. Gerrard went on to add: 'I thought we stood up to a team that are very similar to Stoke. Every single time they get the ball at the goalkeeper it comes in long.'

As we pointed out in our article this morning, the Gerrard comments have done well to deflect the attention away from team-mate Luis Suarez.

In the build up to the game following David Moyes general comments regarding players playacting and diving for decisions, the media focussed on Suarez, who dully hit back with his diving celebration following the open goal.

With Suarez lucky to not be sent off for a tackle on Distin, the headlines remained firmly focussed on Suarez until Gerrard made his inaccurate comments.

But Stevie G has now had a change of heart and has apologised for his remarks.

"Just to clarify I`ve watched the game again, and I`ve seen some of Everton`s matches this season, and what I said in relation to their style of play went too far," Gerrard told The Echo.

He continued: "I was frustrated by the disallowed goal from Luis when I spoke and also some of the things that have been said about Luis in recent weeks which haven`t been fair in my opinion.

"As captain I have a duty to stand up for our players when I feel they are unfairly singled out.

"But it wasn`t my intention to disrespect Everton or Stoke for that matter and I certainly didn`t intend any disrespect to their manager or players.

"I have the utmost respect for David Moyes and Tony Pulis and the job they have done at their respective clubs.

"My main issue was with the goal that wasn`t given and that Liverpool did not get the three points I felt we deserved in what was a fantastic derby match."

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