Gerrard accused of hitting man 'like a boxer'

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard lashed out at a man "with the style and speed of a professional boxer" after losing his cool in a bar brawl, a court heard Tuesday.
The 29-year-old England midfielder is accused of being part of a group that injured businessman Marcus McGee, 34, at the Lounge Inn nightclub in Southport near Liverpool, northwest England, in December last year.
Gerrard was celebrating Liverpool's 5-1 win at Newcastle United at the time. He denies the charge of affray. An initial charge of assault was dropped at a court hearing in March.
The row erupted after Gerrard asked McGee for a card controlling the CD player, saying: "Give me that, lad," the court heard.
"Mr. McGee took offence at his attitude and the expression 'lad' and he refused. Not many people on Merseyside, or indeed anywhere else, would refuse a request from Steven Gerrard but Mr. McGee did," said prosecutor David Turner.
Gerrard was left fuming by the exchange, and six minutes later came back over to Mr. McGee, swearing and squaring up to him "in the sort of hostile confrontation that is often seen between professional footballers."
"Steven Gerrard had clearly lost his cool: he was angry with Marcus McGee," said Turner.
Gerrard's friends came over to help, and one of them, John Doran, pushed McGee away and "could not resist following through with his right elbow into Mr McGee's face", said Turner.
"We say at this stage Gerrard totally lost it.
"Within seconds, Steven Gerrard joined in the attack with a succession of well aimed uppercut punches delivered with the style and speed of a professional boxer rather than a professional footballer."
Turner said the key question was whether Gerrard was acting in self-defence.
"Steven Gerrard is a world class footballer. He has the honour to be captain of Liverpool FC and to play for England. He is a star. He is Liverpool born and bred and here on Merseyside is a hero," he said.
"We do not say that Mr. Gerrard is normally an arrogant man, we don't say that he is a bully.
"What we do say is that that night he just lost his self control and joined in an attack which should never have taken place. He let himself down."
Gerrard is facing trial alone, after five co-defendants admitted affray, and one admitted a lesser charge of threatening behaviour.

Gerrard signs on new 4 year contract

Steven Gerrard last night signed a new four-year deal with Liverpool, which will keep him at Anfield until he is 33.
The new deal is worth around £30million to the player, reports today's Guardian.
Steven Gerrard has taken another step towards ending his career as a one-club man after last night putting pen to paper on a new four-year contract with Liverpool.The deal, which ties the Huyton-born captain to Anfield until the age of 33 and will cost the club around £30m, was initially announced by Liverpool in April but formally concluded only upon Gerrard's return to pre-season training at Melwood yesterday.The midfielder had left the contract on hold during Liverpool's pursuit of Manchester United for the Premier League title last season, then departed for World Cup duty with England and a holiday before officially committing himself to Anfield until 2013. There were also minor contractual details to be resolved despite the club's announcement of an agreement in April.Gerrard still had two years remaining on a contract worth £120,000 a week and his new deal, believed to have increased his wage to £140,000 a week, may ensure he completes his professional playing career solely as an employee of Liverpool. The 29-year-old recently announced this contract is likely to be his last.The England international follows Yossi Benayoun in signing a new contract with Liverpool this week, while the manager, Rafael Benítez, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger have all committed their long-term futures to Anfield in recent months.

Gerrard downplays Zidane praise

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has played down the view of former France captain Zinedine Zidane that he is the best footballer in the world.
The 28-year-old England midfielder told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I was flattered, but took the comments with a pinch of salt.
"I'm really happy with my form but I don't think I'm the best; not at all."
Zidane made the claim after a Gerrard brace helped dump the Frenchman's former club, Real Madrid, out of the Champions League.
The 5-0 aggregate defeat of the nine-time European Cup winners prompted the World Cup-winning playmaker to lavish praise on the player he described as an "inspiration".
"Is he the best in the world? He might not get the attention of [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo but, yes, I think he just might be," Zidane said.
"He has great passing ability, can tackle and scores goals, but most importantly he gives the players around him confidence and belief. You can't learn that - players like him are just born with that presence."
Liverpool's progress to the Champions League quarter-finals prompted further victories in domestic competition, in which Gerrard again played a prominent role.
Is he the best in the world? Yes, I think he just might be
French great Zinedine Zidane
He scored in the Reds' 4-1 defeat of Premier League title-rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, before bagging a hat-trick in a 5-0 rout of Aston Villa at Anfield.
Despite such scintillating form and his position as second-highest scorer in the division with 13 goals, the Whiston-born international said there are many rivals for the title of the world's best player.
"I think it's difficult to say who is the best, I like watching players like Messi, Ronaldo. We're lucky to have so many top players who are a pleasure to watch, so it's difficult to put your finger on one," he said.
However, one criticism levelled at Gerrard throughout his career is that, despite proving a world-class performer for his club, he has often failed to translate such form onto the international stage with England.
"I am aware that I do need to be consistent for my country and to try and reproduce my Liverpool form. But I think since the new manager has come in my form has improved," he said.
"It was frustrating to miss the last two games but I scored in my last outing and helped set up a couple of goals, so I was pleased.
"It's very important to perform well for both this club and England - the idea is to finish the season strongly with Liverpool and then to be successful as we go into the World Cup year.
"Hopefully we'll qualify as I'd love nothing better than to have a fantastic World Cup and to perform on such a stage."

Gerrard faces three-week lay-off

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will be out of action for three weeks after a scan revealed a torn hamstring.
Gerrard was replaced after 16 minutes of Wednesday's FA Cup replay against Everton, which Liverpool lost 1-0.
The midfielder will now miss Saturday's match against Portsmouth, England's friendly against Spain next week and the visit of Manchester City.
Gerrard, 28, also faces a race against time to be fit for the Champions League tie against Real Madrid on 25 February.
bracewells-wedgeThe absence of Gerrard is a blow to Liverpool's title credentials having scored 11 goals for them in the league this season.
Liverpool are two points behind champions Manchester United, who have played a game less.
"A scan today has confirmed a tear in the hamstring of Steven's left leg," a spokesman told the club's official website.
"He will be out of action for about three weeks."
It is a blow to Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez who did not add to his squad in the January transfer window.
The Spaniard also came under criticism from some fans after selling striker Robbie Keane back to Tottenham for £12m.
It has left Liverpool short of forward options and the absence of attacking midfielder Gerrard further limits Benitez's options.
Star striker Fernando Torres is also battling his way back from a hamstring injury and is still short of full fitness.

Gerrard focused on Cup – Benitez

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will plead not guilty to the current charges against his for an incident in a Southport nightclub on December 28th.
The Reds skipper was arrested after an altercation at the Lounge Inn, just hours after helping his side to an emphatic 1-5 victory over Newcastle United

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is sure Steven Gerrard will put his court appearance out of his mind and focus on facing Everton in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Gerrard, 28, appeared at North Sefton Magistrates Court on Friday to answer charges of assault and affray relating to an incident in a bar in December.
He was driven straight to training afterwards where he resumed preparation for the fourth-round tie at Anfield.
The case has now been adjourned until March 20th.Gerrard has been given the full backing of manager Rafa Benitez, who says his midfield maestro has put the court hearing to the back of his mind and is full focussed on the football.

"Steven is in the right frame of mind. He is fine," said Benitez.
"He showed the other week [when the incident was first made public] that he has a responsibility to the fans and the club.
"He is a very good professional and showed he can concentrate on the job and he knows he has our full support."
Gerrard has continued to play for Liverpool since the incident at the Lounge Inn in Southport, Merseyside where he was one of six men arrested and later charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.
The Liverpool captain scored his side's goal in their 1-1 Premier League draw with Everton on Monday.
Benitez has more than just Gerrard's mental strength to concern him prior to Sunday's derby.
The build-up to the game has been overshadowed by reports of another prospective take-over of the club, this time from the super-rich Al Kharafi family from Kuwait.
Benitez claimed ignorance of the situation and dismissed the potential destabilising effect this could have on his side.
"I knew nothing of this and I was surprised to see what is being said," he insisted. "I would prefer to train the team and concentrate on the game with Everton.
"We know things can happen around [the club]. But at the end we have to come to work, to train and to be ready for the next game.
"It will be difficult against Everton, so we must focus on only what happens on the pitch."

Gerrard receives Benitez backing

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez says Steven Gerrard has his "full support and backing" following his captain's arrest after an alleged brawl.
Gerrard was charged with assault and affray after an incident at a bar in Southport in the early hours of Monday.
Benitez said: "I sat down with him and had a very good talk about the situation. We'll do whatever we can to support Steven in the weeks ahead."
Benitez also confirmed that Gerrard, 28, took part in training on Wednesday.
Gerrard was arrested with five other men - two of whom face the same charges as the footballer - near the Lounge Inn bar and nightclub in the seaside resort.
Benitez added: "Steven explained to me what had happened and I told him he has my full support and backing, along with everyone else at the football club.
"He's trained with the other lads after a couple of days off for the squad and is keen now to focus solely on his football. He is our captain and a key player for us.
"We've worked very hard to get into the position we're in going through to the new year and all of us are determined to keep that progress going. We're now concentrating on our preparation for the FA Cup game at Preston this weekend."
Steven has been an outstanding servant to Liverpool for the last 10 years and the club will give him all the support he needs at this time
Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor said: "We have a watching brief on this and have offered any help we can. I was concerned when I heard about the case as I have known Steven Gerrard a long time.
"I don't know the full details but as the players' union we would want to be supportive of him."
The England midfielder arrived at Liverpool's training ground in the suburb of West Derby at 1005 GMT and was greeted by a few fans, despite the freezing temperatures.
He has so far remained silent about the controversy and on Tuesday his wife Alex Curran, 26, said they would not be commenting.
Gerrard's visit to the bar on Sunday followed Liverpool's 5-1 demolition of Newcastle at St James' Park, a game in which the England international scored twice, as the Reds moved three points clear of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.
A 34-year-old man was taken to hospital with facial injuries after the alleged incident. Gerrard is due to appear at North Sefton Magistrates' Court with the other two men on 23 January.
The Football Association said it would not be making any comment on the Gerrard case other than to stress that his position with England was not in question.
It added that players would continue to be considered for England while police investigations were on-going, with their situation looked at on a case-by-case basis were they to be convicted of a serious criminal offence.
Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish believes Gerrard will cope with the scrutiny, saying: "Liverpool will support him and the Liverpool fans will support him tremendously well. He's a really strong character and I'm sure it won't affect his performance.
A Liverpool statement, released on Tuesday, read: "Steven has been an outstanding servant to Liverpool for the last 10 years and the club will give him all the support he needs at this time."
Gerrard has been capped by England 70 times and has captained his country four times. He was made an MBE last year and received an honorary fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University.

Gerrard salutes Torres after victory over Marseille

STEVEN GERRARD saluted strike partner Fernando Torres after Liverpool guaranteed their passage to the last 16 of the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Marseille at Anfield.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez chose to play Gerrard in an advanced position just behind Torres and the move paid off as the England midfielder scored the Reds’ winner after 23 minutes.
After the game, Gerrard said he had enjoyed playing alongside Torres and hoped Benitez would continue with the tactic in the future.
"He (Torres) is the key. Playing behind him is great for me," Gerrard said. "His runs are great. Tonight I scored the goal but I’m sure if the manager keeps playing us together I will provide him with a few."
Despite dominating the first half, Liverpool had to endure a nervy second period before they sealed the win.
Gerrard said he was disappointed with the second-half performance, but was glad the Reds had ensured their passage to the knockout stages of the competition.
"It was a nervy match but still a job well done. We wanted all three points and a clean sheet and we got both of those," he said.
"It was a frustrating second half for us. We lost control a bit and there are a few things that need looking at.
"They are organised and fighting to stay in the competition. We knew that it would be a difficult tie but we stuck together and hopefully in a few days the second-half performance will be forgotten."
Benitez admitted he was relieved to see his side come away with the victory.
"The second half was a bit scary and it was definitely not the best game of football but the most important thing is that the job is done," the Spaniard said.
"We were a bit scared but we knew we had the quality to win and go through.
"We were giving the ball away too easy in the second half and we were failing with the final ball."
The Reds now travel to Eindhoven for their final group match against PSV in the knowledge a win would see them top the group.
Benitez refused to say whether he would field his first-choice side for the match.
"We know we have the quality to win the match," said Benitez.
"It’s just about finishing the job now. I’m not sure what side I will play. We have won the group before and lost in the second round to Benfica so you never know."

Gerrard wants Barry at Liverpool

Steven Gerrard has said he is "desperate" for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry to join him at Liverpool.
Barry, who is expected to lead England against Trinidad & Tobago on Sunday, will talk about his future after he returns from international duty.
"I want Gareth Barry to become a Liverpool player. I am desperate for us to sign him," said Gerrard.
"He's a good player. I want Liverpool to be as strong as possible and Gareth Barry will certainly make us stronger."
Gerrard's comments are likely to rile Villa manager Martin O'Neill who has already criticised Liverpool's handling of the situation.
O'Neill is determined to keep hold of his captain and earlier this month claimed Liverpool's £10m cash plus player bid undervalued the midfielder.
But Gerrard, a good friend of the 27-year-old, believed Barry, who has two years remaining on his contract, needed to play Champions League football.
"Gareth Barry is someone who will improve Liverpool. We can't be disrespectful to Villa. He is still their player and we will see what happens," said Gerrard.
"Naturally, they are going to try and keep hold of him, and rightly so because he is one of their star men. He has been a fantastic servant for them over many years.
"I know all about Gareth, I am good friends with him off the pitch and I am desperate for us to sign him.
"You talk about improving the team, the starting XI and the squad, and Gareth will certainly help Liverpool to become a better team.
"It is easy to play with good players. I've been asked a lot of questions this season about Fernando Torres and the simple answer is 'it's easier playing with quality players' - and Gareth comes into that category."
Barry has only ever played for Villa and is due a testimonial, having signed professional forms with the club in February 1998.
Gerrard added: "I am sure Gareth will find it hard to leave Villa. He has been fantastic for them but, in football, sometimes opportunities come along where you can better your career.
"I think Gareth is 27 now and he needs to play Champions League football. In my opinion, he needs that now.
"I've enjoyed playing with him for England. He is quite an easy player to play with. He keeps it simple, he is easy to read and I certainly enjoy playing with him because I've got a good relationship on and off the pitch."

Liverpool FC star Steven Gerrard joins the grads

FOOTBALLER Steven Gerrard praised fellow graduates for being the real stars of the show as they lined up alongside him to receive their university honours.
Speaking yesterday as he became an honorary Fellow of Liverpool John Moores University, the modest midfielder told dons and students he would treasure his Fellowship scroll.
The Liverpool FC captain, said: "I'm really proud to come from this city. I always try to do my best for the city, both on and off the pitch. Everyone in the university family has made me feel so welcome.
"But I want to congratulate all the graduates. I think this day belongs to you more than me.
"I have achieved this with great help from players, coaches, everyone at Liverpool Football Club and my family who were with me from day one.
"You guys have had to work so hard alone to achieve your dream."
The 28-year-old England star was joined by his wife Alex Curran, wearing a smart yellow dress, who sat clapping in the front row as she watched her husband receive his fellowship at Liverpool Cathedral for services to sport.
He was joined by songwriter and lyricist Richard Stilgoe OBE who called him the finest footballer in the world and said he was proud to stand alongside him.
The 55-year-old - brought up in Liverpool and a veteran of the Cavern Club - told graduates to follow the university's motto: Dream, Plan, Achieve.
He said: "But if I've had a good time it's because I've had the dreams and every now and then I've thrown away the plans."
Mr Stilgoe received his Fellowship for services to musical theatre and the education of young people.
Liverpool John Moores University's Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Brown said Steven Gerrard epitomised the university's philosophy.
He said: "As a young boy he excelled in the sport he loves and ensured his talent was recognised, looking upon challenges as opportunities and pursuing each available avenue.
"As a result he has become one of the best sportsmen in the country, if not the world, with a reputation for integrity both on and off the pitch.
"We are delighted to welcome him into the university family."

Wisla Krakow 1-1 Liverpool: Gerrard injury scare for Reds

Steven Gerrard has returned home from Liverpool's pre-season training camp with a groin strain.
The news came after a frustrating week for boss Rafa Benitez, who has been reported to the Premier League by Spurs chief Daniel Levy after publicly declaring his interest in Robbie Keane.
But Benitez insisted the Gerrard injury was a minor hiccup - and remains confident he will land £20million target Keane.
Benitez said: "Steven doesn't have a serious problem but he can't train and we knew he wouldn't be available for this game. In a week he will be okay."
And he shrugged off Levy's comments by saying: "It seems you can talk to a club but you can't say the name. Hopefully next week we will have same new names here."
Without Gerrard, the Reds took a sixth-minute lead when Andriy Voronin converted Yossi Benayoun's cross. Krakow's Tomas Jirsik levelled six minutes later.

Mourinho After Gerrard, Again?

News of the World reports that Inter had made the England midfielder a priority target before Mourinho’s arrival, pondering a ₤30million bid before their inquiry into the Reds skipper’s availability was ignored by club and player.The 28-year-old is keen to stay on Merseyside despite the boardroom battles currently raging at Anfield, and despite Liverpool’s continual failure to challenge for the Premier League title.Inter had hoped to capitalise on the Reds’ unrest by quietly monitoring the situation to see if Gerrard might be tiring of the upstairs antics and offering him a way out.During his time at Chelsea, Mourinho twice attempted to sign the boy from Huyton, only to be rejected at the last hour – and the Special One will thus be reluctant to pin his hopes on Gerrard this time around, whether he agrees and move or not.But ‘Stevie G’ is planning to stay with his boyhood club for the long haul, as he hopes to link up with close friend Gareth Barry next season and continue to forge a dynamic attacking partnership with Fernando Torres.

Gerrard hails crucial derby win

Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool's 1-0 win over Everton could be crucial in the race for fourth place in the Premier League.
Fernando Torres bagged his 28th goal of the season to give Liverpool all three points and put the Reds five points clear of their Merseyside rivals.
"It was a big win and we knew how important this game would be for us," said Gerrard.
"Hopefully we can continue to pick up wins and grab that fourth spot."
He added: "Credit to Everton they came back strongly in the second half - we couldn't quite get that second goal which made it harder."
Reds manager Rafa Benitez is still wary of the threat Everton pose in the race for the final Champions League spot and was frustrated by his team's inability to kill the game off.
"To do the double over Everton is really good for us, but I think that in the first half we had chances to score and finish the game," he said.
"When you are winning just 1-0, a free-kick, a corner or a throw-in can be dangerous, so we were hard-working in defence and played on the counter-attack and I felt we had a lot of chances.
"We need to keep winning, but at least when you have five points more than the other team it makes things a little bit easier."
Benitez also hailed the impact that Torres has made since arriving at Anfield in the summer and believes his new formation of employing Gerrard behind the Spaniard is paying dividends.
"To score 28 goals, 21 in the league, in your first season is not easy for anyone especially for a player coming to a different country" he added.
"I think the understanding between Gerrard and Torres is good so we tried to use these two key players.
"You can also see Babel and Kuyt are working hard and creating problems for the other team's so it's a formation that is good for the team."
Everton manager David Moyes had no complaints with the result, but pinpointed Everton's lack of attacking options after strikers Andrew Johnson, Victor Anichebe and James Vaughan were all ruled out.
Moyes will also have to do without midfielder Tim Cahill for the rest of the season but is not giving up hope of overtaking their Merseyside rivals.
"We lacked penetration when we got into good positions around the penalty area but we handed Liverpool an early advantage," he said.
"Unfortunately we've had a few injuries at the business end of the season. We're not running out of steam - it's more a case of not having enough bodies.
"There are still games to be played so it doesn't change things for us. We're still positive about the rest of the season. Five points is a big gap but we won't be giving up."

Gerrard hits out at unstable Reds

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says speculation over the club's ownership and the future of manager Rafa Benitez is affecting the players on the pitch.
Liverpool lie fifth in the Premier League after a 2-2 draw at home to Aston Villa and are 14 points adrift of Manchester United and Arsenal.
Gerrard said: "It's not just this week, it's been going on for some time and it's certainly not helping the players.
"I've got to be careful what I say, but it's certainly not helping the team."
Liverpool have come under intense media scrutiny in recent weeks after prolonged speculation over Benitez's future and the management direction of American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
Last week, Hicks revealed he had poken to Jurgen Klinsmann in November about the possibility of taking over from Benitez, before the German agreed to become Bayern Munich's new coach at the start of next season.
The revelation followed a very public spat between Benitez and the Americans over the Spaniard's transfer policy.
BBC Sport understands Dubai Investment Capital is preparing a bid to buy the club from the American duo, who took charge less than a year ago.
Supporters at Anfield on Monday chanted and held up banners in support of Benitez, while also asking for Hicks and Gillett to sell the club to DIC.
Gerrard added: "We know what's going on, but as players you've got a job to do on the pitch and you try to put what's going on off the pitch to the back of your mind.
"But sometimes it's impossible, when it is every day."
Manager Benitez has refused to be drawn on speculation over his future since the Klinsmann revelation came to light earlier in January.
The Spaniard said: "If you win and you play well then obviously everyone is a lot happier and things are a lot easier.
"But I really don't have too much information, I just keep preparing for games and try to win every game.
"I am trying not to think about this."
The 2-2 draw with Villa was the sixth time Liverpool have been held at Anfield in the Premier League.
Apart from Portsmouth, no other team has drawn so many home games as Liverpool.
Liverpool fanzine editor John Mackin told BBC Sport the fans are united in wanting Hicks and Gillett to leave.
"The Americans have to go," said Mackin. "They've let everybody down associated with the club.
"They've let the manager down by not backing him publicly, they've gone behind his back and undermined his position and in doing so, they've embarrassed the supporters. "They've dragged the name of the club through the mud and made us a laughing stock."

Gerrard shares the glory with Fabregas

After swapping goals and sharing points, Steven Gerrard and Cesc Fabregas instinctively sought each other out at the end of this compelling encounter. Liverpool's personification of total commitment embraced the embodiment of Arsenal's Total Football. Respect ruled.
Gerrard and Fabregas uttered a few words of praise, and parted, returning to team-mates who were experiencing conflicting emotions. Liverpool had surrendered the lead to Fabregas' late equaliser and lost Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres to injury.
Liverpool's 1,000th league draw saw them slide from fourth to sixth over the weekend, with Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers on the rise, but they will take heart from some stirring performances from Jamie Carragher, Mascherano, Gerrard and Peter Crouch's lively second-half contribution. Equally encouragingly was a timely reminder of Rafa Benitez's ability to set up teams intelligently in shape and mood.
Urgency characterised Liverpool's play, Benitez's men snapping into tackles from the first hint of Howard Webb's whistle. Andrei Voronin nailed Fabregas early on and was booked, rightly so by the excellent Webb.
The message from the men in red was clear. Liverpool were determined to turn their season around, silencing the growing dissent towards Benitez over his controversial rotation policy. Of the 2,243 entrants who hazarded a guess at Benitez's line-up on fantasyrafa.com, the website dedicated to the manager's whims, only three cracked the code.
With Alonso and Mascherano anchoring a 4-2-3-1 formation, Gerrard was given the attacking platform he craved. With Dirk Kuyt and Voronin stretching the midfield and Torres the target man, Gerrard enjoyed space, setting the stage for his sixth-minute strike.
A system beloved by sides in Benitez's native Spain accommodates Liverpool's most talented central midfielders (Alonso, Mascherano and Gerrard), so Alonso's cruel re-acquaintance with the nightmare of the metatarsal means Benitez may have to place the strategy on hold (unless he gambles with Momo Sissoko). Alonso injured himself landing awkwardly in pursuing a dropping Gerrard free-kick, again raising questions over the strength of the modern boot to withstand high-speed impact.
If mixed feelings over a good point earned at a cost suffused Gerrard and company, Fabregas' team did not know whether to punch the air in joy or beat the ground in frustration. Delighted by their recovery from Gerrard's stunning opener and the late reward for their fine passing and moving, Arsenal still left Anfield believing they should have scored more.
The ambition in the visitors' ranks was voiced by Fabregas. "We always played good football, but we didn't win," said the Spaniard, whose team head the Premier League table on goals scored. "We are disappointed. I scored but I also hit the post. We could have been two points in front with one less game played than Manchester United."
Sir Alex Ferguson had vacated his seat in the directors' box by the time Fabregas struck, but United's manager will have seen enough to know next Saturday's summit meeting at the Emirates will be typically feisty. Whether it will also be a spectacle of flowing football remains to be seen.
What is guaranteed is that neither Ferguson nor Wenger will compromise.Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez will work their moves around Manuel Almunia's box just as Fabregas, Tomas Rosicky, Alexander Hleb and Gael Clichy will raid into Edwin van der Sar's box.
If Wenger can teach Emmanuel Adebayor how to avoid the offside trap over the next five days, Arsenal will be an even greater threat on Saturday. The bonfire party weekend promises so many fireworks, that anything less than 90 minutes of sparklers in North London will feel like a damp squib.
Unless Rooney lets fly, the match may not see a goal as thunderous as Gerrard's here, the ball touching 70mph as it sped into Almunia's net. Gerrard played the catalyst and the executioner. A thumping challenge on Mathieu Flamini brought the ball into Liverpool's sway. An initial shot caused chaos and, in the ensuing mess, Fabregas tripped Alonso and Gerrard had his set-piece chance from 20 yards.
Arsenal's wall was poor, the human barrier dissolving into a loose confederation of bodies, and Gerrard took full advantage. Running onto John Arne Riise's tapped pass, Gerrard targeted a gap and the ball disappeared past Almunia.
Euphoria and relief swept around Anfield. Yet as the fans celebrated, wiser heads knew Liverpool really needed the insurance of a second. Even a goal down away from home, Arsenal did not panic. They just sought to pass Liverpool to death, producing the type of one-touch movement that must have revived memories on the Kop of past Liverpool sides.
Pepe Reina saved from Adebayor, following a superb pass from Fabregas. Arsenal's pressure was relentless, forcing Gerrard into some magnificent tackles on Hleb and Kolo Toure. Carragher made some vital clearances.

Even though Liverpool had good chances through Gerrard, Crouch and Riise, Arsenal got their deserved equaliser following a wonderful dribble by Hleb. He picked out the run of Fabregas, who calmly placed the ball past Reina. Fabregas and Gerrard both had great chances to settle it, but the honours were rightly shared.

Liverpool form concerns Gerrard

Steven Gerrard admits Liverpool are performing way below expectations despite the Reds still being unbeaten in the Premier League this term.
But what boss Rafael Benitez is privately concerned about is the form of his skipper as Gerrard heads off for another international break with England.
Ever since Gerrard suffered his foot injury and then played two games in four days for England with the problem, he has not been the driving inspiration Liverpool expect.
Benitez was more than annoyed about that, but knows he can do nothing to prevent the same thing happening again.
It was only last week that Gerrard conceded he was finally playing without pain, underlining the real problem at the heart of Liverpool's recent sequence of two wins in seven games.
It was almost a whole lot worse on Sunday until Fernando Torres headed an injury-time equaliser to rob Tottenham of a deserved win at Anfield.
Two goals from Robbie Keane, answering Andriy Voronin's opener, looked to have set Spurs on the way to a victory that would surely have ended any debate about manager Martin Jol's job.
But Spurs still returned to London more than happy with their efforts, leaving Liverpool and their increasingly demanding fans wondering what has gone wrong.
Ahead of the match, Benitez had described the home Champions League defeat by Marseille last week as "unacceptable". Gerrard agreed that Liverpool had "lost their sparkle".
And after another display riddled with errors that left Benitez stunned, there was certainly no extra glitz around Anfield.
Gerrard said: "We have not been ourselves of late, that's true. The results have not been good and the performances could have been better.
"We are going through a dip in form which all top teams do at some stage and we just have to make sure we play our way through it. We are not performing to the standards we can do, but that will change.
"I am asking the fans to trust me when I say there is no crisis here. We have fantastic players and a world-class manager and we will get things right again, there is no doubt about that.
"We have now got an international break which will give Rafa the chance to look at things and work with the players who are staying behind.
"For those of us going away, we have to get the jobs done with our countries and then come back ready for a massive match at Everton.
"If we can turn in a performance in the derby and win that game then things will be looking better again. That is what we will be aiming for."
Benitez looked as angry and bemused as is possible as he sifted through the debris of a third home league draw of the campaign, six points lost that would see them ahead of leaders Arsenal.
The Anfield boss said: "We were good in the first half, creating chances and controlling the game. But after we conceded near the break and then again soon after, it changed everything.
"We did not control the game and we did not create chances. But we did see character in that second half to get a very late equaliser.
"The two goals we conceded were very similar, they were not normal, not the sort of goals that we concede, that is why they are so difficult to explain.
"It is very difficult also to explain why we were much better than Spurs in the first half and then in the second period we could not handle the pressure on us.
"It was unbelievable that we could not finish the game off. We needed character, experience and leaders. Leaders need to control the situation and manage the pressure."

Benitez urges England to handle Gerrard with care

Steve McClaren knows that he will have to win the battle over Steven Gerrard's fitness this week if he is to have any hope of playing the 4-4-2 formation that he hopes to implement in the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel on Saturday.
The Liverpool captain's fitness is set to dominate the agenda as England prepare at their Hertfordshire base this week. Gerrard has told the England manager that he will be fit to play against Israel regardless of the scepticism of his club manager, Rafael Benitez, that the hairline fracture to his right foot will mean he can play only in the second game against Russia on 12 September.
Gerrard is unlikely to train with the team this week, which will prevent McClaren from testing out his new 4-4-2 formation that is set to include Emile Heskey in attack alongside Michael Owen.
The England midfield is almost certain to include Owen Hargreaves alongside Gerrard, with Joe Cole on the left and either Shaun Wright-Phillips or David Bentley on the right wing. It is a radical change from the 4-3-3 formation that McClaren was planning before Frank Lampard's injury on Friday.
The certainty with which Gerrard has said that he will play for McClaren suggests that he may be prepared to have a painkilling injection similar to the one which allowed him to get through Liverpool's Premier League game against Chelsea at Anfield last month. England's medical staff will stay in contact with their Liverpool counterparts over that issue.
"We have not taken any risks with Steven at Liverpool and I would not expect England to take any risks with him either," Benitez said. " We do not want Steven to play for England with any painkilling injections. We did that in the game against Chelsea and it took four to five days for him to recover enough to be able to return to training," the Liverpool manager stated.
McClaren has called up the Everton defender Joleon Lescott for the first time as a replacement for Portsmouth's Sol Campbell, who pulled out over the weekend after suffering a groin injury.
Lescott played for England B against Albania at the end of last season. Having impressed during Everton's excellent start to the Premier League campaign, and scored the last-minute winner at Bolton on Saturday, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers player was an obvious choice to fill the gap left by Campbell. "Joleon has been looking very solid for Everton this season, and has also scored a couple of goals," McClaren said.
"He is big and strong and is a threat at set pieces as well. As a defender he makes life difficult for strikers. His versatility means he is a good option, as he can play in the middle of the defence or at full-back.He came on as a sub for the 'B' team at Burnley in May and looked assured and I think he's very capable of making the step up to the full team."

Gerrard ruled out for Reds

Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of Liverpool's UEFA Champions League qualifier against Toulouse.
The midfield dynamo is still recovering from the toe injury which forced him out of England's defeat to Germany last week and Liverpool's win at Sunderland on Saturday.
Gerrard joins Jamie Carragher on the sidelines for the qualifying round second leg tie at home to Toulouse after Carragher broke his rib against Sunderland.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez confirmed his key duo would not be involved against Toulouse at Anfield, with Liverpool holding a 1-0 lead from the first match.
Unavailable
"Both players will not be available for this game," said Benitez.
"It's a shame because they are both important players for us, but we have enough players and enough competition within the squad to cope.
"Carra is improving which is good news. I need to talk to the doctor to find out more and to see how long he will be out for.
"It's clear that with Steven we need to take care of him. He could be available for the game at the weekend but we'll have to see. Again I will need to talk to the doctor first because I don't want to run the risk of losing him for a long time.
"This week we will keep him training and keep him fit and then see about the Derby game on Saturday."
Sami Hyypia has been declared fit to play against Toulouse, despite breaking his nose against Sunderland.

STEVIE: VILLA WINNER WAS SO IMPORTANT

Steven Gerrard believes he may already have scored one of the most important goals of Liverpool's season.
The Anfield skipper's brilliantly executed free kick just five minutes from time at Villa Park on Saturday secured all three points for the Reds and ensured they got their campaign off to a winning start. With Villa having levelled just one minute earlier and looking set to deny Liverpool a well deserved opening day success, the importance of the victory - even at this early stage - isn't lost on Gerrard. "I was getting flashbacks to the Middlesbrough game two years ago both from a personal and team point of view," said Gerrard. "I had a load of chances to score, just like in that game, and the one worry when all the celebrations died down is we know we should have had the game won earlier. "But the main thing is we did win and deserved it. The performance was, at times, very good. "I know it's early but I hope it turns out to be one of the most important goals this season because all the lads have been saying through pre-season how much we wanted a good start. "To have not won that game would have been devastating for us after the way we played, but now we feel we can build some momentum, and that's been shown to be so important in this league. "You just can't afford to fall behind to the leaders like we have in the past. "That's why you could see how much it meant to us to win and we were buzzing in the dressing room afterwards. "It was pleasing to see so many good all-round performances on Saturday. Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel did really well."

Gerrard very confident about Liverpool chances

Steven Gerrard is "very confident" after Liverpool's summer buying spree as he prepares for a campaign playing in his favoured central role.
The Liverpool skipper has been impressed with boss Rafael Benitez's ?40million of new signings, more so because it is likely to see him leading the side from central midfield rather than the right-sided role he has frequently occupied under the Spanish coach.
Gerrard, speaking to LiverpoolTV, said: "I like to play in the middle, everyone knows that, but it is a team game and points are more important, so I can't be selfish and say I want this and that.
"But we have bought wingers, so the middle is where I want to play and I am looking forward to that now.
"Rafa has brought in quality players and we are stronger. But I won't make any judgements now, I've done that before and things have not always worked out.
"But the new boys will make an impact, they all have individual qualities to bring to the squad, and we are all very confident.
"And I known how things work here, how the focus is on a new player to score. But Fernando Torres will handle that pressure of being expected to score goal, he is a top player who works really hard for the team, that is what matters."

Levia impresses Gerrard

Steven Gerrard has been impressed by new signing Lucas Levia.
Levia joined up with the Reds in Hong Kong and his performances in training so far have impressed the Liverpool captain.

"From what I've seen of him so far on the training pitch he's got everything you need in a Liverpool player; good touch, good passing and he's also a good lad off the field," said Gerrard. "He's only young but I've no doubt that he's got a bright future at the club and it's good to have him onboard. He's captain of the Brazil under-20s team and so obviously has ability. "I expect him to be knocking on the door of the first team before too long and hopefully, in time, he can help us win many trophies."