Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard put in a wonderful display on Sunday when he produced the game's definitive moment with a vital goal-line clearance to preserve a 2-1 win at Aston Villa.
Christian Benteke had given hosts Villa a first-half lead, but Jordan Henderson equalized soon after half-time before Gerrard coolly dispatched a penalty to give Liverpool the 2-1 lead.
But his most significant contribution came at the other end of the pitch shortly after his penalty.
Ashley Westwood sent an inswinging corner into the box, where Benteke rose to powerfully meet and direct into the top corner.
Gerrard, though, reacted superbly to adjust his body on the line to head the goal-bound effort clear.
Magnificent from the skipper and he was rewarded with a kiss to the forehead from Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina.
"One of my close friends was giving me stick about my hair before the game, and said that I might score the winner with my head today," Gerrard told Sky Sports.
"The penalty was the winner but I think the header actually won us the game so he was right in the end."
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| Liverpool's Steven Gerrard clears the ball off the line during a match against Aston Villa Photo: Reuters |
Christian Benteke had given hosts Villa a first-half lead, but Jordan Henderson equalized soon after half-time before Gerrard coolly dispatched a penalty to give Liverpool the 2-1 lead.
But his most significant contribution came at the other end of the pitch shortly after his penalty.
Ashley Westwood sent an inswinging corner into the box, where Benteke rose to powerfully meet and direct into the top corner.
Gerrard, though, reacted superbly to adjust his body on the line to head the goal-bound effort clear.
Magnificent from the skipper and he was rewarded with a kiss to the forehead from Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina.
"One of my close friends was giving me stick about my hair before the game, and said that I might score the winner with my head today," Gerrard told Sky Sports.
"The penalty was the winner but I think the header actually won us the game so he was right in the end."
