Gerrard: It won't be long
Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool's performance in the 1-1 draw against Sunderland provides proof that the Brendan Rodgers era is about to take off.
The Reds dominated the game at the Stadium of Light but fell behind in the first half as boyhood Liverpool fan Steven Fletcher tapped home a Craig Gardner centre.
Luis Suarez equalised to earn his side a draw, and while the result leaves Liverpool with just two points from four games, Gerrard was heartened.
He said: "We knew it wasn't going to happen overnight. We were very disappointed with our performance against Arsenal. We tried hard but it just didn't happen.
"Today we tried hard and although we were 1-0 down at half-time, for the 90 minutes I thought we completely controlled the game.
"Their goal was against the run of play and I think anyone who watched that game will think Liverpool should have walked away with the three points.
"You saw our performance today and I think that's a message that it won't be very long for us. The first win is just around the corner and let's hope that's against Manchester United next week."
Suarez's goal was assisted by Sterling, who during the second period in particular was tricky and dangerous down the right wing.
"That's why everyone is talking about him, because he has burst onto the scene and has got the fans on the edge of their seats," said Gerrard. "He is still a young boy, he's still got a lot to learn, but with the likes of myself and Glen Johnson around him, we can help him to develop and improve and become even better.
"He's got a bright future and I'm just glad he's a Liverpool player."
The game marked the end of an emotional week for the club and the city of Liverpool following the release of the Hillsborough Independent Panel report.
Gerrard added: "It would have been really nice to take the three points home today and dedicate it to the supporters but every fan who watched that game would have been proud of the effort the lads gave."