Steven: We improved and will continue to
Steven Gerrard felt Liverpool showed 'big improvements' in their performance level despite the disappointment of conceding a stoppage-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw against neighbours Everton today.
The captain seemed to have handed the Reds all three points from the 223rd Merseyside derby with a curled free-kick from distance midway through the second half that had broken the deadlock in the hosts' favour.
Visiting goalkeeper Tim Howard had already thwarted Adam Lallana and Raheem Sterling in the opening period, then later appeared to deflect a close-range Mario Balotelli finish onto the crossbar and away to keep the deficit to one.
The saves proved crucial and helped to earn Roberto Martinez's team a point as Phil Jagielka stunned all inside Anfield by thrashing an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net as the match entered added time.
It means Brendan Rodgers' team have not won for three Barclays Premier League fixtures - and though Gerrard accepted there is further room for improvement, he praised the efforts of his teammates on a dramatic day in L4.
"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's opener arrived after he took the responsibility from a set-piece, whipping a pinpoint shot around the Everton wall and beyond the grasp of Howard in the 65th minute.
The American had earlier kept out Balotelli from a long-range free-kick situation, and the skipper explained why he assumed duties to strike in front of the Anfield Road end.
He said: "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."