'Winning response was typical Stevie'
Steven Gerrard's match-winning response to his rare penalty miss against Queens Park Rangers just typified the captain's attitude, according to teammate Jordan Henderson.
The No.8 is usually faultless from 12 yards but saw his late spot-kick saved by Robert Green at the Kop end on Saturday, with the score locked at 1-1 at Anfield.
Brendan Rodgers' side had opened up a lead in the first half through Philippe Coutinho, but relegation-battling QPR equalised the contest via Leroy Fer.
In his penultimate home appearance, however, the final say went to Gerrard - he wanted to reach a corner from Coutinho more than anyone else and powered a header past Green.
"It was typical Stevie," said Henderson afterwards. "He will be disappointed with the penalty but he erased it very quickly, got on with the game and came up with the winner.
"I was pleased for him because I am sure he wouldn't have been able to get that out of his mind all night.
"That just shows his character. Sometimes that can affect people but he gets on with it right to the end and he came up with the winner, which was fantastic."
The Englishman will conclude his talismanic 17-year spell in the Reds first team at the end of this season.
"He will be a big loss to the team," admitted his deputy. "Stevie is our leader and a big influence on games for us, so you will miss big players like that.
"But at the same time we have to move on when he does go and I think we have got the players who can improve and push on, to have a really good go next season."
Three points at the weekend halted a poor run for Liverpool, who were held by West Bromwich Albion and beaten at Hull City after losing their FA Cup semi-final with Aston Villa.
Reaching the top four in the remaining three games is still a possibility, and Henderson is also aware of the need to raise confidence ahead of another push next season.
He said: "It has been difficult, obviously, not having performed and not winning as many games as we would have liked.
"But we have to keep going and working as a team and keep trying to improve on the areas we need to improve on.
"We knew it would be difficult because QPR are fighting for their lives. I thought we were good at times but can still be better keeping the ball in the final third.
"It was important to get back to that winning mentality. That was the main objective.
"We have got quality players here. Obviously bringing in people in the summer we will welcome because the better the players we have here, the better it is for everyone in terms of competition to get into the team, and push on and try to win trophies and try to play in the Champions League.
"We just have to keep improving as a young squad and keep building. I am sure come next season we will be raring to go again."