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Liverpool won't be defensive at Anfield - Gerrard

Steven Gerrard netted Liverpool's goal © PA Photos

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Steven Gerrard has predicted that Liverpool will go on the offensive in order to seal their place at Wembley, insisting Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City had to be ugly.

Gerrard was the Liverpool goalscorer, converting from the spot after Daniel Agger had been felled inside the area. The England midfielder appears to have taken no time to rediscover his form following a long spell on the sidelines, and he admitted it was moments like Wednesday that helped him through the tough times.

"It's nice to be back. I feel like a footballer again - I've had a difficult year," Gerrard said. "It's games like this that I've missed, games like this I've been patient for and worked so hard to get back for."

Liverpool were much the better side in the first 45 minutes at the Etihad Stadium, controlling almost the entire half. However, they then flooded bodies behind the ball in a defensive rearguard action in the second period, and Gerrard insists the clean sheet will give them the platform on which to attack at Anfield.

"We defended superbly from back to front. We weren't effective in the second half, we know that, but we were playing one of the big powers in the world and sometimes you've got to do the ugly stuff," the Liverpool skipper said.

"It was a great performance. That's what we wanted to do - come here, try and get a clean sheet and a goal.

"We've done that - maybe the pretty stuff will come at Anfield in two weeks' time. There is no way this tie is over. We know we're in for a very tough match in two weeks' time, so the job is half done.

"The tie is finely balanced and it's set up for a cracking match at Anfield. I thought we were the better side in the first half and they were the better side in the second half, but there is still 90 minutes to play.

"I am sure it will be a cracker at Anfield. It's only advantage us, it's still not over."

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