'Tunnel gesture said it all about Gerrard'

The skipper had been withdrawn at the interval in the north east as a mere precautionary measure and he watched from the sidelines as the Reds ensured Lazar Markovic's early strike was the difference on the day.

That Gerrard then waited for each player to depart the field to offer his congratulations showed how much Liverpool's fourth consecutive victory on the road in all competitions meant to the captain and the team as a whole.

For John Aldridge, it was simply another example of the 34-year-old's leadership skills and his determination to spur the Reds on to success between now and May.

"How good was it to see Steven Gerrard in the tunnel at the end of Saturday's game?" wrote Aldridge in his Liverpool Echo column. "When people talk about Liverpool missing his influence off the field when he leaves, that is the kind of thing they mean.

"That was an example of leadership, in the truest sense. He knew that was a big win, he knew it was a big confidence boost for certain players, Simon Mignolet in particular, and it was great to see him there at the end, waiting to congratulate everyone.

"I thought the skipper was great himself in the first half, by the way. He looks like a weight has been lifted from his shoulders. He's bright, lively and full of confidence. What a man."

Aldridge watched Liverpool's win on Wearside from Portugal, where locals were particularly proud of the progress on display from former Benfica man Markovic, who struck the only goal of the match and impressed throughout.

"I watched the game in Portugal and I have to say I was impressed by the way Liverpool approached it, particularly in that first 45 minutes," said the former striker.

"They were purposeful, they were energetic and they looked like scoring every time they attacked. If you put a Daniel Sturridge in that team, you're going in at half-time three or four up, no doubt.

"I was particularly pleased to see Markovic come through as our match-winner. The locals in Portugal, as well as the ex-pats, always talk to me about him. They've seen him at Benfica, and they are convinced he's got what it takes to be a top player. Now, Liverpool fans are starting to see it too.

"He was outstanding on Saturday, particularly in the first half. He got a goal, should have had a penalty and nearly cracked in a Goal of the Season contender."

While Markovic was the Reds' star performer, Emre Can's display against the Black Cats earned plaudits too, as he operated first from a defensive berth before pushing further forward to bolster the midfield after the interval.

"We're seeing the reasons why Markovic was signed, and the same could be applied to Emre Can as well," continued Aldridge. "I thought the German was another star performer at the weekend, despite being forced to play in a couple of different positions out of necessity.

"The potential of these two - and throw Alberto Moreno in there as well - is huge, and should not be ignored.

"We all know it hasn't been a great season so far, but if you're looking at the second half, there is a real chance for Liverpool to kick on and push up the league.

"We had a good weekend in terms of other results, with Manchester United dropping points and Tottenham getting beat. But the most important thing was that we did our own job.

"We're seven unbeaten in all competitions now, and we've won four on the spin away from home. We're not perfect, but that's improvement, no question. And if Markovic and Can can continue their own progression, we could be in for an exciting end to the season."