John Aldridge: 'Steven Gerrard answered critics against Fulham'

Liverpool legend John Aldridge has hailed Steven Gerrard for his performance in the Reds' 4-0 win against Fulham on Saturday.

Gerrard claimed two assists and delivered the free kick that saw Fernando Amorebieta head into his own net, and Aldridge feels that the performance was a perfect response to the England captain's critics.

"People need to understand that Gerrard is only human, but on Saturday he was back to his best and involved in all four goals," Aldridge wrote in his Liverpool Echo column.

"He came in for some undue criticism following the defeat to Arsenal. On the occasions he drops below his very high standards people are so quick to jump on him – including some Liverpool fans.

"It was a great captain's performance. He was, simply, brilliant."

The win took the Reds to within two points of leaders Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.