Steven Gerrard: 'I take the blame for penalty miss'

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has said that he must take the blame for Daniel Sturridge's missed penalty as the Reds beat Everton 4-0 in the Merseyside derby.

The striker hit his spot kick over the bar to spurn his chance of a hat-trick, having earlier netted two first-half goals, and the Reds skipper was quick to absolve his teammate of blame.

"I'll take responsibility for the penalty miss," Gerrard told BT Sport.

"I've scored a hat-trick against Everton and I know what that feels like and I wanted Daniel to feel that. He was disappointed with it, but hopefully that will spur him on against West Bromwich Albion.

"Daniel will be disappointed [he hasn't got the hat-trick], but he was magnificent. He punished them and the counter attack worked a treat."

The Reds are currently fourth in the Premier League.