'Gerrard gets too much stick, Mignolet should have done better'

BeSoccer 6 years ago 785
Neville defended Gerrard for his infamous mistake. AFP

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has surprisingly defended Steven Gerrard's mistake against Chelsea back in 2014 that would up costing Liverpool the Premier League title, instead saying that goalkeeper Simon Mignolet should have done much better.

Gerrard infamously slipped and presented the ball to Demba Ba as last man, leaving the striker to race clear on goal and slot home the game's opening goal.

Brazilian winger Willian later added further gloss to the scoreline to allow Manchester City, who eventually won the title, to leapfrog the 'Reds' with just two games of the season to go.

Gerrard was panned by the media in the aftermath of the error, but speaking on 'Monday Night Football', Neville said that he felt Mignolet should also take a portion of the blame.

"I've not said this before because at the time, it was such a deep wound for Liverpool fans and Steven Gerrard personally," Neville said.

"I thought the keeper should have done better. I've never said it before.

"If that was a moment later on this season, I think Alisson would save it. I think eight times out of ten, he would save it.

"I think it's a scuffed shot from Demba Ba, I don't think he looks confident. It goes in and nobody ever blamed Mignolet for that goal.

"I don't think you can blame him, I don't think you can say he was at fault but Alisson would have saved it."

 

Mentioned in the news story

S. Mignolet
S. Gerrard
Liverpool
Premier League