“Our star man for me was Jon Flanagan by a country mile,” he said. “He doesn't get many headlines but as captain of the team he was the player I am most proud of. I thought he was unbelievable.
“He's been fighting hard in training just to get in the 18, never mind the starting 11, but the manager threw him in at the deep end against a top class player like Mirallas and I thought he was sensational. It was one of the best derby performances I have seen for many years.
Gerrard, who set up Daniel Sturridge’s last gasp equaliser with a pinpoint free-kick, added: “I didn't have to say anything to Jon before the game. He's a local lad and you don't need to tell them what the derby means.
“He's known what to expect from an early age. All of the players gave him a round of applause when he came in the dressing room afterwards.”