Hat-trick hero Steven Gerrard: Liverpool victory over Napoli wasn't about me, everyone played their part

Posted Friday, November 05, 2010 by Goal.com

Roy Hodgson's side finally finding some consistent form

Hat-trick hero Steven Gerrard: Liverpool victory over Napoli wasn't about me, everyone played their part
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard (R) challenges Napoli's Micele Pazienza during their Europa League soccer match at Anfield in Liverpool

Steven Gerrard believes that Liverpool are slowly finding their form after his hat-trick earned the Reds a 3-1 Europa League win over Napoli.

Gerrard came off the substitutes bench to inspire a much improved second half display after the Italians had held the advantage in the first half.

The skipper struck three times in short succession to move Liverpool one step closer to qualification from the group stages.

And despite the obvious heroics in rescuing his side from what could have been a tough result to swallow, the England international credits the win as a testament to the team's rise in fortunes as opposed to personal glory.

"Everyone played their part. I'm sure I'll get the headlines but it certainly wasn't just about me," Gerrard told Channel Five.

The Liverpool captain admits his first goal and Liverpool’s equaliser displayed more characteristics of grit and determination rather than skill but was just pleased to draw Liverpool level.

"The manager asked me to come on and see if I could help the lads get back in it and I thought in the second half we were fantastic," said the skipper.

"When you’re in that position against a giant of a goalkeeper you just go in and hope for the best, it was just determination and desire really and I don’t think the 'keeper fancied it.

The skipper was also full of praise for the clubs’ youngsters, such as Jonjo Shelvey and Jay Spearing, who were given their chance to impress in front of the Anfield crowd.

He added: "It’s a fantastic experience for them, a great run out and credit to the manager for having the bottle and heart to put them in because these are big nights here at Anfield but I thought they did well again.

"In Napoli we put in a good defensive display and we have built on that and got back to back league wins and come from behind tonight to show good character, there is still a long way to go, we know we can get better.

"It’s going to take time but we feel as if we are getting close to where we want to be."