Gerrard Encouraged by Liverpool Display as he Slams Referees Performance

Steven Gerrard was pleased with the performance of his Liverpool side in the 2-1 loss to Manchester United, but was not as satisfied with the display of referee Mark Halsey.

On an emotional day at Anfield, Liverpool had dominated play for large portions of the game and were unlucky to end the match with nothing to show for their endeavours.

Jonjo Shelvey was shown a red card after a heavy challenge on Jonny Evans, before Liverpool were denied a penalty when Luis Suarez appeared to be clipped by the defender, but his theatrical dive was waved away by Halsey.

A controversial penalty to Manchester United handed Sir Alex Ferguson's side all three points but Gerrard feels as though the Liverpool players could be proud of their performance.

"The lads performed really well both with 11 men and after we went down to 10," Gerrard told the Liverpool Echo. "In these big games you need the rub of the green and things to go your way. You certainly don't need big refereeing decisions that are wrong going against you. That's what happened today and we feel hard done by.

"I feel for Jonjo a bit. It's a big game and these games are about big tackles. I don't think he got the tackle wrong. If his tackle is wrong, then Evans' tackle is wrong as well.

"That's the consistency we're looking for from referees and Mark Halsey got that one wrong.

"We gave everything and came away with nothing. You can't criticise or point any fingers in the dressing room when the lads perform like that."

Liverpool are still searching for their first win of the season, however, Gerrard feels as though the team are beginning to play the type of football that new manager Brendan Rodgers is demanding.

The possession game may not have led to a victory, but the Liverpool captain is confident that the side will begin to pick up some victories in the coming weeks.

"Although we got beat, I feel slightly different than previous times when we've lost to United because I was really pleased with how we played," added Gerrard.

"We will win a lot of football matches playing worse than that. That's a positive to take away.

"We know how many points we have got on the board and it's not good enough. But if we keep playing with that kind of effort and determination it will only be a matter of time before we go on a winning sequence. Not many sides will be able to live with us because we played some good stuff.

"This is no time to panic. We have a run of games coming up now where there are points that we should be taking.

"We haven't got our first win yet but if you look at the performances today and against Man City at home we should have got six points

"There's more pressure because that win hasn't come yet. We just need to keep playing like we did today and hopefully we'll get the rub of the green and get refereeing decisions go in our favour."