Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard once again came to his side's
rescue but it was referee Stuart Attwell at the centre of attention
with an erratic display in Sunderland's 2-2 draw at Anfield.
The official, who awarded the infamous "ghost goal'' in the
Championship two years ago, allowed Dirk Kuyt's opening strike to
count after ruling Michael Turner had taken a free-kick when he
appeared to roll it back to goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Darren Bent hit back with a penalty and a header either side of
half-time before Gerrard nodded in Fernando Torres' near-post cross
to salvage a point.
Reds manager Roy Hodgson had stressed his side should not be judged
by the second-string's Carling Cup defeat to League Two Northampton
in midweek but his first XI were almost as bad.
They were gifted one goal but managed to create little themselves
and were again indebted to their inspirational captain for only
briefly dragging them out of mediocrity.
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