Gerrard scores twice as Liverpool avoid upset

Gerrard scores twice as Liverpool avoid upset
Captain's first game since announcing summer exit
Mignolet at fault for AFC Wimbledon equaliser
Liverpool to play Bolton in fourth round

Steven Gerrard demonstrated the quality and leadership Liverpool will miss when he leaves Anfield as he inspired them to an FA Cup third-round victory at AFC Wimbledon.

Gerrard, playing his first game since announcing he would depart in the summer to play in the United States, illustrated the hole he will leave behind.

Liverpool's captain, who will celebrate his 35th birthday on FA Cup final day on 30 May, headed them in front, then came to their aid, as he has done so often, when they slumped into trouble.

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MediAdebayo Akinfenwa's equaliser revived memories of the original Wimbledon's FA Cup final win against Liverpool at Wembley in 1988 - until Gerrard stepped in to restore order with a superb trademark free-kick just after the hour.

It helped to steady Liverpool, whose defence had looked horribly vulnerable under pressure from Neal Ardley's side, who are 12th in League Two.

Irrespective of the outcome, this FA Cup night was a credit to the rebirth of AFC Wimbledon, who started life in the Combined Counties League in 2002 and went through five promotions before returning to the Football League in 2011.

But AFC Wimbledon - like so many teams before them since Gerrard made his Liverpool debut in 1998 - discovered that this is the player who can be relied upon to help the Reds through moments of adversity.

This was another example as he took his Liverpool tally to 182 goals in 696 appearances for the club.

Gerrard took the applause of the visiting fans, waiting to acclaim him following news of his impending departure, before the game and was able to calm their early nerves with a goal after Sean Rigg had almost given AFC Wimbledon a shock lead with a shot across the face of goal.

Analysis

Alan ShearerBBC Sport

"How many times have we said Steven Gerrard has dragged Liverpool by the scruff of the neck? Without a doubt, he was man of the match. He gives Liverpool more the further forward you push him. He knows where to go and what positions to take up."

Gerrard timed his arrival in the area perfectly in the 12th minute to meet Javier Manquillo's cross and direct a low header beyond keeper James Shea into the bottom corner.

Liverpool then enjoyed a period of relative control but, as has happened so often this season, they were undone by the vulnerability of their defence and the uncertainty of goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

The Belgian did well to turn over from 10 yards as Rigg threatened again, but the weakness in Liverpool's rearguard was exposed when a long kick from Shea found its way through to the feet of Matt Tubbs, who pulled a poor finish across the face of goal.

AFC Wimbledon's confidence and threat was growing and it resulted in an equaliser nine minutes before the break.

Mignolet missed George Francomb's corner, Mamadou Sakho bundled the ball onto his own bar and Akinfenwa was the first to react to poke in from six yards.