In a match that saw Alonso, Pennant and Gonzalez off due to injury, goals from Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch secured Liverpool victory over PSV Eindhoven and the top spot in Champions League Group C.

Liverpool striker Peter Crouch is backing skipper Steven Gerrard to hit top form after returning to his goalscoring ways from central midfield.

England's vice-captain broke the deadlock in Wednesday night's Champions League tie against PSV Eindhoven at Anfield in typical fashion, bursting into the penalty area to stroke home Dirk Kuyt's lay-off.

It contrasted sharply with a number of distinctly ordinary performances from Gerrard playing out of position on the right.