Seven Years Ago Today, THAT Steven Gerrard Slip Happened And Football Changed Forever

Seven years ago today, Steven Gerrard slipped in front of the whole footballing world and helped Liverpool's Premier League title charge collapse.

Back in 2014, Liverpool had a glorious chance to win their first title in 24 years. Brendan Rodgers built a team of incredible attacking quality led by the three man attacking line up of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling.

With three games left of the season Liverpool faced title rivals Chelsea. The Reds had gone on an 11 game winning streak and were five points ahead of the Blues and three points clear of Manchester City, who had a game in hand.

Liverpool knew a draw would be a good result and a win would knock Chelsea out of the league title. Knowing that, and having a grudge against Liverpool from his rivalry with Rafa Benitez, Jose Mourinho went full Jose and set up to frustrate Rodgers' side.

Mourinho's side did their best to frustrate Liverpool with a deep defensive line and sh**house time wasting from the off.

The seminal moment for Gerrard's career and the title race came as the half was ending. In injury time Gerrard miscontrolled a pass by Mamadou Sakho and slipped trying to rectify the mistake. It allowed Demba Ba to latch onto the ball, running through unopposed to open the scoring.

What added to the horror was the fact that following Liverpool's dramatic 3-2 win against City just two weeks before the Chelsea game, a win that put them in control of the title, Gerrard had gathered the players for an emotional huddle screaming 'we do not let this slip,' the ultimate cruel irony.

Liverpool would go on to lose the game 2-0 after another counter attack goal in injury time, this time from Willian in the 94th minute.

The Reds had another chance to keep control of the league title eight days later when they played Crystal Palace. City's game in hand meant the title could go down to goal difference.

Liverpool looked good as they opened a 3-0 lead over Palace but in the most dramatic fashion Palace battled back to earn a draw after goals in the 79th, 81st and 88th minutes.

City would win all of their remaining fixtures and grab their second Premier League title whilst Liverpool, Rodgers and Gerrard were left to wonder what if?

It's still incredible to think that such a good player never won the Premier League and in some way it was his own fault.

Happy Anniversary Stevie, if it can be happy in any way. At least Liverpool have won a title now.

Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports

Topics: Liverpool, Chelsea, Premier League, Steven Gerrard

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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