Benitez shrugs off Gerrard debate

Gerrard was again restricted to a right flank role at Arsenal

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez swept aside renewed questions about Steven Gerrard's role after the crushing defeat at Arsenal.

Bolo Zenden was preferred to Gerrard in central midfield, despite the absence of the injured Momo Sissoko.

But Benitez said after the 3-0 loss: "Steven was playing in the middle for part of the second half and we didn't create many chances.

"We need to improve as a team and not think about one or two players."

Interview: Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez

Liverpool's Premiership title hopes are all but extinguished as they remain without an away win in the league this season.

But a delighted Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger still harbours ambitions of catching leaders Manchester United and champions Chelsea as his side moved up to third place.

Wenger said: "Everybody played well, the players with big responsibilities were all very strong for us.

"Liverpool played well but the first goal was very important. I was a little bit worried the players would be nervous because they were unhappy about losing at West Ham.

606 DEBATE: Where should Gerrard play?

"I knew they would be up for it but sometimes you need to find the right level between determination, composure, calm and vision.

"We killed off the game and we needed to be strong against a good Liverpool side. We want to fight for the championship, so we need to beat the big teams at home.

"We have dropped too many points against the so-called smaller teams but the team is young and they have learned in the start to the season."