Liverpool v Leicester EPL: Reds win spares Simon Mignolet’s own-goal blushes

LIVERPOOL has beaten Leicester 3-1 this morning, amid six midweek Premier League matches. Watch EVERY GOAL from this morning here.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Steven Gerrard of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Liverpool at The King Power Stadium on December 2, 2014 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard made a goal-scoring return to the starting lineup as his team came from behind to beat 10-man Leicester 3-1 in the Premier League today.

The 34-year-old midfielder, who is yet to sign a contract for next season, powered in the decisive second goal in the 54th minute at Leicester.

When asked about his future, Gerrard said: “I’ll decide when I’m ready. There’s nothing to say on the contract at the moment.”

Gerrard said his focus was on the team, which after finishing as runners-up last season is in eighth place following a second successive victory.

“It’s been well documented this season that we haven’t been good enough, but we are on the way up,” Gerrard said.

MANCHESTER UNITED HOLD ON TO EDGE STOKE

Steven Gerrard of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team's second goal at Leicester.

However, there remain problems in defense and with goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who handed Leicester an opener in the 22nd minute.

Although Mignolet initially parried well from Jamie Vardy, Martin Skrtel could only weakly head out from Leonardo Ulloa’s follow-up and the striker was given enough time to collect the ball and smash a shot against the near post which cannoned off the goalkeeper’s head and into the net.

Martin Skrtel of Liverpool looks on as Simon Mignolet scores an own goal.

Adam Lallana of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the equaliser against Leicester.

But Liverpool’s response came within four minutes. Gerrard’s free kick was half-cleared to Lucas Leiva whose cross dropped at the feet of Adam Lallana, who smashed in the 50th league goal of his career.

After Gerrard’s first goal in open play since January, Leicester had Wes Morgan sent off for dragging down Rickie Lambert.

Jordan Henderson (R) of Liverpool celebrates with teammate Raheem Sterling after scoring his team's third goal at Leicester.

With a man advantage, Jordan Henderson completed Liverpool’s victory in the 83rd. It was Gerrard’s cross that allowed Raheem Sterling to backheel the ball into the path of Henderson.

“He was outstanding, Steven,” Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said. “It’s my job along with him to pitch him in at the right times.”

Originally published as Liverpool v Leicester EPL: Reds win spares Simon Mignolet’s own-goal blushes