Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and his quest for a Premier League title were heavily impacted by Manchester City.
Steven Gerrard recently claimed the title of Liverpool's greatest player of all time, standing as the only player in the top 10 without a league title. Across 710 appearances, he secured eight trophies, but the Premier League eluded him despite two major title pushes.
The defining moments of heartbreak occurred during the 2008/09 and 2013/14 seasons, when Liverpool came agonisingly close to securing the trophy under managers Rafa Benitez and Brendan Rodgers, according to information published by FOOTBALL.
As ongoing football governance investigations and financial charges surround Manchester City for the period between 2009 and 2018, questions arise regarding how these alleged rule breaches impacted the legacies of players like Steven Gerrard and managers like Jurgen Klopp.
The two near misses for Steven Gerrard
Gerrard came closest to lifting the Premier League trophy on two distinct occasions during his illustrious career at Anfield. In the 2008/09 campaign, he formed a blistering partnership with Fernando Torres, delivering Liverpool's highest league points total at the time with only two defeats all season.
The second opportunity arrived in the 2013/14 season, when Gerrard operated from a deeper midfield role to supply Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge. A dramatic run of 11 consecutive victories put Liverpool in prime position before the infamous slip against Chelsea in April.
The impact of the 2014 title race
After a 3-2 victory over Manchester City in April 2014, Gerrard famously declared that his team would not slip, placing the Reds top of the table with four games remaining. Tragically, the team fell short, and the emotional toll lingered deeply within the club for years.
The fallout from that season affected the squad deeply, leading to Gerrard announcing his departure in January of the following year. Former Stoke manager Tony Pulis later expressed a shared sense of grievance, stating that he still feels cheated by the successes achieved during that era.
Wider consequences for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright highlighted how subsequent title battles involving Jurgen Klopp were similarly affected by teams operating from a superior financial position. Klopp's Liverpool finished second with 97 and 92 points in seasons that highlighted the immense pressure of chasing a dominant opponent.
While those specific second-place finishes sit outside the current Premier League investigation, experts note they were indirectly impacted by illegally acquired resources. Klopp himself remarked that teams winning by ignoring the rules have to use another door when judging true legacy and success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Steven Gerrard ever win the Premier League?
No, Steven Gerrard never won the Premier League during his career with Liverpool, coming closest in the 2008/09 and 2013/14 seasons.
How many appearances did Steven Gerrard make for Liverpool?
Steven Gerrard made 710 appearances for Liverpool across his career, winning eight major trophies before departing for Los Angeles Galaxy.
Why are Manchester City facing Premier League charges?
Manchester City are facing charges relating to 114 alleged breaches of financial rules covering the period between 2009 and 2018.
Did Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool miss out on titles because of Manchester City?
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool finished as runners-up to Manchester City with 97 and 92 points, leading to widespread discussions about how financial discrepancies affected those title races.
