"Fitting he should score Liverpool’s third goal" – News of the World
"Supplied the coup de gras" – Observer
"We controlled the game" – Steven Gerrard

Destroyer, creator and goalscorer. Steven Gerrard showed on Saturday that at his best, he really is three players in one.

Gerrard had too much strength and stamina for Robbie Savage and Birmingham’s tough midfield.

He also displayed athleticism and vision going forward.

Goal number two was Gerrard’s baby. He galloped 50 yards before setting up Emile Heskey with a perfect centre swept low across the six-yard box.

Fittingly, the Reds captain scored the third goal himself. With Kenny Cunningham sent off, Birmingham’s 10 men were on their last legs and Gerrard made another lung-bursting run before bending a shot past Ian Bennett.

Whoever you support, Gerrard surely deserves Champions League football next season.

He now thinks he’s going to get it at Liverpool, who will secure fourth with a draw at home to Newcastle.

"We are at home so we must fancy our chances," he says.

Lion of the Weekend - Weekly Awards

Steve Gerrard 4
Frank Lampard 4
Paul Scholes 4

Wayne Rooney 3

James Beattie 2
David Beckham 2
Jermain Defoe 2
Michael Owen 2
John Terry 2
Shaun Wright-Phillips 2

Shola Ameobi 1
Dean Ashton 1
Kieron Dyer 1
Anthony Gardner 1
Emile Heskey 1
David James 1
Glen Johnson 1
James Milner 1
Stefan Moore 1
Luke Moore 1
Kevin Nolan 1
Jermaine Pennant 1
Darius Vassell 1
Jonathan Woodgate 1

TheFA.com will announce their Lion of the Weekend every Monday. A Lion of the Season award will be announced in May based on the number of weekly nominations.