Gerrard backs Cisse

Liverpool skipper Steve Gerrard has backed new signing Djibril Cisse.

Owen was unveiled as a Real Madrid player Saturday lunchtime, just minutes before Liverpool took the field in their opening match of the Premiership campaign.

The Reds drew 1-1 against Tottenham at White Hart Lane and French marksman Cisse got off the mark with his first league goal.

Gerrard believes that the former Auxerre man can now bang in the goals for Rafa Benitez's side and take over from the departed England striker.

"We were all shocked about Michael leaving. It looked like he would be staying - then Real Madrid called, and everyone knows how difficult that is to turn down," Gerrard told Sky Sports.

"No one can blame Michael for going. He has been such a good servant.

"Players make their own decisions. He has gone, and we have to get on without him. It is a good chance for Cisse to get the goals now Michael isn't here."

Liverpool seemed to sit back in the second period to maintain their lead, and Gerrard admitted their display was not good enough in the second half.

"We shaded the first half, and they came back into it in the second. Last year we got nothing here, so maybe a point is a bonus.

"The manager will be disappointed at the way we took the foot off the pedal in the second half."

The manager was, indeed, disappointed with the way his side eased down after half time.

"I am happy with the first half. We controlled the game, kept the ball and there were a lot of short passes," said Benitez.

"In the second half they were tired. We didn't control the ball, there were a lot of long passes and second balls were difficult for us.

"But it is the end of the first match and it is always difficult when a new manager arrives."