Matthew Etherington believes even the world's best defender would have been mesmerised by Steven Gerrard's superb assist in Liverpool's 4-0 victory at Anfield.

The Stoke winger was filling in at left-back when Gerrard produced a stunning high-speed turn on the edge of the box to create the space to set-up Liverpool's third goal for Dirk Kuyt.

Etherington said: "Liverpool have got world-class players, especially when you see what Gerrard did for their third goal.

"I do not think the best defender in the world would have expected him to do that. It was certainly the last thing I was expecting."

But Etherington insisted the 4-0 defeat was a harsh reflection on Stoke's dogged efforts at Anfield, a ground that saw them produce a defiant display last season to claim a 0-0 draw.

Etherington said: "It probably is an unfair score when you look at it. But from the moment we conceded a goal so early in the game, it was always going to be an uphill task against a team of that quality.

"Just before they scored their second, shortly before half-time, we had a sustained period of pressure and I thought we were playing pretty well.

"That second goal killed us, but again I think we did well before their third goal. I suppose that finished it then."

Fernando Torres, Glen Johnson and David Ngog were the other scorers for Liverpool.