Steven Gerrard Beats Tim Howard With Superb Free Kick (Video)

One aspect of Steven Gerrard’s game that’s improving as he ages are his set-pieces.

Gerrard scored a spectacular free-kick goal for Liverpool in its 1-1 draw against Everton on Saturday.

Liverpool was struggling to break down Everton’s defense from open play when Mario Balotelli earned a free kick in the 65th minute.

Gerrard first waved off teammates who were interested in taking the free kick. The longtime Liverpool captain then curled his free kick around Everton’s wall and past diving goalkeeper Tim Howard.

[tweet https://twitter.com/FOXFootballLive/status/515851508957466624 align=’center’%5D

If it seems like Gerrard always scores either from set pieces these days or against Everton, it’s because, well, he does.

[tweet https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/515850978751688704 align=’center’%5D

[tweet https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/515852394702589952 align=’center’%5D

The goal gave Liverpool a lead, but the Reds couldn’t hold on for the victory because Everton captain Phil Jagielka’s scored a stunning, last-minute equalizer.

Gerrard, 34, has adopted a new role at this advanced stage of his career. Gerrard rarely makes bombing, goal-scoring runs into the opponents’ penalty area. Instead, he dictates the tempo and sprays passes from a holding midfield position. He also is devastatingly effective in dead-ball situations.