English FA Premiership/ Liverpool 1 Manchester City 0:If Rafael Benitez had a personal motto it would surely be "no player is indispensable" but even Liverpool's strictly egalitarian manager knows there are exceptions to every rule.

Loath as he remains to admit it, Liverpool could well be consigned to a season of mid-table mediocrity without Steven Gerrard who, not for the first time, scored the winner while also proving the game's virtuoso performer from his favoured central midfield station.

Typically, Benitez preferred to talk up the less dazzling but similarly industrious Dirk Kuyt but Jamie Carragher rather ruined the effect with an "Ode to Stevie G". "I wouldn't swap Steve for Ronaldinho," said the defender, who began the game as part of a new-look Liverpool back three. "Steve was outstanding; I think he can be the best player in the world."

Good as Gerrard was, such hyperbole perhaps explains Benitez's stance. Unlike some who embrace "star systems" and dressingroom hierarchies, the Spaniard has built his career on the application of meritocratic principles where everyone is treated equally. Every player at Anfield is aware they are replaceable and no individual is permitted special favours or singled out for particular attention.

Even so, Gerrard's importance is such that whereas Benitez shuttles almost every other outfield player between first XI, bench and stands, he confines himself to switching the England midfielder between the flanks and central midfield.

Joey Barton has hopes of playing alongside Liverpool's captain for England but, in front of Steve McClaren, the City midfielder was eclipsed. Barton and Gerrard both grew up in Huyton but the latter's passing and reading of the game belonged on another planet. They were rarely in direct combat - Barton was generally thwarted by Bolo Zenden - but when their paths did cross, City came undone.

As England's manager doubtless noted, Barton's under-hit pass was intercepted by Kuyt who cued Gerrard up for a precise 20-yard shot well beyond Nicky Weaver's reach. By then, Liverpool had reverted to playing 4-4-2 but, regardless of formation, they rarely looked like scoring against a visiting side whose deep and compact game plan reflected Stuart Pearce's determination to secure City a second Premiership away point of the season.

If McClaren had come in order to assess Barton he probably departed with Micah Richards on his mind. Richards made his England debut at right-back last month but he was deployed in central midfield here and, while hardly Gerrardesque, looked one of Pearce's better individuals.

"Midfield is not Micah's strongest position. He'll end up at centre-half. But he's learning his trade by playing in different places which is invaluable," explained City's manager who played Nedum Onuoha at right-back.

Blessed as McClaren is with centre-halves he must wish Daniel Agger was English. The Dane excelled as Liverpool kept a sixth clean sheet in seven games.

If only Benitez could find a few more such "stars", Liverpool might become the title-chasers he so craves.

• Guardian Service