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Liverpool are on a hot streak as they entered the crucial Christmas period. In last week’s FA Cup third round action, Liverpool comfortably eliminated Preston North End 2-0 at Deepdale.

The importance of Steven Gerrard to Liverpool’s title charge cannot be understated. He was again in the thick of action when he turned creator in the last minute and could have scored himself, but he neatly giftwrapped the goal for Fernando Torres. It was a perfect present to mark the long-awaited return from injury of the Spaniard.

Despite Rafael Benitez’s absence, Liverpool maintained a steady advance in all three competitions, the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. This year, there is extra motivation for the Reds to excel in the less heralded domestic cup competition, in memory of the Hillsborough disaster 20 years ago, when 96 fans died at the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest. 

Due to past disappointments, critics, including Benitez himself, are not convinced that Liverpool have the experience and winner’s mentality to clinch their first Premier League title in two decades but I will take nothing away from their inspired run since Boxing Day. Liverpool consolidated their position at the top of Premier League table while their competitors slipped up.

The Reds dispatched Bolton 3-0 and reaffirmed their title ambitions with a 5-1 demolition of Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Talismanic captain Steven Gerrard became the toast of Anfield after imposing his game and scored two superb goals.

In fact, his second goal eclipsed the record of John Barnes, one of Anfield greats. The latter scored 108 goals for Liverpool in 409 games between 1987-1997 and Gerrard has now notched 109 in 464 appearances. Considering Gerrard’s role as a right midfielder, that is an achievement worth celebrating. And in England, what is a celebration without booze and girls?

So, with andrenaline pumpling, the lads headed to a nightclub in Southport. And it is here that the top of the world feeling turned into a nightmare. A brawl broke out which resulted in a broken tooth and four stiches to a head wound for a part-time DJ, just because he refused to play a Phil Collins song.

Gerrard (together with five mates) was arrested and for the longest 20 hours, he was in silent contemplation behind bars. The police released him but on January 23, he will face charges of affray and assault occasioning bodily harm. If sentenced, Gerrard could face up to 5 years of imprisonment.

Liverpool fans must be wondering if they will ever fill their cabinet with another Premier League title. Last year, the club was beset by uncertainties over Benitez’s rotation policy, his possible departure, and the internal bickering between its owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

This season, while Liverpool’s debts remain an overriding concern amid the global credit crunch, at least some semblance of stability has been restored and it is reflected in their dominant league position. Rafael Benitez is close to signing an attractive £16 million four year contract, with a smaller war chest available though.  

Nevertheless, maintaining enough momentum to clinch the title remains an uphill task and Liverpool simply cannot afford to lose Steven Gerrard’s leadership, creativity and attacking prowess. 

Not surprisingly, Benitez has pledged Steven Gerrard his full support. Sammy Lee, the stand-in manager, also weighed in by vouching that Gerrard is a true professional. Gerrard’s captaincy is not in doubt but Benitez will not tolerate any more distraction and warned that focusing on the pitch is top priority for everyone.

Benitez said: “Steven is our captain and a key player for us, but more than this, I know him as a nice person. He’s trained with the other lads after a couple of days off for the squad, and is keen now to focus solely on his football.”

There is support for Steven Gerrard’s innocence and good character everywhere. Messages of support flooded in from England players, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand. The Football Association insists that Fabio Capello’s criticism of Gerrard does not indicate an exclusion of the midfielder from the England squad.

The media has also been busy casting Gerrard as a goody two shoes. Special mention was made of Gerrard’s organisation of charity work with Kenny Dalglish just before the incident.

If we are to consider Gerrard’s upbringing, it is easy to understand his aggressive streak, although he channeled his belligerence on the pitch with admirable discipline. Like Wayne Rooney and Joey Barton, Gerrard hailed from the gritty neighborhoods of Liverpool. In 2007, the cold-blooded murder of innocent 11 year old Rhys Jones by Sean Mercer shocked Britain.

How can teenagers be so remorseless in taking another human life? Well, that is the tough environment we are contending with. You got to be streetwise to survive the chaotic feuding gangs. Petty disputes like girlfriends can involve casualties, especially with the liberal use of firearms. Call it collateral damage if you are caught in the maelstorm.

Another mitigating factor for Gerrard’s unseemly behavior will be his fame. As great trees attract the winds, so great fame attracts envy and hatred. If a celebrity want to wind down in a bar, be subtle. There are people who will seek you out to get their moment of fame or simply to create trouble, and the situation can get ugly, especially after alchohol has loosened your self restraint. 

To be sure, we cannot expect our Premier League footballers to lead a monk’s life and avoid nightclubs altogether. It is up to their own indiscretion if they want to be featured in the press – drunk, sexually uninhibited, violent, taking drugs, etc, considering that they are role models for the young.

For a long time, Steven Gerrard has enjoyed an exemplary family-man image and his fans will expect him to be at home with his wife and 2 kids, instead of a wild night out with the guys. I believe that image has sustained irrepairable damage due to this incident.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if Gerrard had been provoked or was under the influence of drinks, the fact remains that the act of violence was commited. We do not yet know the full circumstances of the case, but putting Steven Gerrard on a pedestal may indirectly interfere with the course of justice.

It is hard for the judge and jury not to be influenced by all the support and praise heaped on Stevie Gerrard. Will they be pressured into acquiting Gerrard and then apply a double standard to another less famous person with the same crime?

We certainly cannot exonerate a prepretrator just because we have been assured that he will “never walk alone” or that he is “nice,” ”good at creating goals,” and “indispensable to Liverpool and England.” Fitting such sentiments into findings of “not guilty” is not morally right.

For now though, Steven Gerrard is innocent until proven guilty in the eyes of law. And Liverpool have to put this incident behind them, especially when a taxing fixture list includes two clashes with derby rival, Everton, in a week (in the Premier League on January 19 and then in the fourth round of the cup the following weekend).

Will Liverpool win another Premier League title in the absence of Gerrard? I am highly skeptical and January 23 may just be the the fateful day that derailed Liverpool’s title challenge. I admit that I will be as disappointed as Liverpool fans if Steven Gerrard turns out to be guilty. What do you guys think of Gerrard’s affray breaking up Liverpool’s momentum at this critical juncture?