Luis Suarez will learn from dive admission, says Steven Gerrard

The Uruguayan’s admission was swiftly condemned by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, but Reds captain Gerrard, whose side thrashed Norwich 5-0 at Anfield on Saturday, said today that Suarez can improve his behaviour under the guidance of the club’s more senior players.

Speaking to Goals on Sunday, Gerrard said: “He’s been really open to it (admitting diving) and admitted to it in the interview.

“He’ll learn from it. It’s down to the likes of myself and Jamie (Carragher) around him to help him and guide him as well. He is still only young, and he is only learning. But for me, I’d rather focus on the good stuff that he does.”

Gerrard added that Suarez, who netted against Norwich, deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the very best players in the world.

He added: “We’ll be talking about this guy for many many years. As Gary (McAllister) says, he’s in the top five best players in the world, comfortably. I think outside Messi and Ronaldo, I’ll argue with anyone that he’s as good as anyone else.”

Jordan Henderson, Daniel Sturridge and Gerrard also scored, while Norwich’s Ryan Bennett put into his own net.

Elsewhere David Silva scored a brace as Manchester City beat Fulham to put pressure on league leaders Manchester United.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew said he is “strong enough” to take the criticism of the club’s fans after Saturday’s demoralising home defeat to Reading.

Adam Le Fondre came off the bench for the visitors to fire a double, wiping out Yohan Cabaye’s opener to give the Royals a priceless three points.

Newcastle sit just two points off the drop zone, but Pardew said: “I am strong enough and have been in situations before where I can deal with where we are at. But I think it’s obvious that the team wants a result. That would help every situation.”

Forgotten England striker Michael Owen scored a late consolation for Stoke as they lost 3-1 at Swansea.

The Welsh side were already home and hosed, thanks to a Jonathan de Guzman brace and a strike from Ben Davies, before Owen netted in injury time.

Steven Fletcher’s first-half double and some desperate second half defending proved enough for Sunderland to claim a 3-2 victory at Wigan.

David Vaughan’s own goal gave Wigan the lead before Craig Gardner levelled from the spot for the Mackems. Fletcher’s double made it 2-1 to the visitors, who scored a consolation through Angelo Henriquez.