Yesterday's 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United marked the first anniversary of the buy-out by Americans Fenway Sports Group.

The intervening period has seen a significant change in the atmosphere at Anfield, which had been wracked by political in-fighting during the dysfunctional reign of former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett which almost took the club into administration.

Gerrard scored on his first start for seven months after being sidelined by a groin operation in March and believes the club is in a much better position than it was 12 months ago.

"Enough has been said about the previous regime and the previous owners," said the Reds captain, who was denied a triumphant return to the starting line-up by Javier Hernandez's late header.

"But for me the important thing is to do your talking on the pitch and to get back to making headlines on the back pages.

"The new owners have come in and steadied the ship and there is a lot more positivity around from top to bottom at the club.

"That is what Liverpool Football Club is all about: quiet up above (in the boardroom) and making all the noises on the pitch.

"It is nice to be talking about how well the team is doing and not about the owners."

Much of the talk yesterday was of Gerrard's performance as, after three substitute appearances, he reclaimed what Liverpool fans believe is his rightful place in the starting line-up.

While it was some way short of his inspirational best just having the 31-year-old back in the side is a huge psychological boost.

And for the player himself it has come as a welcome relief.

"I didn't realise what I had until it was taken away from me for so long," he added.

"So I am delighted to be back and be able to experience the emotion of big games again.

"It has been a frustrating six months watching the lads from the stands and I much prefer to be out there having an impact on the game.

"It would have been the perfect day if my goal had been the winner but it wasn't to be."

Liverpool undoubtedly had the best chances and had it not been for goalkeeper David de Gea pulling off two great saves to deny Dirk Kuyt and Jordan Henderson they would have recorded a fourth successive victory over United at Anfield - something which has not happened for almost 32 years.

Manager Kenny Dalglish admitted his players were disappointed not to have extended their winning run over their arch-rivals and Gerrard agreed.

"With the chances we created over 90 minutes I think we deserved to just sneak the three points," said the England midfielder, who believes the strength of the squad will stand them in good stead this season.

"You sum a side up by how strong your bench is.

"If you look at our bench against United we had Craig Bellamy, Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson - that goes to show how much stronger we've got over the last couple of years.

"It is a really big positive when you know you have got big subs coming on and we are really happy with how things are going at the moment.

"All those players (and other summer signings like Jose Enrique, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing) have made our squad an awful lot stronger.

"There is a mixture of experienced and young and it will take time to settle and produce top form on a consistent basis.

"But I think there are going to be big things from those players."

While Gerrard is impressed by the depth of the squad his manager still expects great things from one of the club's greatest players.

"He is a really integral part of the club and will be for years to come," said Dalglish.

"He is etched in the history of the club and will hopefully have a few more chapters to write yet."