Steven Gerrard goal: Stoke defenders 'let the Liverpool captain score in his final game'

Conspiracy theorists think the Potters gave the departing Liverpool skipper a helping hand in finding the back of the net on his final appearance

Steven Gerrard scores for Liverpool (GETTY IMAGES)

Steven Gerrard probably didn't want to celebrate his final Liverpool game by being on the end of the club's worst defeat for 52 years.

But that's what happened against unlikely abusers Stoke City.

A 6-1 loss was a dreadful way for Liverpool to end the campaign and the result saw them end the season sixth in the Premier League table.

But at least Gerrard got a goal - a fitting end to an incredible 17 year Anfield career.

However, some of the gloss has been taken off the Liverpool skipper's strike with suggestions on social media that the Stoke defenders went easy on him.

Gerrard still had much to do after being put through on goal with just the keeper to beat. However, it's been pointed out that once he broke through Stoke's back line, the defenders didn't appear to try their hardest to try and catch him. Stoke were leading 5-0 at the time.

There is no suggestion that Stoke deliberately allowed Gerrard to score.

Gerrard will join up with MLS side LA Galaxy this summer.