Top sport stories from the national newspapers:

THE SUN: David Ngog was branded a cheat for the outrageous dive that saved Liverpool. Also: Darren Ferguson was axed as Peterborough boss last night.

THE TIMES: Liverpool’s problems deepened last night when they could manage only a 2-2 draw at home to Birmingham City – a result that leaves them 11 points behind Chelsea, the leaders of the Barclays Premier League. Also: Dean Ashton, the West Ham United and England striker, has finally admitted defeat in his battle with a persistent ankle problem.

DAILY MAIL: Steven Gerrard last night stepped off the bench to score a controversial penalty for Liverpool and earn a dramatic draw with Birmingham City. Also: Wayne Rooney has been warned about his future conduct by the FA after appearing to question referee Martin Atkinson’s decisions in Manchester United’s defeat at Chelsea on Saturday.

THE INDEPENDENT: Steven Gerrard once more came to Rafael Benitez’s rescue last night, converting the penalty that saved Liverpool from their fifth and most embarrassing league defeat of the season. Also: Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has accused the Match of the Day pundits who delivered a withering assessment of Wayne Bridge at the weekend of seizing any chance to submit players to public criticism without first watching the complete match videos.

THE GUARDIAN: This was about as woeful a night as Liverpool could experience without losing. Also: Notts County’s parent company will be wound up next week unless a six-figure tax debt is paid.

DAILY STAR: David Ngog dived to Rafa Benitez’s rescue last night. Also: Chelsea’s Ashley Cole is in a race against time to face Arsenal after playing against Manchester United with a broken leg.

DAILY MIRROR: David Ngog last night earned a penalty with an outrageous dive to rescue Liverpool at Anfield. Also: Nicklas Bendtner is facing a lengthy lay-off to deal Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes a huge blow.

DAILY EXPRESS: Ashley Cole played in Chelsea’s titanic 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday with a fractured shin, it was revealed last night. Also: Britain’s new heavyweight hero David Haye is being lined up for a blockbuster world unification showdown with one of the Klitschko brothers at Wembley Stadium later next year.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Once again, Steven Gerrard rescued Rafa Benitez. Also: Wayne Rooney has been warned as to his future conduct by the Football Association after appearing to mouth the words “12 men” to a television camera after Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat at Chelsea on Sunday.