The Reds hung on for victory despite Tim Cahill's late goal and Gerrard hailed Liverpool's defenders as they closed the gap on Everton to four points.
Gerrard said: "That was a massive result for us. If we hadn't have been up for the challenge then Everton would have won the game.
"We played really well in the first half and could have added more in the second if Milan had taken his chances. When he was sent off it was hard work for us but we hung in there and defended like lions.
"Everything went wrong for us in terms of injuries today but we stuck together and got a great win."