Liverpool's manager Rafael Benítez gave a clear indication of his priorities when he omitted Gerrard and brought him on for only the last 22 minutes of a free-flowing match which Liverpool always controlled.
Portsmouth, roared on by another full house at Fratton Park, made life difficult with the pace and trickery of Lomana LuaLua and Diomansy Kamara but their outstanding player was the goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown. He made five important saves, with John Arne Riise denied the chance of a hat-trick, although the Norwegian made up for it by making both goals.
Benítez said: "We have a lot of games to play in a short time and it is important to use our whole squad so that we can keep everybody fit.
"Steven wants to play every game but we must learn to protect him. He has been injured recently and it is important we preserve his energy and fitness. There are other players who can play for him.
"We need to be sure of finishing in the top four to be in the Champions League next season but we know that we cannot change results on other pitches. Everton's win was a setback for us."
Even without Gerrard, Liverpool were in command for long periods and should have won by a bigger margin, with Xabi Alonso a more than adequate replacement for Gerrard.
The visitors were ahead after four minutes when Ashdown failed to cling on to a shot from Fernando Morientes, who was grounded when he swept in the rebound.
Portsmouth struggled to make an impact but were level after 33 minutes when a corner on the right by Gary O'Neil was forced over the line by Kamara in a hectic scramble. Chelsea scouts would have noted that every Liverpool player was in the box but they were unable to defend their goal.
Javier Luis García made little impression in midfield before being substituted at half-time but his one telling contribution of a disappointing evening was to beat Ashdown with a powerful header from 15 yards just before the interval.
Ashdown made two important saves from the luckless Riise and twice also from Alonso as Liverpool threatened more but were unable to capitalise on their smooth approach work.
Portsmouth introduced Patrik Berger in place of the tiring Steve Stone in the 66th minute and the former Liverpool player gave a glimpse of his heyday with a 30-yard shot which stretched Jerzy Dudek into meaningful action for the only time in the second half.
Portsmouth's new manager Alain Perrin, his English improving by the day, said Liverpool had deserved to win but he was pleased with the performance of his players.
"I told my players that tonight they played for themselves against a team in the semi-finals of the Champions League. On Sunday they play against Southampton for the supporters," he said. "Liverpool were stronger than us but this I expected. They played to win and there is no disgrace in losing to a good team like them."
Portsmouth fans are relishing the visit of their Hampshire rivals on Sunday for a match which could go a long way to deciding the Premiership fate of both clubs. Portsmouth are still not clear of relegation trouble but a win over Southampton would give them the double satisfaction of almost guaranteeing their own survival and nudging Harry Redknapp's team nearer the drop.
Perrin, who was almost appointed Southampton manager in one of their many changes of leadership, is beginning to realise the intensity of the rivalry. "I am looking forward to it," he smiled.