Gerrard: Derby win will spur us on

Steven Gerrard today promised Liverpool will use the euphoria of their derby victory as the foundation to launch a successful push for the Champions League.

Rafa Benitez's side came out on top at Anfield on Saturday in the 213th meeting between the Reds and Blues thanks to Dirk Kuyt's 55th minute header from Gerrard's precise corner.

Despite playing much of the match with a man down, after Sotirios Kyrgiakos had been sent off for a tackle on Marouane Fellaini, Liverpool still had enough to extend their unbeaten league run to a seventh match.

It was a result which gave Gerrard great satisfaction and one that provided the squad with a huge boost of confidence ahead of Wednesday's trip to Arsenal.

But if Liverpool are going to keep hold of fourth spot, the captain says the energy and commitment which was evident against Everton must be replicated.

"You always enjoy beating your local rivals but it was the way we did it that was really satisfying, particularly after losing a man after half an hour" said Gerrard.

"I thought we showed fantastic character, a great attitude and I also thought we played some decent stuff at times. I thought it was a fully deserved win.

"You could see what it meant to everyone on the pitch at the end and it was the same again in the dressing room afterwards; everybody is still on a high.

"Now we have got to take that high into the next game. It's a tough one, Arsenal away always is. But we have used beating Everton as a platform in the past and we've got to do it again. We want to extend our run and go on to better things."

Though Everton missed a glorious chance before half-time when Tim Cahill headed over from six yards, Liverpool had little difficulty containing them after the break.

"Everton have been on a good run and they are a fantastic side," said Gerrard, who clipped the crossbar with a free-kick. "We knew we would be under the cosh at times.

"But we showed fantastic togetherness, we fought for each other and there were a lot of tackles going in and that's why I am really proud of this team."

A good day turned out even better for Liverpool after Manchester City lost at Hull and Tottenham and Aston Villa played out a goalless draw at White Hart Lane.

Getting back into the top four has clearly given Liverpool a psychological boost but Gerrard is quick to point out there is much to play for.

"We know there is a long way to go and we want to make sure we are in the top four at the end of the season," said Gerrard.

"It's performances like this that will get you in there. We have got to try and keep this run going, as we can't afford any slip-ups. There is pressure coming from Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa

"There are a couple of very tough games coming up but if we can show what we have done in the last six games, I don't see why we can't maintain it."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the views or position of Liverpool Football Club.