We Are Title Contenders - Gerrard

Liverpool’s, and in particular, Rafael Benitez’s woeful streak against arch nemesis Manchester United had looked set to continue at Anfield last Saturday when they went behind after just three minutes.

But the Merseysiders rallied to snatch a 2-1 victory thanks to a Wes Brown own goal and a Ryan Babel strike 13 minutes from time. And their captain Steven Gerrard was understandably delighted with the result, but even more so with the performance as he believes it now establishes his side as title contenders.

“When you get a win against the best side in the league, you know it will put you in good stead for the future,” he said after the game.

“We realise it is only early in the season and of course it doesn’t mean we will go on and win the league.

“But we can now challenge the other top sides like United and Chelsea because they know we are capable of beating them. And we believe we will be in the hunt come March and April,” he emphasized.

The 28 year old also singled out fellow midfielder Xabi Alonso for special praise.

“It has been a very difficult time for him throughout the transfer window because he didn’t know if he was coming or going.

“But he got Man of the Match against United and that says a lot about him.”

KS Leong