Source: Liverpool_Echo
Derby win will spur us on to Champions League spot says Steven Gerrard: Liverpool FC latest
Steven Gerrard, Liverpool FC[LNB]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.[LNB]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.[LNB]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.[LNB]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.[LNB]'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.[LNB]'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.[LNB]'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.[LNB]'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.'[LNB]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.[LNB]'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.
