Steven Gerrard: Man Utd win shows we are serious

Sep 15 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

Steven Gerrard celebrating _320

STEVEN GERRARD believes Liverpool have issued a statement of intent that they are ready to launch a credible title challenge by beating Manchester United.

The Anfield outfit came from behind to defeat the champions 2-1 at home to secure their first Premier League win over their bitter North West rivals under Rafael Benitez.

After Carlos Tevez gave United a third-minute lead, Wes Brown equalised with a 26th-minute own goal before Ryan Babel stepped off the bench to slot home the winner 13 minutes from time.

It moved Liverpool six points clear of United in the early league standings, and skipper Gerrard said: “It was a massive win. If you get a win against one of the best sides in the league, it is going to put you in good stead for the future.

“We realise it’s only early days and it doesn’t mean we’re definitely going to go on and win the league now.

“But it gives us the belief when we play the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal and United, and go to places like that, we know we are capable of beating them.

“You can understand when the manager says this was a game worth more than just three points. If you beat teams like United, it is bound to help you for future games. They are defensively very good and have world class players, so it shows you can beat anyone.

“A win like this gives belief and a boost of confidence for every individual and the team.

“I’m sure the United players will realise that we want this title really badly. I know it’s only a few games in, but we want to be there come March and April.

“It means so much to the supporters and the players, we want it really badly. And I must make a special mention of the supporters, they were unbelievable.”

United were the only title rival Liverpool had not defeated in the league during four previous seasons under Benitez.