Saturday’s game was the first of a potentially pivotal triumvirate of games for Liverpool, with tomorrow’s visit to the Emirates followed by a clash at near rivals City and skipper Steven Gerrard admits Benitez’s side cannot afford many more mistakes if they are to secure Champions League football next season.

“Everybody is still on a high and now we have got to take that high into the next game,” he said.

“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 as we can’t afford any slip-ups because there is pressure coming from Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa.”

“We showed fantastic togetherness (against Everton), we fought for each other and that’s why I am really proud of this team.

“It’s performances like this that will get you in there (the top four).

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

Of the derby victory, Gerrard added: “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.

“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.

“ I am really proud of this team.”