Steven Gerrard backs Liverpool for title

Captain Steven Gerrard says Liverpool are "genuine contenders" for the Premier League title after they beat Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Gerrard scored two penalties and could even afford to miss a third, before Luis Suarez rounded off the scoring.

"We've showed that we are genuine contenders and we are going to fight to the end for this," said the midfielder.

Liverpool have not won the league title since 1990 but are now only four points off leaders Chelsea.

The Blues, who have played a game more than Liverpool, were beaten by Aston Villa on Saturday.

Liverpool have won eight of their past 10 league matches and still have home games against favourites Manchester City and Chelsea on 13 April and 27 April to come.

Gerrard felt Liverpool were completely dominant at Old Trafford as they won at the ground for the first time since their 4-1 success in March 2009.

The 33-year-old urged his team-mates to replicate the same level of performance in forthcoming matches.

"I have come here many times before and been played off the park," Gerrard said. "They are a fantastic team and this is one of the most difficult places to come in the Premier League.

"We've come here and dominated from start to finish, yet we're still going away slightly disappointed that we didn't score more goals.

"We will enjoy this, but we'll need to move on quickly. The easiest thing in football is to talk the talk.

"We have to treat Cardiff and Sunderland the same as Manchester United."

But he added: "We believe that we can win the league."