Alvaro Arbeloa says no-one can live with the blistering starts of Liverpool.

Reflecting on Sunday's 5-0 thrashing of Aston Villa, the Spanish fullback said: "We had a really good start to the Villa game, and that kind of first-half display is the key to improving our home form.

"If we can start really well at Anfield it can be important because an early goal can open up a tight match. You saw what it was like against Real Madrid in the Champions League and they could not cope with us, so I think we have to do the same in all of our home matches."

He added: "We are closer to the top but it is best to just focus on how well we are playing. We have a lot of confidence now and I think we are performing at our best level.

"We have to keep going, build on the momentum of the past week or so and make sure we fight right up until the end of the season."

And the Spain international was quick to praise Gerrard's contribution, saying: "He was excellent and he deserves all the credit he gets because he is a key player for us and performs like a true captain.

"He is having an amazing season, and he deserves to be considered the best there is."