Gerrard eyes fourth spot

Steven Gerrard has predicted Liverpool has every chance of challenging for fourth spot if they manage to win their next three Premier League games.



Sunday’s 3-2 victory over West Ham on Sunday brought Liverpool to within four points of fourth-placed Everton heading into the hectic festive period.



Brendan Rodgers’ men, who enjoyed back-to-back league victories for the first time since he took over in the summer, face Aston Villa, Fulham, Stoke and QOR in their final four games of 2012 and four wins would greatly enhance their chances of competing for a Champions League spot.



Reflecting on Sunday’s result, Gerrard said: “I’m really pleased with the lads. It was a fantastic performance. I think before the game people were doubting us and thinking we would be a bit toothless in the final third without our top striker.



“But we’ve gone away from home, scored three goals and got the three points we came here for.”



Liverpool made their worst start to a season since 1911, but they have improved steadily under Rodgers and Gerrard is hopeful they will find themselves closer to fourth by the turn of the year.



“We’re building slowly towards where we want to be. We’ve got two home games now against Aston Villa and Fulham,” he told the Liverpool Echo.



“If we can capitalise and make it 12 points out of 12, then we will find ourselves a lot closer to fourth.



“It’s a platform to build on. We just have to focus on Villa now. Come the end of December we’re really looking to be close to that fourth position.”