Steven Gerrard first-ever Premier League hat-trick helped Liverpool to a handsome 5-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Liverpool captain told liverpoolfc.tv that his side is in the mood to run Manchester United all the way in this season's title race.

Liverpool are now just one point behind United at the top of the table after the 5-0 demolition of Aston Villa, during which Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera got onto the scoresheet before Gerrard netted a treble.
 
United have played one game less than the Reds and so still hold the destiny of the title in their hands, but Gerrard is thrilled Liverpool's championship ambitions are alive and kicking as we enter the closing weeks of the season.
 
"That result was more than we expected today," said the skipper. "We'd have settled for 1-0 before the game. Villa are a fantastic side although they've had a dip in form of late. We got an early goal and were then able to build on it.
 
"It was nice for me to get a hat-trick, but the important thing today was winning the game and taking the three points.
 
"It's important not to get carried away. Manchester United are still capable of winning all of their remaining games and so it's important we focus on ourselves, keep winning, stay on their shoulders and keep piling that pressure on them.
 
"If they go into games knowing we are ready to pounce if they make mistakes then it will be more difficult for them.
 
"Everyone knows we're in a rich vein of form at the moment. We're winning games convincingly, but we have to continue to take one game at a time."