Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers saw his side return to the Barclays Premier League summit with a narrow victory over West Ham and is now ready to send his fearless players into a top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City. Two Steven Gerrard penalties were enough to see off a spirited performance from the Hammers, who had equalised through Guy Demel on the stroke of half-time. The victory means Liverpool have now won their last nine league games, remaining unbeaten since the turn of the year.
They welcome Man City to Anfield next Sunday and Rodgers believes his side can conquer their title rivals.
"I think it was interesting to hear (City captain) Vincent Kompany say we were the best team they have played," he said. The team we have put together, the mentality is to be fearless. It doesn't matter who we play, we have to respect them because they have world-class players but it is about ourselves and the confidence we have to play, there is no pressure on them."
The crunch game, as well as all of next weekend's fixtures including both FA Cup semi-finals, will kick-off seven minutes late in tribute to the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster. The inquest into the reasons why 96 Liverpool fans lost their lives back in 1989 is also ongoing and Rodgers believes it is fitting that the Reds are once again challenging at the top of the league at a time when those supporters are remembered.
"I think it is brilliant that people are talking about the football of Liverpool, the supporters are so happy with how they are seeing their team play. We can't say too much on Hillsborough because the inquest is under way but as a manager I knew coming into the football club that there are 96 people in the sky that will always be supporting this team. We want to do it for the great support and the football family of Liverpool and if we are to achieve anything this year they will always be in our thoughts."
A positive result at home to Manuel Pellegrini's side will no doubt make Liverpool the favourites to win their first league crown since 1990 after Gerrard's penalty brace wrapped up three vital points in east London.
