Gerrard: We need a perfect finish
Steven Gerrard is targeting a 'perfect finish' to 2012-13 as Liverpool go in search of European qualification.
The Reds' 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday was their third successive Barclays Premier League win and elevated them to sixth in the table, seven points off fourth-placed Chelsea.
Gerrard is hoping Brendan Rodgers' side can maintain their momentum over the final nine games and secure continental football for next season.
"The top five places are the target," said the captain. "Let's see what happens in other big games that are not in our control. Hopefully the teams above us will slip up.
"All we can control is our performances and our consistency and hopefully we will finish strong.
"At times we haven't got what we've deserved against top sides but we can't look for excuses. We are where we are and we need to take responsibility for where we are in the league.
"Liverpool don't belong in seventh, eighth or ninth in the table. We want to push for the European places year after year.
"Hopefully it's not too late but we will need to produce the perfect finish to sneak in the back door."
Sunday's triumph over Spurs was the first time this season Liverpool have secured three points against a side in the top six, despite a number of impressive displays against them.
Gerrard added: "This season has been slightly strange in the way that usually we do really well against the top sides and slip up against the sides we should be beating.
"But we have been putting those sides away quite comfortably with three, four and five nils, and looked really good. We haven't got the points we've needed against the top sides.
"This result and performance will give us great confidence and belief. Hopefully it will be a springboard for us to go on and finish the season really strongly."