Skrtel: Standing on the shoulders of Luis

The centre-back was first to reach Luis Suarez on Sunday after he'd fired the Reds' third in the 3-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

He was also snapped being hoisted onto the Uruguayan's shoulders during January's Merseyside derby demolition of Everton at Anfield following a Daniel Sturridge strike.

Such images have been savoured by supporters, who've shared them across social networks and crafted background images to commemorate yet another magical moment in a campaign that just keeps on giving.

"Obviously it was nothing planned before," Skrtel smiles as he offers an explanation when quizzed by Liverpoolfc.com at Melwood about being perched on the shoulders of Suarez twice in the last few weeks.

"But when we scored in the game against Everton - and now against United - you go mad after those goals, so it was something I'd done before and now again. I'm glad the fans liked it!

"It says everything [about the team spirit]. Everyone can see when we celebrate that everyone - every single player - is together. We're happy scoring goals and winning games.

"Everyone can see the spirit in the team and the changing room is perfect now."

As well as those aforementioned images of joy against United and Everton, Skrtel has often been one of the first on the scene to revel in the ecstasy of scoring goals this season - while footage of his two-goal salvo in the 5-1 win over Arsenal will live long in the memory.

But which has been his favourite celebration so far?

"I think the Everton one," he considered. "I think it was [taken] after the third goal we scored that night, and it was special.

"I just jumped on the lads, but I didn't expect them to stand up for 10 seconds! It was special, the best one so far."

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Sunday's win at Old Trafford was the latest in a string of high-scoring victories for Liverpool this term against top-four rivals, with Everton, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur having also been put to the sword by hefty margins.

However, Skrtel is unable select which one has been his most enjoyable. Spoilt for choice, some might say.

"I could pick a few games - we've mentioned the Everton game, the game against United, obviously the game against Arsenal when I scored two goals...all of them were great victories," said the Slovakian.

"But every victory is important for us because we are fighting for our targets and every single point is very important for us. We're enjoying every single game and every single goal."

The triumph at Old Trafford was Liverpool's first on that ground since 2009, when they ran out 4-1 successors.

The achievements of that afternoon have long since been cherished by Reds fans, but Skrtel feels Sunday's success could potentially have been an even finer accomplishment.

He said: "In 2009 when we beat them 4-1, it was a great week for us because three days before we'd beaten Real Madrid 4-0 at Anfield. It was a great few days for us.

"Comparing the victory then with this one, I feel this one was a little bit better because we dominated more of the game and could have scored even more goals, so I'd probably regard this a little bit higher."

On a personal level, Skrtel has had four goals to cheer so far this season.

He looked intent on adding another one to that tally on Sunday when a marauding burst from the back in the second half had the away fans on their feet.

Unfortunately, the move broke down at the last, resulting in Skrtel being awarded a yellow card for a foul on the edge of the United box.

The fact, however, a Liverpool centre-back was on the edge of the home team's penalty area in open play at Old Trafford said much for their approach to the contest.

"Obviously the first thing for a defender is defending and protecting the goal," said Skrtel. "When you have a chance to go forward and bring the ball out, then obviously you go.

"It was the same in that moment. I got the ball around our box and saw a lot of space in front of me, so I just tried to bring the ball out. Then I passed to Luis [Suarez], but, unfortunately, we lost the ball - and I just gave away a foul.

"I got a yellow card and I asked the ref why because it was my first foul in the game and he booked me straight after. But that is part of the game - the booking was only my third yellow card of the season, so it's not too bad."

Skrtel's powerful sorties deep into opposing territories have been noted on several occasions this season - a facet of his game he's taking pleasure in.

"It is something I enjoy because most of the time I am defending, but when I have a chance to go forward I just go and try to do something," considers the No.37.

"This season I've had the chance to go forward a few times, I've scored a few goals and I'm happy about that. I'm enjoying it."