Gerrard: Seeds were sown before August
Steven Gerrard is of the opinion that the foundations for Liverpool's fine form in this campaign were laid in place by the players' efforts during the tail end of last season.
The Reds climbed back to the Barclays Premier League summit on Sunday after turning in a commanding display to dismantle Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 at Anfield.
It was the team's 14th win out of 16 league games in front of the Kop during 2013-14, and the skipper believes his teammates have shown remarkable consistency to maintain such levels since August.
But he insists that the side's dominant streak, especially at Anfield, stretches back further - as is evidenced by the fact that Liverpool have lost just twice in L4 since January 2013.
"I think that's down to the manager," Gerrard told Liverpoolfc.com. "Everyone is taking [his ideas] on board and putting that into practice.
"I'd go further back than this season - I think it's been the last 18 months. I remember us finishing last season very strongly and very consistently and I think we've taken that into this year.
"We had a very good pre-season and the form from day one, this season, has been consistent - and of late, I think we've taken it to the next level again.
"The run we're on is superb and it's a credit to everyone in the squad. I've noticed a few players in interviews of late have been saying how healthy the squad is and that's the players pushing for places, keeping the starting lads on their toes and so long may that continue."
Kopites have relished watching Gerrard turn in some of his finest displays in a red shirt for some time this season - and it seems the skipper has welcomed his new, deeper role with equal verve.
His leadership traits, a keystone of the No.8's game since he was awarded the Liverpool captaincy more than 10 years ago, have also been there for all to see as the 33-year-old has helped a young team navigate challenge after challenge.
"I have a vital role to play every single day - that's the captain's job," said Gerrard. "But nothing changes - I come in and I work as hard as I can and I try to lead by example for all the younger players that are watching me train every day.
"Hopefully they can follow suit out on the pitch. That's exactly what's been happening. The experienced lads are setting an unbelievable example.
"I think that's really healthy, because growing up as a player and as a young lad, I used to look up to the older players to see what they did and I used to want to copy them."