Carra: Let's show top four class

Jamie Carragher believes the race for a top four finish is destined to go to the wire and has called for his teammates to provide a true reflection of their quality in the remainder of the season.

The Reds defender admits there was a sense of euphoria following Saturday's Merseyside derby triumph over Everton, but insists that Rafael Benitez's side must continue to show the same character week in, week out as they head into a crunch period.

"It's always extra special when you beat your local rivals, but at the end of the day it's still three points for a win and our aim is to get into that top four," he said.

"At half-time it didn't look good because we were down to 10 men and it was still 0-0. But we are Liverpool and we have a great strength of character.

"We should be up at the top and winning games. It's not about proving people wrong. It's about going out there and showing what we are capable of.

"We still aren't happy with where we are, but we have to keep on going until the end of the season now and try and get as high up the table as possible.

"There's still a long way to go. It will be tough because there are a lot of teams going for a top four place, but it's up to us to keep fighting and look after ourselves."

He added: "Arsenal away will be a big test and could be one of the key games." 

The Reds stretched their unbeaten run in the league to seven matches courtesy of a hard-fought victory over the Toffees at the weekend.

Carragher accepts Rafael Benitez's men have been far from consistent this term and feels it is down to the players to ensure that changes in the remaining months of the season.

"We are all in it together. At the end of the day we are Liverpool and the spotlight is always on you," he said.

"The crowd can do a lot but at the end of the day it's the 11 men on the pitch who have to do something about it.

"A lot of people have talked about Liverpool this season but the only way we can make a difference is by doing it out on the pitch. It's down to us."

Despite a difficult season, Dirk Kuyt's fourth goal in four matches was enough to clinch a derby double over the Blues.

It was the Dutchman's 50^th in all competitions for the Reds and the vice-captain was quick to pay tribute to his teammate.

"It's a brilliant achievement, especially in a Merseyside derby," he added. "He plays up front and then on the right -he's always there for us and like I say, it is a great achievement."