Liverpool closed the gap on Chelsea and Manchester United with victory at Sunderland and now has a favorable run against teams struggling towards the bottom of the table
23:16, 11 Feb 2026
Steven Gerrard sent the demand to Liverpool's players
Steven Gerrard sent the demand to Liverpool's players(Image: TNT Sports)
Steven Gerrard insists Liverpool must win its next four games if it is to secure Champions League football next season.
The Reds claimed a huge three points against Sunderland on Wednesday night as Virgil van Dijk scored a second-half header. The win saw Liverpool end the Black Cats' unbeaten home record and closed the gap on Chelsea and Manchester United above them.
Liverpool is in FA Cup action against Brighton this weekend before a run of games against sides struggling at the wrong end of the table. A trip to Nottingham Forest comes on February 22 before hosting West Ham at Anfield. Wolves and Tottenham follow those two games.
READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk shows true colors with question straight after final whistle vs SunderlandREAD MORE: Arne Slot issues worrying Wataru Endo injury update as Liverpool issues mount
And Gerrard believes a maximum points haul must be the target for Arne Slot's men. Speaking on TNT Sports after the win over Sunderland, he said: "Liverpool has to take 12 points from those four games.
"This race is going to get hotter. All the big teams have to finish inside the top five places and Liverpool is no different.
"There was a pressure last season when Liverpool was going for the league and the players and manager will be used to it. I think they will get there in the end.
"They have the players with experience who can handle pressure situations."
Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring Liverpool's winning goal against Sunderland
Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring Liverpool's winning goal against Sunderland(Image: (Danny Lawson/PA Wire))
Gerrard's comments came after Arne Slot was asked about the importance of the three points before he referenced the club's iconic former captain.
"Steven is in the studio and he can tell you that if you play for, or manage Liverpool, that every game is must-win. That doesn't change. Last season when we were top of the league, it felt like we needed to win.
"This season, in this position, we feel the same. That is the pressure you should accept and embrace if you play for Liverpool, otherwise you are in the wrong place."
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Gerrard saw Mohamed Salah equal his record for 92 assists in the Premier League as the Egyptian crossed for Van Dijk's winner.
On the remarkable feat, Slot added: "He has so many records for this club, but to have this one combined with such a great player.
"Both were unbelievable players for this club. Unfortunately for Steven, I expect Mo to go above him. I don't expect, but I hope he goes above him."