Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed his belief that Chelsea and Manchester City are under more pressure to win the title than his side.
The Reds moved to the top of the Premier League table with a resounding 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon, putting the prospect of ending a 24-year title drought in their own hands.
However, Rodgers believes that his side's pre-season expectations of challenging for fourth place, coupled with the fact that City and Chelsea both still have to visit Anfield, lifts the pressure off his side.
"I believe so," he told reporters when asked if the pressure was on the other teams. "I don't think anyone expected us to be where we are, especially as the last two seasons we were eighth and seventh, and it has just allowed us to develop at our own pace.
"We go to every game to win but what has been great to see has been the idea and methodology of our work bearing fruit in the game. There are some great teams up there and world-class managers so we understand it's going to be difficult but we just do what we can do and see where it takes us. For us the mantra has always been to focus on the next game, we never get too carried away.
"It is very difficult; there's lots of people dreaming about Liverpool winning the title but for me it is installing in the players that there's a process, it's not just about the end result. It's been about simple hard work and focus and concentration. There are only 18 points to play for but you can only take three at a time - Upton Park will be a tough game for us but our confidence and belief is at a good level."
Liverpool have now won eight matches on the bounce and lead second-placed Chelsea by two points.
Barney Corkhill
