Gerrard: Reds will maintain challenge

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has called on the squad to "dig deep" to prevent their Barclays Premier League title challenge evaporating before the end of October.

Sunday's 2-0 loss at Chelsea was the club's third defeat of the campaign - already more than last season when they ran Manchester United a close second - and questions are being asked about their ability to be genuine championship contenders.

"There is so much more to come from us and a hell of a lot of football still to play between now and May," the England midfielder told the Liverpool Daily Post. "We're up for the challenges that lie ahead. It will come down to who wants it the most and who is prepared to dig deepest."

Liverpool are six points adrift of leaders Chelsea with United set to visit Anfield on October 25, prior to which the Anfield side travel to Sunderland and also host Lyon in the Champions League.

Defeat against their arch-rivals would give the critics even more ammunition regarding Liverpool's failing title ambitions, but Gerrard said the players are not prepared to throw the towel in.

"When the manager demands a reaction from us he gets it, and that's going to come in the games between now and the next Champions League match (on October 20) too."