Steven Gerrard: 'Manchester City clash won't decide title'

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has played down the significance of next week's clash with Manchester City at Anfield.

Gerrard struck two penalties as the Reds beat West Ham United 2-1 at Upton Park this evening to move top of the Premier League table, four points clear of City, who have played two fewer fixtures.

As a result of the Citizens' games in hand, Gerrard does not believe that Sunday's showdown with Manuel Pellegrini's men will determine the destination of the title yet.

"I'm not convinced just yet," Gerrard told Sky Sports. "There are some very hard games to go. We've got a huge game next week. The message is to stay clam and every time we go out on the pitch we leave every ounce of energy out there."

Asked whether or not victory would gift Liverpool the title, the skipper replied: "No, I don't think so.

"If you said to me now 'beat Manchester City and you get the Premier League title' I think the answer to your question will be 'Yes' but all it will give us is three points and there will be four huge games after that."

Next week's encounter is scheduled to kick off at the later time of 1.37pm to mark the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy.