Liverpool 3-2 Tottenham: Reds put down marker - Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says his side's 3-2 win over Tottenham has proven they can challenge the Premier League's top teams.

The Reds had not beaten any of their rivals currently in the top eight this season until beating Spurs at Anfield.

"All season people have spoken about us not beating anyone from the top 10, then it was the top eight and top six and top four," said Rodgers.

"The game against Spurs was a stringent test and they came through it."

Liverpool had failed to beat Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton or West Brom prior to the win against Spurs.

"We know where we want to be eventually but this is another marker for us in terms of our growth," added Rodgers.

Liverpool took the lead against Spurs through Luis Suarez's 22nd Premier League goal of the season only to fall behind to two Jan Vertonghen efforts.

But Stewart Downing and a Steven Gerrard penalty completed the Reds' comeback to secure three successive league wins for the Merseysiders for the first time since May 2011.

"It was very important win for us," said Rodgers, whose side moved above rivals Everton into sixth.

"We are on a great run at the moment and we knew this was going to be a severe test of our qualities and character against a team in great form.

"For us to get three points and show the character was fantastic and I am delighted for the players because they worked ever so hard.

"You can see the mentality in the group. I thought we had to show different characteristics than what we have had to do in recent weeks.

"We've been comfortable in a lot of the games and been able to control them but against a top side we came through.

Liverpool are seven points off a top-four slot and potential qualification for the Champions League, although Rodgers refused to get carried away.

"I am not thinking of that [qualification for Europe]. We'll just keep collecting points and see where it takes us."