Liverpool send out title message with latest win - Steven Gerrard

Liverpool's clinical victory over Southampton "sends out a message" to their rivals in the title race, according to captain Steven Gerrard.

The Reds moved up to second in the Premier League table, four points behind leaders Chelsea, with a 3-0 win at St Mary's Stadium.

"As captain, it's my job to help keep the team calm," said Gerrard.

"But we've certainly got a chance of competing [for the title]. You've got to believe and have confidence."

Luis Suarez's 24th league goal of the season, another from substitute Raheem Sterling and a late Gerrard penalty secured Liverpool's fourth successive top-flight win.

Brendan Rodgers' side now have a two-week break before returning to action at Manchester United on 16 March.

Liverpool, who have won seven of their past nine league games, still have home games against fourth-placed Manchester City and Chelsea on 13 April and 27 April respectively.

"It's a really big win and it sends out a message," added Gerrard, who will lead England in a friendly against Denmark at Wembley on Wednesday.

"The only thing that goes against us a little bit is our lack of experience [in the title race]. But if we keep performing like we have then we've got a chance. "

While Liverpool fans sang "We're going to win the league" during the game at Southampton, Rodgers was keen to play down such talk.

"I'm not focusing on that to be honest, I'm focusing on the next game," he said. "I'm just staying calm.

"We're in a good position with 10 games to go. There's still a lot of work to do with regard to where I want to take this team."