Steven Gerrard continued to play down Liverpool's Premier League title chances despite returning to the top of the table with a 2-1 win over West Ham.
The Anfield captain scored a pair of penalties in the controversial clash at Upton Park, with Guy Demel having poked home the leveller for the Hammers.
Liverpool's title destiny is now in their own hands as victories in their final five games will ensure they are champions, with Manchester City and Chelsea still to visit Anfield.
The win over West Ham was the Reds' ninth in a row in the top flight and their next challenge is Sunday's home showdown with Manuel Pellegrini's City, but Gerrard is keen to remain grounded.
"I am not convinced just yet," he told Sky Sports. "There are some very hard games to go and we've got a huge game next week.
"The message is to stay calm, we've got to give everything we can.
"Every time we go on the pitch we've got to leave every single ounce of energy and determination out there and that's what we're planning on doing."
And when asked if the game against City was a winner-takes-all contest, he added: "I don't think so.
"All it will give us is three more points and that's what we plan to do, but there will be four huge games after that."
Referee Anthony Taylor was in the spotlight at Upton Park, allowing West Ham's leveller to stand despite a flag from his assistant when Andy Carroll's flailing arm hit Simon Mignolet in the head.
But Gerrard was given the chance to restore Liverpool's lead from the spot after the break when Adrian was ruled to have brought down Jon Flanagan, even though the West Ham keeper got a touch on the ball.
And the Liverpool skipper was happy with the way his side responded to a key call going against them shortly after taking the lead.
He said: "Different sides keep asking us different questions. It was a tough game, a tough 90 minutes, but there is great resolve, character and togetherness from the squad.
"We did (feel a sense of injustice), but the manager said to us at half-time we can't change anything. They all even themselves out over the season.
"That one went against us, but we couldn't feel sorry for ourselves. We had to roll our sleeves up and give an extra 10 percent.
"You can see clearly it's a foul, the linesman flagged for it and the referee has overruled him.
"The character of the team and the determination - we want this really bad and I think we showed that."
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