Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has heaped praise on teammate Lucas Leiva following his performance in yesterday's 2-1 win over West Ham United.

The Reds made it nine league wins on the bounce to return to the top of the table, with Gerrard scoring both of his side's goals from the penalty spot in a controversial encounter.

However, the 33-year-old talisman singled out Lucas for special praise after the Brazilian came on at half time and played the pass that ultimately led to their winning goal after John Flanagan was brought down inside the area.

"Lucas deserves a special mention. I think there was a lot of pressure on him - the Brazil coach was here to watch him. He hasn't played much of late, but he's come back and worked his socks off to get fit," Gerrard told the club's official website.

"The ball he played for the second goal - people have been raving about Coutinho all year and the passes he has made - but for me, that was right up there with Brazil's best. I think that helped us go on and get the win.

"So it's great credit to Lucas and I think it shows that in this squad now we have a bit of everything - a bit of class, a bit of skill in Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Coutinho. But we've also got some steel. We have lads here who want to roll their sleeves up and dig in. That's what we did today."

Liverpool are two points clear of Chelsea and four above Manchester City going into Saturday's crucial Anfield encounter with Manuel Pellegrini's men.