Why Liverpool can now win the premier league, says Rafa Benitez
He said: "We had a really good start to the Villa game, and that kind of first-half display is the key to improving our home form.
"If we can start really well at Anfield it can be important because an early goal can open up a tight match. You saw what it was like against Real Madrid in the Champions League and they could not cope with us, so I think we have to do the same in all of our home matches."
He added: "We are closer to the top but it is best to just focus on how well we are playing. We have a lot of confidence now and I think we are performing at our best level. "We have to keep going, build on the momentum of the past week or so and make sure we fight right up until the end of the season."
And the Spain international was quick to praise Gerrard's contribution, saying: "He was excellent and he deserves all the credit he gets because he is a key player for us and performs like a true captain.
"He is having an amazing season, and he deserves to be considered the best there is."
Liverpool must now wait for a fortnight to continue their pursuit of Manchester United, with an international break to be negotiated first.
Benitez said: "We need to wait now for United to make mistakes. We are closer but they are in a very good position. We must keep going and keep pushing them.
"They will see we are working hard for every game, so my message is to keep doing our job.
"When you are playing well, the players have more confidence. Sometimes you do not need to change things, we have more or less the same players and system.
"But it is now one game a week. Torres is fit, Gerrard is fit, Aurelio is fit so it is easier to keep the same players on the pitch.
"We may have (injury)problems caused by the international break, but we have Agger back from injury and Yossi Benayoun almost fit. That gives us more choice but we will need all of our players now.
"You cannot keep thinking if United will make two or three mistakes, you just have to keep winning and see what happens because you cannot have any influence on their results."
He added: "Manchester United's next game is at home to Aston Villa, and Villa have won ten away games in the league this season. Maybe they will make things difficult for United.
"Maybe people will now think (after we won there) that they can now do well at United. But more importantly, everyone knows now that we can beat anyone, so we must keep playing with this level of confidence.
"Me cracking up? All I can say is that I was calm before and I am still calm now."
