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The Spain international, so integral a part of an exciting campaign for the Mersey men after rumours earlier in the season linked him with an Anfield exit, thinks that the marathon of the league campaign will come down to whoever has the best sprint finish over the last six games.

"We have six games to go and we cannot afford to drop any points if we want to give ourselves a chance because United have an advantage and we want to close the gap on them," he told The Liverpool Echo ahead of tonight's visit to Merseyside of Arsenal.

"We know that it will not be easy to win the league but we will keep on trying and if we win all of our games then we will see what happens.

"United are favourites because they are in the best position but it is up to us to keep on doing our job and hopefully we will keep on challenging right up until the end of the season."

Liverpool trail leaders Manchester United by a single point, and could therefore top the table for at least 24 hours should they beat the Gunners. United do still have a game in hand though. Alonso is therefore doubly keen that his team-mates put the disappointment of their recent Champions League exit to Chelsea behind them.

"Of course we were disappointed after our last game because we did not get the result which we were looking for," he added.

"But there was also pride because we gave everything in what was a very difficult situation after the first leg and also showed a lot of spirit. All the players kept on fighting until the very end which is obviously a good thing and now we must do the same in the Premier League.
"The team has shown its character and its maturity in recent games and if we keep believing in ourselves then you never know what could happen. We have to focus on the job in hand now there is no point in looking back."

Liverpool welcome Arsenal to Anfield tonight, kick-off 20:00 BST.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com