Frank Lampard insists we must stay on top of our game if we are to open up a gap at the top of the Premier League.

An impressive performance and three points in Lancashire on Sunday placed us ahead of Liverpool at the head of the title race, but Rafa Benitez's side remain on the same points tally with an inferior goal difference.

Arsenal beating Manchester United on Saturday ensured they leapfrogged the champions into third place, six points off the pacesetters.

Lampard, who put in another fine shift at the centre of our midfield and created the second goal, believes we must continue in this vein or our impressive start will be meaningless by May.

'It's only important if you keep going, it's great at the moment, a slight gap has opened up between a couple of the big four, but Liverpool are neck and neck with us and it's just a great start,' he said.

'If you lose your attitude or a couple of points it all turns around so we need to keep playing well. We have had some emphatic wins with good performances throughout the team, it's very important we keep it going.'

Speaking after our ninth consecutive Premier League away win, a run which equals our own record set four seasons ago, the 30-year-old was pleased with the performance on a pitch more suited to water polo in the first half.

'We had to dry off at half-time and again at the end, they were about the worst conditions you can play in really and it was getting a bit farcical at one point,' he admitted. 'Fortunately the rain stopped and we played very well, deserved the lead at half-time and it was a very professional performance.

'I think there is a middle ground where you don't play through the back too much but in their half you move the ball quickly and we tried to do that. Credit to the boys it was a very good team performance. Two goals, and we could have been winning by more against a good team and against terrible conditions.'

The main reason the score was kept down was the form of home goalkeeper Paul Robinson, an international team-mate of the Chelsea midfielder. He made superb stops from Lampard himself, Nicolas Anelka and John Mikel Obi, while Petr Cech was also on song to deny Carlos Villanueva and Jason Roberts.

'Robbo was in great form, particularly in the first half, he made great saves time and time again, especially one down to his left-hand post, I think Nic it was, it looked like it was in,' Lampard said.

'Robbo can do that, and it's great to see him confident and playing well. Petr Cech is top drawer, and made two saves, one in each half, and that's what he's all about.'