Steven Gerrard believes the introduction of Joe Allen played a crucial role in helping Liverpool turn Sunday's clash with Tottenham Hotspur in their favour.

With the Reds trailing 2-1 to a Jan Vertonghen brace that had cancelled out Luis Suarez's opener, Allen was introduced into the action on 59 minutes.

Within seven minutes, Liverpool were level through Stewart Downing before Gerrard himself clinched all three points with a dramatic late penalty.

Afterwards, the captain was eager to highlight the impact Allen made in the comeback.

Gerrard said: "The Downing goal changed it. Against the run of play, their 'keeper has made a mistake and Stewie has slotted it away.

"But at 2-1, the change bringing Joe Allen on in midfield gave us that extra number in the middle. When you play with two forwards against the top sides, sometimes you get outdone in the middle of the park. I thought that change was big today.

"We're really pleased - the changing room was buzzing. I think it's the least we deserve. We should have more wins against the top-four sides because of the way we've played, but thankfully we got one [against Spurs]."

Gerrard also had words of praise for Suarez, who fired Liverpool in front and delivered another outstanding performance in attack.

"He just frustrates the opposition, he's that good," said the skipper. "He gets under people's skin. Thankfully he's playing in red because I would not want to play against him."

The result lifted Liverpool into sixth position in the Barclays Premier League - seven points off fourth-placed Chelsea.

The Reds also moved ahead of Everton on goal difference.

"This was the win we needed to give us confidence and belief that we can go on and win the remainder of the games," concluded Gerrard.

"This season is not over for us. We need to keep fighting and try to finish as high as possible - and we certainly need to finish above the Blues."