Brendan Rodgers claims Liverpool are still the top team on Merseyside

Brendan Rodgers insists Liverpool are still the top team on Merseyside despite the fact that Everton are above them.

Ahead of Sunday's derby at Anfield, the Toffees look set to finish above the Reds for a second successive season.

Asked if this means Everton are now the top team, Rodgers said: "Not to my eyes. No. This is a club which traditionally has been the top side here for however many years. It is still the top club here.

"Everton have obviously finished above us last year and have had a good season this year. We obviously want to improve next year and I believe we are in the process of doing that.

"But for us, it has always been about finishing as high as we can, knowing this year was a year for building the base.
"Next year we have to really push on and find that consistency.

"I don't believe, though, that there is a shift in power. No. This is a big game for the supporters, there's big pride at stake here.

"I'm really looking forward to the occasion because Liverpool and Everton games are special."

Rodgers also denied suggestions that the Reds have become a one-man team given the performances of Luis Suarez.

"Luis did his job really well this year, no doubt," added Rodgers.

"And because of his availability and because we were short of strikers, he was playing the games and getting the goals.

"It's just that he's been the striker who has been fit, available and playing for the most part this season."