Sammy Lee: Liverpool FC aren't at their best yet

And assistant manager Lee is convinced even more is to come from Liverpool.
"We were pleased," he said. "It's never easy to get three points here but what message it sends to other teams is up to them to decide.

"We are just focusing on our job. We feel we have a strong squad here and are looking to get better.

"We have a belief and we have an arrogance, although we don't want to sound conceited. We prepare to succeed and we are trying to get out of the games what we feel we deserve."

Rafael Benitez, who saw Martin Skrtel return as a late substitute after almost three months out with a knee injury, again watched the game from the directors' box as he recovers from the operation on his kidney stones.

And Lee added: "Rafa was delighted. Rafa being Rafa, I'm sure he'll be watching a DVD and analysing the performance and seeing where we can improve. We'll analyse the performance and we'll look at what we need to improve upon. All credit to the boys, though. They are willing to work hard in every aspect to try and improve their game.

"It's up to others to say if that's the best we've played this season. We know our job and we know where we have to improve. We should have scored more today, that's maybe me being greedy but that's what we look at. Shay Given is a terrific keeper and certainly had a very good performance. People talk about the perfect performance but it's our duty to try and analyse it."

Robbie Keane was dropped to the bench despite his two goals in the Boxing Day win over Bolton Wanderers, but Lee said: "It's a squad game and we've been criticised at certain times for picking certain teams. But Rafa will pick whatever team he feels fits a certain scenario.

"It will be a long season and all the players will be required to play. And we need them at a level where they need to compete. We have a hectic schedule coming up."

Gerrard, who has now scored 13 times this season, also played a part in two other goals during a stellar display that earned applause from the home supporters on his 70th-minute substitution.

And Lee added: "It shows the knowledge and respect of the Newcastle fans, who I believe are second only to ours. They recognised a good performance and all credit to them for their response.

"Steven Gerrard is always looking to improve. That is the difference with world class players. They don't settle for what they have got and they try to work very hard and improve."

Lee, who revealed Fernando Torres was "getting fitter" after again missing out with a hamstring problem, also praised the impressive display of Lucas in midfield.

"We never had any doubts about Lucas's credentials and ability," said Lee. "He had a terrific game, but we are not surprised. We know his ability."