"That result was more than we expected today. We'd have settled for 1-0 before the game. Villa are a fantastic side although they've had a dip in form of late. We got an early goal and were then able to build on it," said Gerrard.
"It was nice for me to get a hat-trick, but the important thing today was winning the game and taking the three points.
"It's important not to get carried away. Manchester United are still capable of winning all of their remaining games and so it's important we focus on ourselves, keep winning, stay on their shoulders and keep piling that pressure on them.
"If they go into games knowing we are ready to pounce if they make mistakes then it will be more difficult for them.
"Everyone knows we're in a rich vein of form at the moment. We're winning games convincingly, but we have to continue to take one game at a time."
