He said: "After the Aston Villa game the manager said the next three games would shape our season.
"The fact we've won the first of those is a good start for us and now it's all about taking things on from there. I think in some games we've been a bit unlucky and in others we've got what we deserved, but throughout the difficult period there was nothing wrong with the spirit amongst the lads.
"The game against Southampton was a massive one for us because of what's been happening in the Premiership. Now we want to do the same in the next two games and then you never know, we might shut a few people up.
"It would make such a difference to the season if everyone has a cup final to look forward to."
The Liverpool midfielder admits the players were surprised by Sheffield United's second half display at Bramall Lane two weeks ago, but he insists they won't be caught cold tonight.
He says: "We were surprised by them in the second half up there but it wasn't a case of sitting back and settling for what we had as some people say.
"The manager and staff don't tell us to sit on a 1-0 win, it's just on that occasion they took us a bit by surprise.
"They caught us a bit cold, came at us more, closed us down and denied us space. We played well in the first half but they wouldn't let us play in the second.
"This time it's got to be the other way around and we've got to do the same to them from the first whistle.
"In a strange way it might turn out to be a good thing we are 2-1 down. Had we won the game a lot of people might have thought it was going to be easy for us tonight.
"Now everyone can see that isn't the case and the crowd will be up for this as much as the players.
"We've had some memorable nights at Anfield over the last two years against the likes of Crystal Palace, Roma and Barcelona when the atmosphere was as good as ever. We've got to use the fact we're at home to our advantage and I think the fans will be right behind us.
"When our difficult period started the problem seemed to be we didn't get ourselves going until we went a goal down. Then in later games we've become a bit sloppy after getting a goal ourselves. I suppose in this situation we can have no excuses. We're starting a goal down and we know if we get one we'll have to go for another to win it."