Andy: ’Pool form is just a blip

ANDY Robertson (right) believes Liverpool are experiencing no more than a “blip” in their pursuit of the Premier Leag ue title a nd has dismissed suggestions the pressure of being league leaders is starting to tell.

The Reds were perhaps fortunate to come away with a 1-1 draw from Monday night’s clash with West Ham and the four points they have dropped in their last two games means what could have been a seven-point lead over Manchester City is instead only three.

At both the London Stadium and in drawing at home to Leicester, Liverpool have struggled for the fluency that had taken them to the top of the table, suggesting they could be at risk of throwing away their advantage, just as they did in losing the title to City five years ago.

Former Dundee United favourite Robertson believes the loss of the injured Jordan Henderson, Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold is having an influence but feels he and his team-mates are primed to respond.

“I wouldn’t say nerves are showing,” the 24-year-old said. “Did anyone say that when City dropped points against Crystal Palace and Leicester in December? I don’t think they did. It’s no different for us – people talk about pressure because we’ve not been in this position, but it’s February.

“Everyone needs to relax and try and enjoy the run-in – many other clubs want to be in the position we’re in just now.

“Nerves aren’t showing in the changing-room. It’s been two poor results and poor performances, it happens during a long season. We need to get back to playing the better football we can but it’s nothing to do with nerves.

“We’re having a wee blip and we need to just try and get over the line in a couple of games. The run-in will be exciting but it’s time to try and enjoy it.

“We’d prefer to have a fully-fit squad. City dropped points when they had Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho missing, then they all came back and they’re in a good moment just now.

“We’ve got quite a few injuries and we need to try and get the boys back fit but we’ve recruited and have a big enough squad that we should be able to deal with it.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has warned his team they will face tougher tests than West Ham before the end of the season.

He said: “If you want to be at the top of the table at the end of the season, you have to deal with much tougher situations than we had at West Ham. That’s the truth, that’s always clear,” he said.

“But of course you need players fit and available, that helps a bit.”