James Milner's top of the table warning
James Milner warned that Liverpool should not put too much stock in being top of the Premier League with just three games played.
The Reds continued their faultless start to the season by beating Brighton and Hove Albion 1-0 at Anfield on Saturday courtesy of Mohamed Salah’s first-half strike.
Jürgen Klopp’s side have yet to concede a goal in their three successive wins this term, though that record came under stress against the Seagulls.
Summer signing Alisson Becker had to produce an excellent save to preserve it in the 88th minute when he palmed away Pascal Gross’ close-range header.
Watch: Alisson's superb save secures points
And, while of course satisfied to be at the summit, Milner highlighted the need to improve on a performance that did not reach the level so often on show from Liverpool before.
“It’s never a bad place to be – but they’re early days and we just want to keep going and keep improving,” the No.7 told BT Sport when asked about topping the table.
“We know from the first three games it’s a pleasing start but there’s a lot to improve on. That’s the good thing and there’s stuff we’ll be working on to become a better team.”
On the hard-fought manner of the victory against a Brighton side who beat Manchester United in their previous game, Milner said: “They’re a good team, they showed that last week.
“They were going to be full of confidence coming here, they weren’t easy to break down; they’re strong, organised and have good players going forward as well.
“It was never going to be easy but obviously another clean sheet for us is pleasing. We know we can play better but sometimes you have to just grind out the result and look at what we can do better after the game and try to improve.”
Milner’s high pressing was the catalyst for the decisive moment of the match.
The midfielder robbed Yves Bissouma of possession deep in Brighton territory, allowing Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino to quickly spread the ball to Salah for a typically unerring finish into the far corner from his position on the right.
“That’s obviously what we want to do: catch them. When teams are as well organised as they are, they are the moments – when you win the ball back – to try to strike quickly,” said Milner.
“Bobby passed the ball through with a lovely weight on the ball. If you give Mo those chances he’s going to take them. The front three are always going to cause problems for all teams.
“Going forward gets most of the headlines but the boys at the back, the goalkeepers and as a team, keeping these clean sheets is so important and that’s what’s getting us the points.”