Andy Robertson: The front three even enjoy clean sheets!
Liverpool's fifth Premier League clean sheet in a row was satisfying for every member of the squad, not just the defence, according to Andy Robertson.
The Reds shut out Sheffield United on Thursday night as they registered a 2-0 win to kick off the New Year and restore a 13-point lead at the summit.
Robertson and co are unbeaten in the Premier League for a year, as well as being reigning European and world champions, but had been aware of the need to tighten up defensively after the opening months of the season.
Which makes the recent spate of clean sheets so welcome for the left-back, but also the rest of the team – up to and including Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
Read Robertson’s reaction to the victory over the Blades below...
On the game and Liverpool’s display...
It was a really controlled performance. We know how we struggled at Bramall Lane and it was only really from a mistake that we didn’t draw it. They have picked up points in every away game apart from Man City and us, they are a fantastic team, they have lit up the Premier League and are a very good squad. So we knew how hard it was going to be, but the early goal was crucial for us, that killed their momentum and spirit a bit, and gave us the confidence to keep the ball, pass it about a bit and create more chances. It could have been a lot more comfortable but 2-0, a clean sheet and two fantastic goals – three points and back to 13 clear.
On a fifth consecutive Premier League clean sheet...
It’s so important. And you might not think it, but it’s so important to Bobby, Sadio and Mo [as well], they really like us keeping clean sheets. As a whole squad and club, if you keep clean sheets, you’ll never get beat. Maybe 38 0-0 draws aren’t good over the whole season! But it’s a great basis and that’s five on the bounce. Even though we were winning games a lot, we said about our defence – and we just kept on going and knew the clean sheets would come. So, delighted to get five on the bounce but it’s about keeping that going now.
On the role of the youngsters featuring in the first-team squad...
In the last two or three games we’ve had Neco, Harvey and Curtis, we had big Nat Phillips. The young lads are on the bench. In terms of our injury list, we lost Naby in the warm-up, you’ve got Fabinho, Dejan, Joel, Chambo, Clyney. If those players are available, it’s a hell of a squad. The quicker we get them back, the better because it’ll be best for our squad – but the young lads have been amazing in training and full of enthusiasm. That’s what you need, they push us all on. Harvey getting his Premier League debut, that’s fantastic for him; he has been amazing since he came in and really lit up the cup games. It’s a massive achievement for him and all his family.
On James Milner stepping in for the injured Naby Keita minutes before kick-off...
That sums Millie up, he was spot on. He always does his warm-ups as if he is playing and that’s proven there because from the get-go he was on the ball. That’s so important because Naby’s [injury] was unexpected, it was a late call, and Millie steps in as if he knew he was starting yesterday. That sums up the character of the whole squad, Millie shows it.