Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has acknowledged that his side face a major challenge in the Premier League title race after falling eight points behind leaders Arsenal, but insists it is too early to panic despite a disappointing start to the season.
The defending champions suffered a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, a result that left them eighth in the table after 11 matches, while Arsenal — runners-up in the past three seasons — extended their advantage at the top to four points.
Liverpool’s fifth league defeat of the campaign means they have already lost one more game than in the entirety of last season, prompting calls for greater consistency from the Scottish full-back.
“Obviously, we’ve given ourselves a huge uphill battle,” Robertson told the club’s official website. “But I don’t think any of the teams will really look at the league table until we’re halfway through.
“We have to start picking up points on a more consistent basis, and then we’ll see where we are around Christmas.”
The slow start comes despite Liverpool’s record £446 million ($598 million) summer spending spree, which saw significant reinforcements arrive to bolster Jürgen Klopp’s squad.
However, Robertson maintained that the focus within the team remains short-term and performance-based, rather than on the bigger title picture.
“I don’t think you can talk about the title this early in the season, regardless of where you are in the table,” he added.
“We need to start winning games consistently before that even becomes part of the conversation. It’s definitely not something being discussed in the dressing room.”
The remarks underline a measured response from one of Liverpool’s senior figures as the team looks to regain momentum and close the gap on their title rivals ahead of the busy winter period.
