Andy Robertson says improving Liverpool’s defence will be key to helping Arne Slot lead a title challenge in his first season in charge. They have not conceded in their opening two matches but on Sunday face a difficult trip to Manchester United, where the backline will likely face a more severe test.
Ipswich and Brentford were unable to breach Liverpool to give Slot a perfect start. Last season the club conceded 41 goals in 38 matches on their way to finishing third, seven more than the champions, Manchester City, and 12 more than the runners-up, Arsenal, but the early signs have been promising.
“I think in the first two games, you’ve seen that, two clean sheets, which we couldn’t have asked for better,” Robertson said. “We hope that we can keep that going and we hope that we can limit Man United to the chances. And after the international break we hope we can limit all the other teams to chances.
“When you look back at last season’s stats, I think even when we were still in the title race, we were conceding more chances probably than Arsenal and Man City. And when you do that, there’s going to be a game where you get punished. And that’s what ended up happening to us. Alisson made probably far too many saves.
“We probably conceded a few too many shots and we’ve worked hard to try to limit that. We’re not perfect. We’re not anywhere near where the manager wants us to be but we’re getting there and we can see improvements day to day.”
After two comfortable victories, visiting Old Trafford, where Liverpool have won twice in their past 11 visits, will be a more daunting proposition. Asked if winning would send a statement to rivals, Robertson said: “I’m not sure about big statement, but it’s always big when you win against your rivals, especially away from home. You always enjoy them a little bit more and probably people take more notice of that result.
“When you go away to any of the big teams, you always want to get the result that makes everyone else look, that’s always the aim. We’ve had different tests, but going to Old Trafford is a step up. ”
Errors cost Liverpool on their two visits to Old Trafford last season – games they could have won, April’s draw in the league coming three weeks after a dramatic defeat in extra time of an FA Cup quarter-final. “It’s up to us, being the away team, to keep them quiet,” Robertson said. “Just like they try to do when they come to Anfield. It doesn’t always work like that. If they do get momentum, then it’s about dipping into your experience, not give away silly things in crucial moments, and try to work your way back into the game.”
