Andy Robertson believes that Liverpool's defeat of Tottenham demonstrated the heart and attitude that has propelled Jürgen Klopp's team throughout the title race and will push them on for the final six games of the Premier League campaign.
Liverpool replaced Manchester City at the top of the table on Sunday courtesy of Toby Alderweireld's late own goal at Anfield. It was the third time this season that Klopp's team have claimed victory in the 90th minute –more than any other Premier League side – and cleared arguably their toughest remaining assignment in pursuit of a first league title since 1990.
Robertson admitted that luck was on Liverpool’s side against Spurs, who were the stronger team in the second half at Anfield. But he insists the leaders’ habit of winning late is evidence of the indefatigable spirit within Klopp’s squad and no fluke.
The Liverpool left-back, once again outstanding on Sunday, said: “I think it comes from the whole squad having the right attitude and belief that we are good enough to win any game. We knew Tottenham were playing well in the second half but we still believed we were better and could go on and win the game.
“We know we’ve got the energy and we know we’ve got the heart to go right until the end in every single game. Our fitness levels are the best they should be at this point of the season so we know we can go right to the end. But sometimes you just need that wee bit of luck and we got it.
“Even when we were going through the tough times in the second half, we still believed we were going to win the game and that’s the mentality we have. It maybe didn’t look likely at times but three points and looking at the league table is all that matters. Performances don’t really matter at this point of the season as long as we win.”
Klopp admitted the manner of Liverpool’s dramatic victory on Sunday would have a greater impact on his players than a 5-0 stroll, and Robertson said: “Of course we’re all buzzing but only time will tell if it can give us that. I don’t think we’re lacking a spark but it can give us a real good push right to the end of this season now for six games. But we need to keep going like that and we need to play better than we probably did, especially in the second half.”
Robertson’s peach of a cross for Roberto Firmino’s opening goal was his ninth assist of the Premier League season, the most by any Liverpool defender this term.
“It’s a nice feeling,” the Scotland captain said. “But I won’t enjoy that until the end of the season because I want nine to become 10, 10 to become 11, and that’s the attitude I want to keep producing and hopefully get more assists and maybe pitch in with a goal or two – but that doesn’t look likely! I’m just happy to help create goals or score goals and this season I’ve put in some good crosses and the quality has been there but I just need more and six games to go hopefully I can get a couple more.” – Guardian
