James Milner admits Liverpool were never at their best against Leicester City, but knows the importance of all three points.
The Reds ground their way to a gritty 2-1 win at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, thanks to goals from Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.
They started well, but having taken the lead through Mane’s strike they never looked close to their best against the Foxes.
Speaking after the game, Milner told Sky Sports that there was plenty wrong with the performance but that getting over the finish line was vital.
“It wasn’t a good performance from us, in most aspects really; passing, defending, keeping the ball. It was tough work,” Milner said.
“We knew it would be tough, sometimes you have to win ugly and we did that today.
“There’s plenty to improve on again and we need to improve after the international break and hopefully everyone comes back fully fit.
“But if you’re winning games and not happy with your performances that’s where you need to be.
“It’s a long season, there’s long way to go and there’s plenty we can improve on. We’ve seen that in the last few games.
“It’s pleasing how we’ve defended, pleasing how we’ve fought and got the results. There’s a lot more to come from this team, it’s early days in the season.”
There is clearly much more to come from Liverpool, as Milner alluded to, and it feels as though Jurgen Klopp has eased his team into this season.
They haven’t been particularly eye-catching in any game yet, even the 4-0 win at home to West Ham, yet they have maximum points and sit top of the Premier League.
Once the international break is done and dusted and players return even fitter, we are likely to see the Reds somewhere near their best again.
Considering they are yet to fire, they find themselves in a pretty healthy position.
