Allen: We have to learn from it
Joe Allen admits Liverpool need to learn from the mistakes that condemned them to a harsh 3-2 Europa League defeat to Udinese on Thursday night – but insisted the positive aspects of the team's performance should not be disregarded.
The Reds turned in a dominant showing against the Italian side, but were left to rue a second-half spell in which the visitors raced into a 3-1 lead.
Luis Suarez reduced the deficit with a stunning free-kick, but Udinese were able to withstand heavy Liverpool pressure and clinch the three points.
Afterwards, Allen told Liverpoolfc.com: "It's very frustrating. To be leading 1-0 at home, controlling the game and looking very comfortable, but then coming off the pitch with nothing is a bitter pill to swallow.
"In the last 20 minutes, we really did throw everything at them. We created some good chances and played some good attacking, fast-flowing football.
"But unfortunately, that five-minute spell really, really cost us and we'll have to learn from it going into our next European encounter."
He added: "If you look at the game, there certainly were positives to take - it was just the cheap goals we gave away that is probably our one and only disappointment.
"That's football for you. It's a ruthless game and you get punished if you take your eye off the ball even if just for one second."
Allen produced an exceptional performance as he provided the basis for long spells of Liverpool possession, particularly in the first half.
However, the Wales midfielder insists he can take no personal satisfaction from the game - though he does believe there was further ample evidence the Reds are continuing to embrace the philosophies of Brendan Rodgers.
He said: "In the first half, and in the game at the weekend away to Norwich, I think you can see that everybody is taking to the style and the performance level has been really high.
"We're all looking forward to some fantastic results, which will come I'm sure.
"It's difficult to enjoy a match when you come off with nothing. We'll try to come away and look at the positives - and I think there were some fantastic individual performances and good elements to the team performance."
Next up for Liverpool is an Anfield clash with Stoke City on Sunday as they aim to secure back-to-back Barclays Premier League victories.
Allen insists everyone within the camp is already looking for an instant response to the Udinese setback.
"The manager told us afterwards we've got to switch our attention and focus to Sunday now," he said.
"Straight after the game, everybody was very disappointed and frustrated - but we have to move on and get our preparations right for a tough test on Sunday.
"It's a great game for us to look forward to. After the victory at Norwich, hopefully our confidence is sky-high and we can go into the game, get off to a good start and see what happens from there."