Downing: We were perfect
After playing his part with a goal and an assist, Reds winger Stewart Downing claimed that the side's performance in their 4-0 demolition of Fulham on Saturday had been 'perfect'.
The 28-year-old thrashed home Liverpool's third goal of the evening against the Cottagers, having already created the second with a pinpoint reverse pass for captain Steven Gerrard.
Downing was naturally on a high following the result - which saw the Reds climb to eighth in the Barclays Premier League - and he called on his teammates to produce that form on a regular basis.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: "We needed a big performance, I thought it was perfect in every way. Four great goals and we defended very well. A great team performance and the manager is very happy.
"We wanted to start well and get in front - but not only get in front, stay in front. When we get goals then concede sloppy goals, we end up drawing or falling behind.
"There was a bit of ruthlessness now in attacking and finishing the chances we had. That was the pleasing thing and the manager has stressed that we have to do that week in, week out - not just every third or fourth week."
The rasping drive which beat Mark Schwarzer in the opening minutes of the second half was the first goal Downing has scored for the Reds in a league match since arriving from Aston Villa in the summer of 2011.
And while the England international is fully aware of the competition for places under manager Brendan Rodgers, he pledged to do everything in his power to remain a fixture in the boss' plans.
"It was certainly good to get a goal and set the goal up for Stevie. I'm in the team and trying to do my best. I'd like to stay and contribute to the team," Downing continued.
"It's a great club, that's why I came in the first place - to play with great players here. The only thing I can do is keep playing well and pose a problem.
"The squad is getting stronger and we'll probably reinforce in January. There are places up for grabs, so if you're not performing and not being ruthless in front of goal you'll be replaced. I think that's good for the team because it keeps players on their toes."
The victory over Fulham moved Rodgers' men within five points of third place before the congested Christmas fixtures, and Downing was confident about trips to Stoke and QPR during the next week.
He concluded: "Stoke is always a tough place to go. It will be a good atmosphere, a night game. The way we're playing we should be confident of going there and getting a result.
"QPR are scrapping for their lives and it's a tight little ground. Harry [Redknapp] has gone in there with his staff and he'll be geeing them up, but I'm confident that we shouldn't be worried about other teams because we can beat anyone on our day.
"I think we've got a chance of being in that top group. We just need to put back-to-back wins together and be more consistent in our play - playing like we did tonight."