'First time I've finished like that'
Reds defender Martin Skrtel kicked off Liverpool's handsome 4-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday with a stunning volley – and then revealed he had never scored a goal like that before in his career.
The Slovakian's eighth goal in a Red shirt was arguably his best, a thunderous strike which flew past visiting goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and provided the platform for three more to follow.
"It was the first time I've scored a goal like that. Last time I scored was the Manchester City game. I'm happy I helped the team win this game and I'll try to do my best in the future as well," he told Liverpoolfc.com post-match.
Skrtel also explained the importance of registering on the scoresheet early: "Before the game we said it was the last game at Anfield this year - so we wanted to win. We got the win and scored four nice goals.
"The first goal is always important because most of the teams coming to Anfield want to defend and stay back, then try to counter-attack. We got it today and the game was going easily - that was the key.
"In a lot of games we have played well and created chances, but couldn't take them. I'm glad we scored more than one today. It's great for the team's confidence. On Boxing Day, we go to Stoke so we'll try to bring the three points."
Three points and four goals allowed Liverpool to take eighth spot in the Barclays Premier League, and with a trio of fixtures to navigate during the festive period Skrtel warned that his team do not fear anyone.
The 28-year-old reflected: "We have two games away then Sunderland at home - we know it's not going to be easy. But we know our quality and if we play our game it's very difficult to play against us.
"We know the target so we'll try to do everything to reach it. We're going from game to game and trying to take as many points as we can.
"Now we have three games in a short period so that's important in trying to climb the table and, at the end of the season, being in the top four."