'Everton was tough, but I'll bounce back'
Joe Allen has explained how he put the disappointment of missing a golden opportunity to score against Everton behind him - and grafted hard in training to force his way back into the side.
The Wales international thought he had gifted Liverpool a 3-1 lead in the Merseyside derby back in November, when he opened his body to side-foot beyond Tim Howard from close range.
However, his strike was miscued, and the ball cleared the post, meaning the Reds failed to capitalise on the chance to take a two-goal lead.
Disheartened but undeterred, Allen focused all his energy on returning to normality at Melwood - and the No.24 was rewarded with a return to the starting line-up for the wins over Norwich City and West Ham United.
Now he intends to banish memories of his unfortunate derby moment once and for all - and return to full sharpness through game time out on the field.
"Everyone knows the disappointment and there's been a lot of talk about the miss," Allen told Liverpoolfc.com.
"It was disappointing, but that's football and these things happen. I moved on straight away and got back to working hard, looking for the next opportunity to come.
"Obviously I had the chance to start against Norwich, which was the first start I've had at Anfield in the league for almost a year. So it was great to be back out there and be a part of a winning performance.
"I've struggled with different injury problems, but you'd hope that they're behind me now and I can focus on getting out there and playing more and more.
"The manager has just told me to be ready for when my opportunity comes and to get back to my best. That will come with game time. Nothing has changed really.
"But everything comes together with playing time, so I'm looking to getting a string of games and showing what I can do."
[OTPA_WIDGET_CONTENT]
Last season after 15 matches Liverpool had accrued 19 points; this season, after the same amount of games, the Reds have picked up 30.
"I think we've learned lessons from last season," said Allen. "We performed well, but we were pretty inconsistent at times. This year we seem to be more consistent and I think the points tally reflects that.
"Plus, there's been additions to the squad that have strengthened and that always helps. I think the momentum we've gained at the start of the season, hopefully we can really take that forward throughout the whole year.
"It's natural that the better you are doing, the atmosphere is one that's much more positive. You enjoy being involved in things a lot more. You can definitely sense that. It's a good feeling and you take that from Melwood into the game situations.
"I think every now and again, you have a minor setback. But we're getting much more consistent and ruthless with our performances. We're clinical. We're putting teams away quite comfortably at times, which is a great thing to have.
"It does make it more daunting for the team coming to Anfield. To play in front of your own support gives you that extra edge as well. Let's hope we can keep gaining momentum at Anfield and make it as tough for the opposition as possible."