Allen: A fresh start is possible for us
Joe Allen believes Liverpool can initiate a fresh start to their season by ensuring that they overcome Stoke City via whichever method is necessary at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
The Reds have not won in the Barclays Premier League since October 19 and the manner of a defeat by Crystal Palace in their last run-out in the division forced a significant reflection.
A better performance was in evidence at Ludogorets Razgrad three days ago, when Brendan Rodgers' side protected their hopes of Champions League progression with a 2-2 draw in Sofia.
For Allen, that encounter simply has to become the beginning of an encouraging streak if Liverpool are to successfully direct their campaign back on track before it is too late.
"It has helped us take a step forward," the Welsh midfielder explained to Liverpoolfc.com at Melwood, where preparations to tackle Stoke were in full flow.
"We wanted the win, obviously, but from a commitment point of view, I think we showed a bit more composure and self-belief during the game.
"Apart from one lapse of concentration, it would have been three points and a win that could really kick us on. There was talk about having a fresh start and putting the disappointments that we've had this season behind us, concentrating on what we've got ahead.
"That helped to refocus us. In a tough European tie, to get a result and keep us alive and kicking in the competition for the next game is only going to help us.
"Our biggest focus is just on getting three points at the moment and trying to kickstart a run like we had at the end of last season in particular. That's our main focus. If we can get that win, and get a few goals in the process, it's always a massive bonus."
The history books show that Stoke have not departed Anfield with a victory on any of their past 29 visits to L4, with the home side taking the spoils 25 times and four encounters being drawn in that period.
But the Potters arrive with wins at Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur under their belt already in 2014-15, as Mark Hughes steadily implements his own brand of football on a famously sturdy and robust outfit.
Allen reflected: "He has got a good blend - as a player he had both styles, he was a physical player but played at a high level as a technical player as well. He has taken that into his management.
"They can mix it, they can do both styles. They are coming off the back of a defeat, so maybe we can meet them with a little less confidence than they have had. Maybe it will be a good time to play them.
"Every game in the Premier League has physical demands and this will be no different. Their style of play has changed a lot in the last 18 months so we won't be completely focused on physical elements of the game.
"Throughout the season, the way we have conceded goals is a disappointment. There are times when you have to hold your hands up and throughout the course of a season you are going to concede goals. That's being realistic.
"But we set ourselves high standards; at times, we haven't been up to scratch in terms of defending set-pieces and some of the sloppy goals we have conceded. But I think we're going to put an end to that.
"They are a team that can also hurt you in open play. Our preparations have changed in that regard, so we'll have to make sure that we bring our 'A' game.
"Especially at Anfield, we put expectation on ourselves to try to win every game we play here. I think Stoke will know that, they'll know travelling here that they'll be in for a tough game."