Joe: Let's close the gap against Spurs
Joe Allen pledged that Liverpool will give everything in their efforts to close the gap to the Barclays Premier League top four, not least when Tottenham Hotspur visit Anfield on Tuesday.
On a day of derbies yesterday, the Londoners defeated their rivals Arsenal 2-1 with a late winner hours before the Reds played out a goalless draw with neighbours Everton at Goodison Park.
The end result left Brendan Rodgers' charges trailing Spurs by four points in the standings, though that deficit could be significantly reduced when the two teams meet on Merseyside.
That is certainly the plan for Allen, who took to the field as an early substitute during the 224th clash with the Blues on Saturday, which the travellers dominated but did not score in.
"It was a tight contest against Everton," the Welsh midfielder said. "We gave everything to get those three points but playing Everton on their own patch is never easy.
"We had chances and on another day one might have gone in. We did come close. On the flip side, it was important not to lose the game. I don't think we'll view it as two points dropped.
"We will give everything to get into the top four. We have ground to make up and work to do but it starts in our next game against Spurs.
"They had a great win against Arsenal so we will need to make sure we're on top of our game to get the three points. It makes for an exciting game."
Liverpool were frustrated in their attempts to break the deadlock at Goodison, with Jordon Ibe coming closest by launching a drive onto a post from 20 yards out during the first half.
However, at the other end they were resolute, shutting down the opponents in assured fashion to secure a fourth successive clean sheet in the Premier League.
"Four in a row is something to be proud of," reflected Allen. "That stands us in good stead for the second half of the season.
"It shows how much we have progressed. It was something we knew we needed to address. Every player has worked hard to ensure we improved our defensive record."
On his own introduction to proceedings, to replace the injured Lucas Leiva, he added: "When you are on the bench you always know there's that chance that someone might pick up an injury and you need to come on.
"From a personal point of view, it was great to be involved in such a big game. But at the same time you feel gutted for your teammate who has come off.
"Injuries have been an issue for me this season. Thankfully, I've never had any serious ones in my time here.
"But my season has been broken up by minor injuries and each time it takes you a little while to get back to the level you want to be at.
"It's been frustrating but hopefully I can stay fit now and help us finish the season strongly. I'm confident that if I stay fit and get myself in this team I can help and show what I can do."
The fearless Ibe was the subject of praise from the manager, captain and many more after the final whistle for a display brimming with pace, power and proactive approach play.
Allen joined the chorus of appreciation for the 19-year-old, who was trusted in the intensity of a derby meeting just weeks since returning from a loan spell in the Championship.
The No.24 said: "Jordon is an incredible talent. I first saw him when he was 16 a few years ago and I thought 'this guy has everything to go really far'.
"He came in and proved that and with that performance he will be staking a claim for the starting XI regularly.
"His raw attributes - his pace and power - and his ability to beat people is frightening at times. That coupled with the hard work he puts in, combined with the experience he got out on loan, has helped him come back stronger.
"He always seems confident when he goes out to play. He is a great player to have in our squad. It's a young team and this is what this club have been building over the last three years.
"Imagine these players developing over the next few years and what they are capable of. It is a massive thing for Liverpool and we will reap the rewards of that."