Henderson: We're not thinking about the title race
Jordan Henderson sees no reason for Liverpool's players to change their 'game by game' approach as they continue to set the pace in the Premier League.
Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Brighton and Hove Albion consolidated the Reds’ position at the summit after the setback in their previous league outing at Manchester City.
Their 18th win in the division from 22 matches was secured through Mohamed Salah’s penalty amid what the manager, Jürgen Klopp, described as his team’s most mature performance of the season.
Henderson was part of the Liverpool side that launched a Premier League title challenge in 2013-14 and feels lessons from that campaign can be used in the remainder of this.
But the captain insists nobody in the squad is focusing on anything other than the next match – with each one considered the ‘biggest’ when it comes along.
“Obviously you can use that experience as much as possible,” he told Liverpoolfc.com. “But in my mind and all of the lads’ minds is just: ‘Take it game by game.’
“That’s all we can do and is what we have been doing up to this point – so why change it?
“The next game is the biggest game of the season, that’s how we look at it, and it’s a tough one again next week. We will keep taking it game by game and come the end of the season, let’s see where we are.”
Watch: The best of the 1-0 win at Brighton
Liverpool controlled the encounter at the Amex Stadium for long periods but genuine chances were at a premium across the 90 minutes.
Salah’s moment of individual quality was the difference, the No.11’s dribble into the Brighton box winning a penalty that he coolly converted himself.
Henderson felt the visitors’ efforts made them full value for the result but believes there is room for improvement in the coming weeks.
“It was tough but we expected it to be tough,” said the midfielder, when asked for his analysis of the meeting with Chris Hughton’s side.
“Brighton are a good team, especially at home. They defended really well and were organised and tough to break down. It was a very mature performance.
“We managed to get the goal and also defended well to keep the clean sheet, so overall we are delighted with the three points. But we can still be better and that’s what we will try to do.”
LFCTV GO: Henderson's post-match verdict in full
The Reds journeyed to the south coast in an unusual position for this season – that of having lost each of their last two fixtures, against City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
And their refusal to allow those disappointments to affect their confidence was an important factor in ensuring a response at Brighton, according to the skipper.
“We have spoken enough about the last two games,” said Henderson.
“All of our focus was on this game and you can only have the opportunity to get the three points in your next game; that’s what we had here and that’s what all the concentration was on.
“We are still very confident as a group and very together, as you can see. That plays a big part in confidence going forward and you could see we didn’t lose our confidence. We kept our nerve, were patient and got the job done.”