Liverpool may be enjoying an extended run without defeat, but Andy Robertson has made it clear that the squad is far from satisfied with how they are performing on the pitch.
The Reds stretched their unbeaten sequence to eleven matches on Monday night with an FA Cup victory over League One side Barnsley at Anfield. While the result ensured progress in the competition, Robertson admitted that results alone are not enough for a team with Liverpool’s ambitions.
Since the run began, Liverpool have recorded six wins, five draws and five clean sheets. On the surface, those numbers paint a positive picture. However, the vice-captain believes the performances behind those results still leave room for improvement.
Speaking after the win, Robertson delivered an honest assessment when asked about the confidence gained from going unbeaten.
“It’s a bit of both,” he explained. “Yes, it’s good not to be losing games, but some of our performances have to be better.”
He pointed to dropped points at Anfield as examples of where standards must rise, highlighting draws against Leeds and Sunderland as matches Liverpool would usually expect to win. At the same time, he acknowledged the tougher tests the side has passed, including earning a draw at the Emirates and securing an impressive victory at the San Siro.
The defender stressed that the unbeaten streak has helped steady the ship after a difficult period, but insisted it cannot lead to complacency.
“Stopping the bad form was important,” Robertson added. “But we all know we need to lift our levels, and that’s what we’re working towards.”
Liverpool took control early in the cup tie, with first-half goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong putting Arne Slot’s side ahead. A costly mistake from Szoboszlai allowed Barnsley’s Adam Phillips to pull one back before the break, setting up a nervy second half.
Late goals from substitutes Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike eventually sealed the win and confirmed a fourth-round home clash against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Despite the positive outcome, Robertson was critical of the overall display, praising moments of individual brilliance while admitting the team did not fully impose themselves.
“I didn’t think the performance was great,” he said. “The goals were excellent and showed real quality, but if we want to go further in this competition, we have to play much better.”
Robertson also credited Barnsley for their fearless approach, noting how the visitors caused Liverpool problems with their confidence and organisation.
“That’s the magic of the cup,” he said. “It’s what people love to see. We’d prefer it to be more comfortable, but the important thing is that we’re through to the next round.”
As Liverpool prepare for their next challenge, Robertson’s message is clear: being unbeaten is encouraging, but higher standards are essential if the Reds want silverware to follow.
