Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee says they deserve more credit for their great season so far.

"People seem surprised at Liverpool being top of the league but we certainly aren't, and I don't want that to sound conceited," said Lee, who has been in charge of training this week while manager Rafael Benitez recovers from kidney stone surgery.

"We know the hard work that goes on at the training ground. We are pleased to be top of the league but nothing is won in December. We are at the top, and whether it be the home or away form, as long as we keep accumulating more points than the opposition I think we will all be happy at the end of the season.

"I think everyone at this club has stepped up to the plate."

Lee said the stuttering displays on Merseyside - goalless draws against Fulham and West Ham and 2-2 last week against Hull - were not for want of trying.

"Every time you go out you try to make a statement of intent. Each and every game has its own degree of difficulty," he said. "You are always frustrated when you drop points, especially at home.

"I can understand people being anxious, particularly when we have dropped points at home, because they want to come to Anfield wanting us to win.

"But I take the positives out of last week - not many teams will come back from being 2-0 down against Hull.

"We were frustrated we didn't get maximum points. We don't settle for second best but I think we are making good progress."