Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has admitted the club has endured a tough start to the season.
The Reds came from two goals down against Manchester United on Sunday before losing 3-2 and although Hodgson said it was disappointing, he was buoyed by the fact Liverpool are beginning t show improvement.
"We have had a remarkably hard start to the season," said the Liverpool boss.
"Our performance today was clearly a lot better than our last two Barclays Premier League performances (a 1-0 win over West Brom and a goalless draw at Birmingham).
"We were playing against a top team and we can take a lot of credit from the way we went about our business and got ourselves back into the game.
"To use words like catastrophe is a bit strong unless you are talking about winning the league.
"Of course if Chelsea win today we will be a long way behind them early doors - I suppose you could use the word catastrophe for that.
"But at this early stage of my time working the club I can't be making those judgements.
"Our aim is to get better, to get to the Champions League, and maybe that is where I have got to have my focus."
