Roberto Firmino insists December will be a decisive month for Liverpool.

The Reds head into the hectic festive period top of the table, one point ahead of Manchester City, who they will face on January 3.

"December is always a special month in the Premier League," he said. "There are a lot of games and it is often a decisive month in terms of the championship. This is a very important month for Liverpool.

"Of course it's very difficult to stay unbeaten in this league. We'll only do it with hard work. That's what we've been doing until now, including going back right to the start when we came back for pre-season.

"We need to keep focused and fighting until the end to reach our goals and see where that gets us by the end of the season.

"This team has lofty ambitions and aims high. We are going for titles, we are a big club, we are always fighting for trophies. We'll continue playing well, the way we are, and we'll see where it gets us."