Dirk Kuyt calls for greater Liverpool consistency

Dec 29 2008

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt claims the hard work is only just starting as the Reds head into the new year as leaders of the Barclays Premier League.

Rafael Benitez’s men cruised to a 5-1 victory at Newcastle yesterday, a result which could have been even more comprehensive had Magpies goalkeeper Shay Given not turned in perhaps the performance of his life.

With Chelsea unable to beat derby rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage, Liverpool established a three-point lead at the top of the table.

Liverpool won the last of their 18 league titles in the 1989-90 season, and their failure to add to that since has been a source of intense frustration.

They are genuine contenders this time, however Kuyt will not allow himself to be carried away.

The 28-year-old told the club’s official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv: “It’s great to be top at the end of the year, but it’s just the beginning for us.

“We need to step up every week and in every game and try to perform as well as that in the next match.”

The arrest of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard in the early hours of this morning meant the euphoria of the result soon faded.

Gerrard had turned in an outstanding performance at St James’ Park, where he scored twice.

Kuyt said after the game: “Stevie was great - but he always is.

“He scored two goals and got two assists. He is a great captain and showed once again how he likes to lead by example.

“It’s not just this game, he does it every game. He’s very important to us.”

Should Liverpool perform as they did at St James’ Park in their forthcoming fixtures, then FA Cup opponents Preston and then Stoke and derby rivals Everton should worry.

The Merseysiders were, by Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear’s own admission, “head and shoulders above” his injury-ravaged side, and the one surprise was that it took them 31 minutes to force their way in front.