ReactionAndy Robertson: We've got to get back to the levels we know we can

The reigning Premier League champions headed to Etihad Stadium boosted by back-to-back victories - and clean sheets - versus Aston Villa and Real Madrid.

However, they were unable to follow up those displays in Manchester, losing 3-0 in their last outing before the November international break.

Erling Haaland, having earlier seen a penalty saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili, put City in front during a first half that also included a Virgil van Dijk headed goal being ruled out via VAR.

Robertson was judged to have been interfering with play due to his position near goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma when Van Dijk converted Mohamed Salah's corner, which would have made the score 1-1.

Nico Gonzalez then benefited from a deflection to double the hosts' lead and Jeremy Doku's curler later consigned the Reds to the defeat.

• Every word of Arne Slot's post-match press conference

"Obviously, we've given ourselves a huge uphill battle, but I don't think any of the teams will really look at the league table until we're halfway through," vice-captain Robertson said post-match of Liverpool's position.

"That's what we've got to do but we've got to pick up points on a more consistent basis. Then let's see where we are after Christmas time or whatever. We've just got to focus on ourselves and focus on performance levels.

"I don't think you can talk about the title this early on in the season, regardless of what position you're in, but you need to then consistently start winning games again for that to even come into question. It's definitely not a question that's getting spoken about in the changing room or anything.

"We just need to get back to the levels that we know we can, the levels that we brought the last two games [against Villa and Real] in particular. If we do that on a more regular basis, then we pick up more points than we won't.

"We wanted to end a really strong week but it wasn't meant to be. We were making strides and then obviously getting a knock."