'Frustration' for Alonso at inability to close gap on Chelsea

Xabi Alonso has revealed Liverpool's "frustration" at not being able to cut the gap between themselves and the Premiership leaders, Chelsea, despite a run of 12 unbeaten Premiership matches. Liverpool have won 11 of those 12, but still see Chelsea 17 points ahead of them, although Liverpool have two games in hand.

"It's difficult to see them dropping too many points now," Alonso said. "We don't need to talk about catching Chelsea at the moment, we have to look after our own results first.

"They are a good side, who have an amazing record from their first 22 games. It's difficult to see them dropping too many points but you never know.

"We've won a lot of matches over the last couple of months," he added, "and it can be a frustration when you see the gap isn't really closing. But we need to look after ourselves first and make sure we keep picking up the right results.

"We're reaching a key stage of the season now because we have most of the top teams to play over the next four to six weeks. If we can get some good results from this period then we should be well placed. After we play United we'll have taken 21 steps in the race this season and have 17 more to go."

Which is why he highlights the importance of Sunday's game against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Alonso said: "We're doing much better away from home this season and that's why we can get a result at Old Trafford. We're more solid, more compact and more consistent in our results. If we do things properly during the match then we will have chances to win the game."