Brendan Rodgers has challenged his Liverpool team to prove that they can compete with the top six sides by improving their results against them.

The Reds' loss against Manchester United on Sunday was yet another game against one of the top six that they have failed to win, and with Arsenal and Manchester City on the horizon, Rodgers has challenged his side to prove they can mix it with the best in the Premier League.

“It’s not a problem mentally,” Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo.

“We should have beaten Man City earlier on, we should have beaten Everton – but we haven’t.

“It’s not something mental, but it’s something we need to do if we’re going to progress.

“I feel that we’re a match for any of the teams in this league. But what allows you to close the gap in terms of the points is obviously having the squad that allows you to compete."

January arrival at Anfield, Daniel Sturridge has hit the ground running, scoring two goals in his first two appearances for the club and already seeming to form an understanding with top scorer Luis Suarez.

The Liverpool chief has also seen Italian striker Fabio Borini return to the fold, further boosting his options.

The Reds sit eighth in the Premier League table following Sunday's defeat, three points adrift of Arsenal in sixth, and nine behind Tottenham in the lucrative fourth Champions League spot.

[cat_link cat="liverpool" type="grid"]