Hodgson delaying Liverpool judgement

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson will not make any assessment on how well his side are performing in the Barclays Premier League until the season is at least 10 matches old.

Having drawn at home to Arsenal, lost at Manchester City and beaten West Brom the Reds sit 13th with four points.

Hodgson has made a few changes to his squad and late arrivals back from the World Cup and the recent international break have prevented him being able to work with his full complement of players for a sustained period.

But despite already being five points behind defending champions and current leaders Chelsea the Reds boss is not jumping to any conclusions.

"I know how many points we have but I don't know what that means in terms of the table," he said.

"I think tables are of no interest until at least 10 games have been played.

"Then you start looking to see how big a gap there is between yourself and the top teams or between yourself and the bottom teams. I don't think you worry about that after three games.

"The programme plays a big part in that and we've already played Arsenal at home and Manchester City away.

"Injuries play a part as well when teams don't have their best team available early on but will do soon.

"After 10 games I will start worrying about the table but until then I'll worry more about performances and results."