Dirk Kuyt reckons defeat at the DW Stadium last Monday was just a blip in Liverpool Football Club’s quest for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

The Reds have endured a hugely difficult season this term, which began with a defeat at Tottenham Hotspur and has included an early elimination from the UEFA Champions League.

A 1-0 loss at Wigan Athletic has harmed their chances of a top-four finish, but as they prepare to welcome Portsmouth to Anfield, Kuyt insists this was a mere blip.

"Before Wigan, the last 10 [Premier League] games we had seven clean sheets and many games we won," said the Dutch international forward.

"The only defeat we had suffered in the league was at Arsenal and it was getting better and better. Monday was just an off-day for every one of us. We have got to change that."

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