Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool remain on an upward curve as they look to bounce back from a surprise Champions League defeat at Red Star Belgrade in midweek.
A lethargic looking Liverpool side suffered a 2-0 in Belgrade, leaving Klopp scrambling for answers.
The Reds have a chance to quickly bounce back however and will aim to extend their unbeaten start to the Premier League season when bottom-of-the-table Fulham visit Anfield at midday on Sunday.
While Klopp admitted his players were below-par on Tuesday night in Serbia, he said: "A lot of things are better than at the same time last year.
"The spectacular football didn't happen each game but it didn't happen last year as well.
"We could have had more points but the boys have looked much more mature and all that stuff but not in the last game. But in the two games before they were OK.
"We all struggle a bit in the last game but it's not too important, I don't make a big fuss of it, or on the other side I don't celebrate performances after when we win a good one."
Midfielders Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita are both in line for a return to action following their respective hamstring injuries.
Only Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remains on the treatment table among players in the middle of the park and Klopp admitted the availability of Henderson and Keita leaves him with tough decisions to make.
Klopp added: "It's good to have them back and it's probably the first time that all midfield players, apart from Ox, are available.
"It's another thing to do, making decisions about who starts with who and stuff like that. It's all about fitness levels and form, shape and then we will see."
