Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has acknowledged that his side face a significant challenge in the Premier League title race after slipping eight points behind leaders Arsenal — but insists it is far too early to panic.

The Reds’ 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday left them eighth in the table after 11 games, while Arsenal, runners-up in each of the past three seasons, have opened up a four-point cushion at the top.

Liverpool have already suffered five league defeats this campaign — one more than in the entirety of last season — and Robertson stressed the importance of finding consistency quickly.

“Obviously, we’ve given ourselves a huge uphill battle,” the Scotland captain told the club’s official website. “But I don’t think any of the teams will really look at the league table until we’re halfway through.

“We have to start picking up points on a more consistent basis. Then we can see where we are after Christmas time or so.”

Liverpool’s sluggish start has come despite a club-record spending spree of around £446 million ($598 million) during the summer transfer window.

Robertson added that the players remain focused on taking each game as it comes rather than worrying about the title race.

“I don’t think you can talk about the title this early in the season, no matter where you are,” he said. “We need to start winning consistently again before that even becomes part of the conversation.

“It’s definitely not something being talked about in the dressing room right now.”