LIVERPOOL are winning. They're even winning convincingly. But Rafa Benitez today warned his players they must develop a meaner streak if they're to make even greater strides in the New Year.
Nine straight Premiership wins made the belated servings of Christmas turkey taste even juicier at Melwood yesterday.
Yet as Benitez considered his side's form during their two festive victories, there was a Scrooge-like discontent with some aspects of their play.
"If you're looking for an area where we must improve, it's our ruthlessness," demanded Benitez.
"When we are 2-0 up and creating chances, we need to score more to make sure the game is finished. We controlled the game for a long time against Everton, but for 20 minutes we lost control. This is where we must improve.
"In the second half on Wednesday, our third goal made it impossible for the other team.
"Before then, we gave them some hope. There was a part of the game when they thought they could do something, and that shouldn't have happened.
"In the end it was comfortable, but at times it could be more so.
"Sometimes experience is important in this situation. We have been playing well with our brain and our heart. In these situations, sometimes you need to use the brain even more.
"We need to finish the games. These are small details, but this is where we must work harder."
HAVE your say on our Reds Messageboard - click 
RSS News Feed