We must develop a 'cruel' streak - Lovren

It has become a familiar tale in recent weeks and Lovren admits they have to start punishing opponents.

"We show every game we are better and better and we are really confident within the team," he said. "Hopefully we can keep this momentum and find the net.

"We need just to stay hungry and keep focused on our own work. We just need to be a little more cruel in front of goal. Big teams don't need many chances, from one chance they can score a goal, so we need to be a bit more 'dirty' in front of goal."

On the positive side, a clean sheet, albeit against an unadventurous United side who had previously scored 33 goals in 11 matches this season, was their first since the 4-0 destruction of Arsenal in August.

The defence has come in for most criticism, but the Lovren-Joel Matip centre-back partnership is one which has, statistics show, been successful.

In the 22 league matches in which they have been paired together - it would have been more had it not been for untimely injuries for Lovren in particular - Liverpool have won 12, lost just one and conceded 18 goals.

"When everyone defends well like our team then it is easier for the back four to defend," insisted Lovren. "This is the attitude we need every game. This is what Liverpool players have to show every game."

Liverpool head to Slovenia today to face Maribor tomorrow, looking to improve their Champions League fortunes after two disappointing draws, at home to Sevilla and away to Spartak Moscow.

"We need to keep our heads up and move on. We have some important games in front of us," added Lovren, aware they must also head to Wembley to face Tottenham next Sunday.