Houllier said: "Maybe the statistics show that we have been relying too much on Michael," argues Houllier. "Maybe that accounts for it. Now that we have Emile back playing at his true level, then maybe it will take the pressure off a little. People think because he is so high profile that he is infallible. But he is human like the rest of us.
"We have been through a period where our confidence has been affected, and Michael's confidence has been affected just like anyone else's. There is a pressure on him. Emile Heskey is back scoring now, and El-Hadji Diouf and Milan Baros have contributed goals, so all that will help. But I have no doubts about Michael. The boy is strong and personally, I don't think there is too much anxiety with him. Maybe because he has got a reputation as a clinical finisher, there is pressure when he misses. But he will come through it."