Lawrenson said: "I think the time to judge Liverpool is when Hamann, Henchoz and Hyypia are back in harness. Henchoz is the team's best defender and also brings out the best in his partner, while Hamann's role is grossly under-stated.
"He is the rock on which Liverpool can build. With those three back together, plus a fit again Michael Owen and new skipper Steven Gerrard, the Reds are more than capable of going on an extended unbeaten run.
"The defeat at Portsmouth produced the predictable knee-jerk reaction that had the phone-in lines red-hot with calls for Gerard Houllier to go. But it ain't going to happen.
"Every time they lose a game the 'Houllier Out' brigade leap into life, but anyone who knows the machinations of Liverpool Football Club knows that is not the way they work.
"I have always felt that the title is still beyond Liverpool this season, but that fourth spot and a Champions League place is not. It is still only October and despite the run of three successive league defeats, there is plenty of time to turn things around.
"Houllier has tried to make Liverpool more adventurous this season and they are certainly better to watch. The two French youngsters Le Tallec and Sinama-Pongolle are starting to emerge as potential stars of the future."