Brendan Rodgers: No more slip-ups for Liverpool

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers accepts his side cannot afford not to turn up in another big game if their top-four ambitions are to survive.

Prior to the international break the Reds’ 13-match unbeaten league run was ended at home to Champions League-chasing rivals Manchester United, leaving them five points adrift of the qualification places.

Defeat at third-placed Arsenal today would be a huge blow to their aspirations of returning to Europe’s elite for a second successive season.

Rodgers knows they must avoid a repeat of the disappointing first-half display against United which led to their defeat.

“We’ve made it difficult for ourselves because of our last performance and result, but it’s certainly achievable,” Rodgers said of their top-four chances.

“Over the course of the last three months, apart from the last game, we’ve performed very well and we have got results.

“I think people might look at it (the trip to Arsenal) as a must-win game. For me, it is a must-perform game, we want to perform well and we know that when we do that we’ve got every chance of winning, whether that’s at home or away.

“We’ve had a long two weeks, it’s probably one of the few games where after the international break we’ve had to suffer a little bit, because we didn’t perform and lost, but there is extra motivation there to get something from the game and that is something that we clearly want to achieve.

“These final eight games are going to be exciting games and there is still every possibility for us to make the top four.”

Many see the two sides as being similar in their approach to how they play, particularly in relation to how they like to keep the ball.

That was a feature missing in the United game and it cost them dearly and Rodgers has spent a fortnight over the international break assessing where it went wrong after enjoying so much success in the previous three months.

“Our possession wasn’t good enough in our last game,” he added.

“The key for us in the first half against Manchester United was that we didn’t keep the ball well enough and, positionally, we were never in position to receive the ball and press the ball.

“We’ve talked about that, we’ve analysed that and we’ve worked on that; in order for us to maximise how we’ve been working we need to keep the ball better and be technically better.

“That’s a huge part of our game, and it’s Arsenal’s game. But for us, we’ll go there and tactically we are very clear on the idea of the game and we need to get something from the game, that’s clear.

“But that was the same before we played the Manchester United game; Arsenal was a game that we wanted to ensure that we got at least a point from and that will be the case at the weekend.

“We’ll be going there looking forward to the game and really motivated to get back to winning again.”

Liverpool have been boosted by striker Daniel Sturridge’s return to training after a hip injury, while fellow England international Adam Lallana is also expected to be fit after pulling out of Roy Hodgson’s squad.

However, they will be missing centre-back Martin Skrtel, a virtual ever-present in the league this season, as he begins a three-match suspension alongside captain Steven Gerrard.

For his part, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger does not know the exact reason Alexis Sanchez chose the Emirates Stadium over Anfield, but is glad the Chile forward will be lining up for his side rather than against them today.

Sanchez had his selection of clubs once Barcelona had decided to let him leave, and following the World Cup, the 26-year-old was convinced to continue his career under Wenger’s expert guidance, going on to make an instant impression in English football.

The French coach, however, admits the possibility Liverpool could use their interest in Sanchez as leverage during negotiations over Luis Suarez’s move to the Nou Camp last summer was always on the cards.

“At the end of the day, only Sanchez can explain to you why he has chosen us. I don’t know why he did that, but we are happy that he made that decision,” said Wenger of the £32 million Chile forward, who has netted 19 goals so far.

“I was (aware of Liverpool’s interest), but you never know if it is really true, but I thought it could be because of the interest in Suarez (from Barcelona).

“In the negotiations, yes, it is a strength — and it makes sense, an exchange and some money for Liverpool.”

Wenger believes the way Sanchez has adapted so quickly to a change in environment proves he is one of the best around.

“If you look at the qualities, efficiency, workrate, fighting spirit— (he is at the) top,” the Arsenal boss added.

“When it (the game) becomes flat, he can revitalise the strengths and dynamics of the team and the supporters.”

Ahead of Liverpool’s visit, Wenger was keen to play down any talk of a potential summer transfer move for Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling, who has so far rejected a new contract offer.

Despite the Reds having lost to Manchester United before the international break to dent hopes of another top-four finish, Wenger has been impressed by the way Rodgers has developed his team following the sale of Suarez and injury to Sturridge.

“He has done very well. I think he found a solution at the right time,” the Arsenal manager said.

“They did well last season too, they scored over 100 goals in the Premier League, which is absolutely fantastic.”

Wenger was yesterday named manager of the month with striker Olivier Giroud player of the month.

The France striker has excelled since returning from a broken tibia last November, and enjoyed a stellar March, scoring five goals in his last four league appearances.

Giroud feels he has become a better player due to Arsenal’s strength in depth up front.

Giroud is pleased with his recent performances and feels that competing for a place with the likes of Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez has enhanced his game.

“When I was injured, I was really happy to see Alexis and Danny sign, because I was telling myself that it would push me to give my best every day,” Giroud said.

“I used to say that football is never lasting so you have to question yourself every week, and that’s what I try to do.

“It’s a benefit for the team and for me to have a lot of good strikers.”