Gerrard: More of the same against Arsenal

Brendan Rodgers' side bounced back from the frustration of Champions League elimination and a 3-0 defeat by Manchester United with an assured Capital One Cup display against Bournemouth to reach the competition's semi-finals.

Shortly after the final whistle, the draw brought a two-legged contest with Barclays Premier League rivals Chelsea in January, while earlier in the week they had been paired with Besiktas in the Europa League last 32.

Gerrard felt his team were much improved in the battle with Bournemouth, who top the Championship standings and had not previously been beaten since September, and eradicated the mistakes that had proven costly at Old Trafford.

Now the captain is demanding more of the same from Rodgers' players for the Reds' final game before Christmas - a Premier League meeting with Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

"It was nice to get a win as it's been tough of late," said the No.8 following the result in midweek. "To get a good win and look forward to two very exciting games against Chelsea is a big lift.

"It will be tough, as on current form they're the best team in the country, but it will be two great games and two great atmospheres. If we can get through, it's a great chance to get another cup.

"The difference on Wednesday compared to Sunday was that at Old Trafford we made mistakes and got punished by world-class players.

"Against Bournemouth we cut the mistakes out and the first half was a very pleasing performance, probably as close as we've come to last season's standards.

"We need to keep going and keep winning. We have a tough game at the weekend against Arsenal and then we have got a run of fixtures which are a bit more kind to us.

"If we can get a big result against Arsenal and build on this, I think we can turn it around. I think this is where you find out what kind of players you've got in the dressing room.

"It's time to roll your sleeves up and fight for the club and try to put things right as soon as possible - and that's what we're trying to do."

He continued: "I tell them individually, I tell them in the dressing room. I know when I don't play well. I think every individual does here, but I think collectively it has been tough.

"It's been tough to perform because we haven't played well as a team and so there have been tough days of late.

"But if we keep fighting, keep performing, roll your sleeves up, keep giving everything you've got, I'm sure the good days are not too far away.

"Wednesday night was satisfying and gives you a bit of breathing space but you all know we can only enjoy it that night and then it's gone, because we start preparations for the Arsenal game."