Boss: Performance level must be raised

Defeat to Louis van Gaal's United in front of an expectant Anfield crowd two weeks ago brought the Reds' 13-game unbeaten Barclays Premier League run shuddering to a halt.

Although the stage had been set for Rodgers' side to leapfrog their rivals, into fourth spot in the table, Liverpool faltered in the L4 sunshine, allowing the visitors freedom to use the ball to devastating effect.

A lack of possession lead to a lack of pressing, according to the manager, who has called on his players to banish memories of the reversal when they take on Arsene Wenger's third-placed Arsenal this afternoon.  

"The final eight games of the season are so important for us," Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo. "Between now and the end of the season we know what points total we want to reach.

"We've made it difficult for ourselves with our last performance and result but it's still achievable.

"Okay, we lost a game we wanted to take something from against Manchester United but it just means that we need to pick up something somewhere else.

"Possession - that was the key for us [against United]. We didn't build the game or prepare the game well enough from the back. We gave the ball away too cheaply. In this system it's so important than you can keep the ball.

"When you can build the game from behind then normally we play well because we can then prepare the game through midfield. That gives players the chance to get in position.

"But we were never in position to keep the ball well enough and that meant we then couldn't press the ball because we weren't in position. We were always caught in the half position."

Following the loss against United, several key members of Rodgers' squad departed Merseyside to link up with their countries as the international break kicked in.

The Northern Irishman admits having to wait two weeks for another competitive fixture was frustrating - but he's adamant his side has the confidence and focus to earn the right result at the Emirates.

"We've had to suffer a bit over the international break because we didn't do ourselves justice [against United]," he explained.

"We have talked about that and analysed it. We need to be technically better. We go to Arsenal with great motivation to get something from the game.

"There have been very few occasions during my time here when we haven't had a response after a setback.

"This is the perfect opportunity to respond. Arsenal away is an exciting challenge and one we are looking forward to.

"We were on a great run prior to the Manchester United game and our performance levels have been good. The spirit in the team is very strong.

"We respect Arsenal but I think they understand that we have qualities that can hurt them."