Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liverpool vs Arsenal: Martin Skrtel believes late equaliser can help Reds 'turn things around' and spring season into life

Skrtel's header deep into injury time salvaged a point for Liverpool and he wants them to use the momentum to kick-start their season

Carl Markham
Tuesday 23 December 2014 09:03 GMT
Comments
Martin Skrtel (right) wheels away in celebration
Martin Skrtel (right) wheels away in celebration (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel believes his late goal against Arsenal could prove to be more significant than the single point it earned his side.

The Slovakia international chose the perfect opportunity to score his first of the season in the seventh of nine minutes of time added - largely for a head injury suffered by Skrtel when Olivier Giroud accidentally stood on him. Skrtel posted a graphic picture on Instagram on Monday showing seven metal staples which were inserted into the cut.

While his goal at least ensured Liverpool gained a 2-2 draw from a dominant performance, had it not gone in manager Brendan Rodgers would have found himself answering more questions about why his side could not convert a possession percentage of 64 per cent into something more tangible.

Back-to-back league defeats would have dealt a damaging blow but at least Liverpool can look forward to the festive period with some optimism.

"Obviously it is disappointing because we wanted to get the three points but to go behind and then score a late equaliser is good and I think we showed that spirit, fight, desire," Skrtel said.

"It was a great goal and a big one for us. To get a point was reward for fighting to the end and I am glad for myself because I've had a few chances this season but couldn't score, and now I've finally scored.

Martin Skrtel heads in the dramatic equaliser (GETTY IMAGES)

"The goal and the performance can help turn things around because there has been a lot of criticism of us and I hope it will change and be better in the second half of the season.

"The last three games against United, Bournemouth and Arsenal we have shown great performances and we need to keep going this way, and it will be good for us and results will be better."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in