Martin Skrtel’s 97th-minute leveller rescued a point at Anfield, while the Liverpool manager insists his side remain contenders for a place in the top four

Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool played better in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal than when they hammered Arsene Wenger’s side 5-1 at Anfield in February.

Liverpool dominated the opening half in Sunday’s clash at Anfield and took the lead through Philippe Coutinho but Mathieu Debuchy equalised before half-time.

Olivier Giroud put Arsenal in front after the break and it required a 97th-minute equaliser from Martin Skrtel to rescue a point for Liverpool, who have registered only two wins from their last nine Premier League matches.

“Slowly we are getting back to where we want to be. Our performance was outstanding, the passing, intensity and the pressing,” said Rodgers.

“So we are disappointed with the goals we conceded but our character was very good. We have played better and dominated more than we did last year when we won 5-1.”

Following the 2-2 draw in which Liverpool had 27 shots on goal and 62.8 per cent possession, Rodgers’ men sit nine points behind fourth-placed West Ham.

But the Liverpool manager insists his side are still contenders for a Champions League place: “Absolutely. It is always going to be a big challenge. Of course, we have to make up points but we have shown this is a club that can go on a run and win games.

“In the second half of last season, we went on a run of 11 wins. The most important thing is the confidence. When we bring Daniel Sturridge back in January, we can get back to being that team.”