Tuesday 23 December 2014 16:36, UK
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel reckons his stoppage-time goal against Arsenal could be significant in the team's quest for a top-four finish this season.
The Slovakia international scored his first goal of the season in the 97th minute of a pulsating encounter at Anfield.
Skrtel suffered a nasty head injury during the match, when Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud accidentally stood on him, and following a lengthy period of treatment to the defender on the pitch, nine minutes were added at the end of the match.
Following a stuttering start to the campaign, Liverpool have produced some impressive football in recent matches against Manchester United, Bournemouth and Arsenal.
And while Skrtel would have preferred to have taken three points from the game, he believes the manner in which they rescued the draw could instil some belief in the Liverpool team.
"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.
"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."
