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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.
Player Ratings: Liverpool v Arsenal
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.
"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."
