Carragher prays for salvation

JAMIE CARRAGHER today called for a show of strength from Liverpool’s players to save their season – and admitted they could do with some divine intervention, too.

The Reds let a golden opportunity to make up some lost ground on their Champions League rivals slip yesterday, as they were beaten 2-1 at Anfield by Arsenal.

That only tells a fraction of the story, though, as Liverpool looked in complete control when Dirk Kuyt put them ahead in the first half but were unrecognisable after the break.

Arsenal left with three points thanks to Glen Johnson's own goal and a superb Andrey Arshavin strike but Carragher accepts Liverpool only had themselves to blame.

It leaves Liverpool embroiled in a dreadful run of form but Carragher feels the time has come to end the mounting criticism in style - starting on Wednesday against Wigan.

"We started off well in the first half and should have had a penalty but you have to give credit to Arsenal, they're a top side," said the Reds' vice-captain.

"The manner of the goals we conceded were unfortunate but other than them scoring, I can't remember them having too much else, which is why it is so hard to take.

"We've just got to dust ourselves down now and move to Wednesday. For the quality of the players and the stature of the club, we should be doing better.

"Statistics (like three wins in 15 games) can change quickly and we have got to do that. It's tough at the moment but part of playing for Liverpool is having big character.

"That's what we need now. Between now and May it is going to be a grind at times but we have got to stick together, get through it and, as I'm doing, pray to God that at the end of the season there will be something worthwhile for what we've gone through."

There is no disputing injuries have wreaked havoc on Liverpool's season and yesterday was the first time in more than two months that Rafa Benitez was able to name his strongest team.

But he still saw Glen Johnson and Javier Mascherano pick up knocks to make them doubts for the meeting with Wigan but Carragher refused to use blame the situation on fitness problems.

He, simply, believes the rebuilding process needs to be taken a step at a time and says it is imperative form improves.

"We can't look for excuses," said Carragher. "That's the way it is at top level football - we know that any little thing can get pounced up and that's happening at the moment.

"Wigan is a massive game for us. I've tried too many times down the years trying to work things out, so there's no point looking further ahead than that.

"We'll just try and get three points on Wednesday and then move on to Portsmouth. We've got to look at ourselves and realise that we've got to do much better.

"There's still some lads who aren't 100 per cent fit yet, so there'll be improvement to come but we need to get this team playing regular."

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