Rafa predicts tight finish

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes the race for fourth place will go right down to the end of the season.

The Reds missed the chance to go clear in the battle to claim fourth spot after being beaten 1-0 at Arsenal on Wednesday night.

Liverpool currently hold the coveted fourth spot, but Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa are all battling to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League.

Benitez was disappointed to see their recent unbeaten run come to an end at the Emirates and has called on his side to bounce back in their next league outing, which is a testing trip to City.

"When you lose after nine games without losing you have to be disappointed," said Benitez. "They (Arsenal) are a good team but now we think about the future.

"The race for the fourth position will be to the end and we have to be ready for the next game.

"It is difficult for anyone to win too many games in a row. The main thing is to be calm and to keep going."

Benitez is also waiting to find out the full extent of the injury picked up by Jamie Carragher against the Gunners.

Carragher was forced off in the second half with a groin problem and Benitez is hopeful the injury is not too serious.

"Carra has a problem with his adductor," added Benitez. "It seems like it is not serious but he could not carry on.

"We will see in one or two days and see how he feels."

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