Liverpool had a terrific chance to beat Arsenal on Wednesday, as the Gunners were as poor as I have seen them for a long time.

Without that killer instinct, however, things become more difficult. How it showed.

Reds cannot be sidetracked by Europa League

A BLANK weekend might not be a bad thing for Liverpool but a blank midweek would have been even better to prepare for the trip to Manchester City.

But, as it is, Rafa Benitez’s thoughts will be occupied with Unirea Urziceni, our opponents on Thursday night in the last 32 of the Europa League.

If someone could guarantee me now that Liverpool would get to the final, I would, of course, take it and I would relish the chance to seeing Liverpool play in another European Super Cup Final if we won it.

However, the main aim for the season has to be finishing in the top four and that, simply, cannot be jeopardised by getting sidetracked in a competition that does not capture the imagination.

I can honestly say that if we were knocked out early on, I wouldn’t be bothered at all.

We need to qualify for the Champions League as the ramifications of missing out are too bad for us to consider.

* SEEING a seven-match unbeaten run be brought to a halt was a huge disappointment but there were still positives for Liverpool to take from their meeting with Arsenal.

It was clear to see Steven Gerrard get back to top form but the big plus was Javier Mascherano; he has been absolutely brilliant for the last two months and is going from strength to strength.