Fabio rues 'lost opportunity'

Fabio Aurelio admits Liverpool were left frustrated by Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal – but insists the Reds can take heart from their dominant first-half showing.

Rafa Benitez's side bossed the opening 45 minutes at Anfield, and deservedly took the lead through Dirk Kuyt before the break.

However, two goals in eight second-half minutes saw Arsenal claim victory as Glen Johnson inadvertently put through his own net before Andrey Arshavin fired the winner.

"There was a big difference between the first and second halves," Aurelio told Liverpoolfc.tv. "In the first-half we were on top and much more dangerous in their box.

"But we didn't manage to play the same way in the second-half. There were too many long balls and we couldn't win as many second balls as we had done in the first-half.

"It's difficult to know why there was a difference in the way we played in each half.

"Maybe because they scored their two goals very quickly and turned the game around.

"Afterwards, we were trying to find a way to get back into the game, but we couldn't manage to get on the ball properly or create opportunities."

Aurelio was full of sympathy for fellow defender Johnson after the England international turned Samir Nasri's cross past Pepe Reina to level the scoreline.

However, the Brazilian believes Liverpool should have been awarded a first-half penalty after Steven Gerrard was sent tumbling inside the Gunners' box by William Gallas.

He said: "I think Glen was unfortunate that he couldn't change the direction of the ball, but it's always difficult when you're running towards your own goal and try to clear.

"It was very unlucky for us, but I think the penalty claim in the first-half was a clear one.

"From my position and the view I had, I could see Stevie move the ball forward and the defender did not play the ball.

"It could have made the difference."

Liverpool return to action on Wednesday evening when they play host to Wigan Athletic - a game Aurelio feels the Reds can ill-afford to lose.

"Obviously it's very important we win on Wednesday," said the 30-year-old. "We are five points off the top four and are playing at home.

"It was a lost opportunity against Arsenal, even though we were playing against a good side, and we cannot afford to lose the next game.

He added: "The current situation is not a good one for us, but we know it's only ourselves who can turn things around.

"The only way to do that is to try to be better in the next game. We need to build our confidence up and for that to happen we need to get results."

Meanwhile, the clash with Arsene Wenger's side saw Aurelio make his 100th appearance for Liverpool.

"I'm very proud," he said. "If I count all the games I've had to miss due to injury problems, I think it's been more or less around 25 a season.

"I hope I can regain the level I was at last season and have no more problems."

Click here to watch Fabio's best moments v Arsenal>>