Rodgers: Liverpool vs. Arsenal clash is a “must-perform” game, not a must-win

Brendan Rodgers doesn’t always rate his team based on the results they’re able to achieve. Often times, it’s more about the performance — how did we perform? — that interests the Northern Irish manager.

To that effect, Rodgers says that Saturday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal (Watch live, 7:45 a.m. ET on NBCSN and online via Live Extra) isn’t a must-win game for his side’s top-four ambitions, but a “must-perform” game.

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In his mind, if the performance is right, the result will follow. In talking about a side which went 13 games unbeaten from mid-December to late-April, it’s hard to argue with the man.

“These final eight games are going to be exciting games. For us, there’s still every chance and possibility for us to [finish in the top four.] We’ve made it difficult for ourselves because of our last performance and result, but it’s certainly achievable.”

…

“Over the course of the last three months, apart from the last game, we’ve performed very, very well. But importantly alongside that, we’ve got results. I think people might look at it as a must-win game, but for me it’s a must-perform game. We want to perform well, and we know that when we do that, we’ll get every chance of winning, whether it’s home or away.”

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