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Martin Skrtel believes Liverpool proved they can compete with anyone in the Premier League following their hard-fought 0-0 draw with Arsenal.

The Reds took a point from a pulsating contest at the Emirates as they dominated the first half before having to deal with a second-half onslaught from the Gunners.

Brendan Rodgers’ side stood firm to make it seven points out of a possible nine so far this season.

“It really was a game of two halves,” Skrtel told the ECHO.

“In the first half we were better than them. We hit the crossbar, we hit the post and their keeper made some great saves.

“But in the second half they kept the ball better and created some chances, but we defended well and I’m glad they didn’t score.

“Maybe both teams can be happy with a point. We wanted to win the game but at the end of the day we kept a clean sheet and if you can’t win, it’s important not to lose the game.

“It’s always difficult to come to places like this but we arrived with confidence after two wins. We wanted to get something to keep the run going and I think we can be happy with the way we played.

“We showed we can compete with anyone in this league, whether it’s away or home. We just have to keep going and keep building on this run.”

The way we finished last season wasn't right

Skrtel and Dejan Lovren excelled at the heart of Liverpool’s backline as they helped the Reds clinch a third successive clean sheet.

It was a far cry from last season when the Reds’ defensive deficiencies were exposed by the Gunners during a 4-1 rout at the Emirates.

“Dejan is working very hard and playing well,” Skrtel said.

“But it’s not only about the centre-backs, we’re defending well as a team and that’s important.

“We attack together and we defend together.

“The way we finished last season wasn’t right, especially with what happened in the last two matches.

“This season we spoke with each other and said we had to start better.

“We’ve done that so far with seven points out of nine but this game is gone now.

“We need to start preparing for West Ham at home on Saturday.

“It won’t be easy but we’ll go into the game with confidence. We want to go into the international break on a high.”