Angry Agger slams ragged Reds

Published Nov. 7, 2011 12:17 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Denmark international pulled no punches in his assessment of his side's goalless draw with Swansea at the weekend - a result that means the Reds have now failed to pick up maximum points in four of six Premier League outings at Anfield this season. "Sometimes we looked like headless chickens running around after the ball," Agger said in quotes reported by the Daily Express. "It is far from good enough. Everyone was angry and disappointed - some more than others - but that is the way it is." Despite their indifferent form, Kenny Dalglish's men are just three points off the Champions League berths in sixth place - but with games against Chelsea and leaders Manchester City looming, Agger admits now is the time to raise the standard. "If we play like this, we won't do it [qualify for the Champions League]," he said. "We have got to move up a level or two. I won't say it is not possible, because it is, but it is up to the players. "We are the only ones who can make a difference. We definitely have to do a lot better." Dalglish, meanwhile, has heaped praise on Agger after clinching two clean sheets in a row. Agger returned from injury towards the end of October after being ruled out for a month with a broken rib. Since coming back, Agger has been part of a defence that has conceded just two goals in four games, although Liverpool have won just twice in that period. But Dalglish believes his centre-half is up there with the best defenders in the division. He told the club's website: "Daniel's a fantastic player but it wasn't just down to Daniel that we've had two clean sheets. "He's a fantastic player and he's probably as good as anyone else in his position in the Barclays Premier League. "He's comfortable in possession and he's a very good defender as well. "He's a top defender, a top player. He played left-back for us at Stoke as well and did very well. "It's great to have him back and I hope his fitness remains as it is for a long time."