Houllier: We could have won three in a row

After a trio of impressive successes against Merseyside rivals Everton, Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City, the Reds have since embarked upon a disastrous run of losses to lesser lights Charlton and Portsmouth and a home defeat to leaders Arsenal.

While the latest set-back at Fratton Park leaves Houllier under immense pressure at Anfield, the Frenchman continues to believe that his side could easily be in the top three instead of languishing in midtable mediocrity.

Houllier said: "If we had won against Charlton and Arsenal when we played well we would have been in or around the top three and not stuck where we are. I know we have lost three league games in a row but the fans know we could have won each of them. We just have to keep going."