Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen vows to improve after tough festive period

Joe Allen has vowed to improve his “disappointing form” ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Arsenal at The Emirates on Wednesday night.

The Wales international has endured a difficult the festive period, culminating in a subdued display as the Reds crashed out of the FA Cup on Sunday.

Allen did score a late consolation for Liverpool in their 3-2 defeat by Oldham Athletic, and the 22-year-old is hoping that he can rise to the occasion at the Gunners.

“In recent times I think it goes without saying it [my form] has been slightly disappointing, to be honest, but I am faithful and confident that I will turn things around on a personal level,” Allen told Liverpool’s website.

“It’s games like Wednesday where, if I can be involved in some way, I can get my performance levels higher.

“The games against Arsenal and Manchester City earlier in the season are probably the level I am hoping to reach again and be more consistent with.

“There is no magic formula. I’ll keep working hard and keep faithful there will be another performance like that just around the corner.”

Allen has scored once in 30 appearances for Liverpool after completing a £15m transfer to the Reds from Swansea City in August.

The Team GB star backed Liverpool to move on from the FA Cup loss and produce a much-improved performance against Arsenal and Manchester City.

“It was one of those days, I think,” he added.

“You can’t question the mentality of the players here. We approached the game to win it, but unfortunately for whatever reason we didn’t perform the way we should – and could – have and we got punished for it.

“It’s difficult when you face a disappointment like that. A club like this wants to be challenging for trophies. Obviously we got to the final last year, and so to go out in the way we did is pretty terrible, really.

“But we’ve got two big league games to look forward to, turn our focus to and turn things around.”