Cliffhanger! But it's advantage Liverpool as Kuyt tees up Anfield return

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Emmanuel Adebayor headed Arsenal into a 23rd-minute lead, rising unopposed to meet Robin van Persie's centre.

Scroll down for more

Dirk Dastardly: Kuyt makes contact with Hleb but no penalty is given

But three minutes later Dirk Kuyt handed his side a slender advantage for next week's second leg at Anfield, bundling home a Steven Gerrard cross for his sixth Champions League goal of the season.

And it was the Dutch striker who was at the heart of the game's controversial moment when his tug on Alexander Hleb's arm in the penalty area went unpunished by Vink.

Kuyt hails from a village five kilometres away from the Dutch official's home, but it was Vink's failure to spot the infringement from five yards away that left Wenger fuming.

The Arsenal boss said: "There was a blatant penalty right under the eyes of the referee. That's happened a few times now and that makes it hard to accept. He was five yards away from Kuyt and didn't give the penalty. I haven't spoken to the referee. It's difficult to understand, frankly."

I didn't pull his shirt, says Kuyt

Wenger found it equally difficult to fathom how substitute Nicklas Bendtner manage to block a Cesc Fabregas shot on the Liverpool goal-line.

"We were unlucky in a few circumstances," said Wenger. "I don't know how that did not go in when the ball hit Bendtner on the line.

"We were unsettled by their equaliser. It was a mental blow. You could see that it was a big blow to take. We'd scored the first goal and, when we conceded, I felt straight away that it was like a thunderstorm going through the team.

"We lost composure and nerves a little bit."

Scroll down for more

On the rise: Adebayor heads home against Liverpool

Liverpool's Mr Dependable: Steven Gerrard's thrusting run set up Dirk Kuyt's equaliser

Kuyt admitted the decision had been tight.

He said: "It is just a split second you have to decide. I didn't pull his shirt. It was never a penalty, but it was close."

Rafa Benitez refused to accept Wenger's version of events and dismissed suggestions that Kuyt's goal had swung the tie in Liverpool's favour.

"I watched the replay and it wasn't clear," Benitez said of the penalty claim.

"It wouldn't have been given in the Premier League. It wasn't clear enough.

"I don't think it's in our favour. When you play against Arsenal, you know they can score in any stadium."