Benitez: Kuyt key man for Liverpool

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.

Kuyt got on the end of a stunning surge and cross from captain Steven Gerrard to equalise, just minutes after Emmanuel Adebayor had headed Arsenal ahead in the opening period.

"Kuyt was our man of the match - he ran and ran and ran," said Benitez. "If we played another game straight afterwards he would still be running. He was always working and supporting."

Liverpool staged a sterling defensive display to protect their draw, with the second leg at Anfield next Tuesday.

Benitez added: "In the second half we were forced back because Arsenal were attacking and attacking.

"They are such a good team, so we had to defend anyway we could. We had to play deep.

"It was important for us to hit back straight after they scored. If you do not do that you end up being 2-0 down very soon - and it is over.

"Always it is important to score away in the Champions League, always. Now we have the advantage of playing at Anfield in front of our own fans.

"Then if we score it will always be hard for them. It is a good situation for us, but still difficult.

"(Arsenal manager) Arsene (Wenger) may say they are still favourites, but he knows it will be as difficult for them as it will be for us."