Thursday, April 3, 2008

KUYT: WE STILL NEED SPECIAL PERFORMANCE


Goalscoring hero Dirk Kuyt believes he and his teammates will have to produce a 'special' performance at Anfield to eliminate Arsenal despite a crucial away goal at the Emirates.

The Dutch international admits the Reds were under the cosh during much of the first leg.

The 1-1 scoreline means Liverpool are likely to be the bookies' favourites going into the return leg, but Kuyt knows the job is far from done.

He said: "It was a really important goal we got because Arsenal played really well today. We did everything we could. We wanted to score and we did.

"We got straight back into the game after they scored and had a few other chances from corner kicks. You have to be lucky to get another goal, but Arsenal played really well.

"They have a great side but we're playing at Anfield and we've shown we can do special things there.

"Everyone knows what European nights are like at Anfield. Everyone knows what we've done there over the last few years. Hopefully the same will happen next week and we'll get into the semi-finals."

The second half saw Arsene Wenger appeal for a penalty after Kuyt out-muscled Alexander Hleb in the box.

The striker insists ref Pieter Vink was right not to point to the spot.

He said: "It was a split-second decision to do what I did. I never pulled his shirt so it was never a penalty, though it was close."

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