Rafael Benitez believes Dirk Kuyt's away goal against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium could turn out to be so crucial ahead of next Tuesday's second leg at Anfield.
Kuyt became Liverpool's leading marksman in the Champions League this season with his sixth European strike of the campaign when he equalised Emanuel Adebayor's opener.
"I think it's crucial to score an away goal in Europe," said Benitez. "Arsenal is a team that can also score away from home but at least we now have this option in our hands for the second leg.
"It was an important goal for us and the understanding between Torres and Gerrard is really good. Gerrard created the chance and Kuyt was there and it was really important for us."
The Reds boss admitted he was pleased with the work ethic of his team and said they did well to withstand great pressure in the second half.
"I think the result is really good," said the boss. "It's the Champions League and we were away from home in Europe.
"The team was working really, really hard against a good team. We knew before they could have plenty of possession so the question was for us to be well organised and play on the counter attack. That was the plan and it was good.
"We were running a lot in the first half and in the second we thought they would have plenty of possession. We needed to change some players and we put on fresh legs in Benayoun, Lucas and Voronin."
While disappointed with the goal his team conceded when Adebayor scored from a free header, Benitez refused to point a finger of blame at any individuals.
"I think it's difficult when you play against a good team," added Benitez. "The delivery was really good and Adebayor is really good in the air, so at the end you can't control everything.
"We knew they could also be dangerous from open play so we were trying to control all the small details but you can't control everything."
Kuyt became Liverpool's leading marksman in the Champions League this season with his sixth European strike of the campaign when he equalised Emanuel Adebayor's opener.
"I think it's crucial to score an away goal in Europe," said Benitez. "Arsenal is a team that can also score away from home but at least we now have this option in our hands for the second leg.
"It was an important goal for us and the understanding between Torres and Gerrard is really good. Gerrard created the chance and Kuyt was there and it was really important for us."
The Reds boss admitted he was pleased with the work ethic of his team and said they did well to withstand great pressure in the second half.
"I think the result is really good," said the boss. "It's the Champions League and we were away from home in Europe.
"The team was working really, really hard against a good team. We knew before they could have plenty of possession so the question was for us to be well organised and play on the counter attack. That was the plan and it was good.
"We were running a lot in the first half and in the second we thought they would have plenty of possession. We needed to change some players and we put on fresh legs in Benayoun, Lucas and Voronin."
While disappointed with the goal his team conceded when Adebayor scored from a free header, Benitez refused to point a finger of blame at any individuals.
"I think it's difficult when you play against a good team," added Benitez. "The delivery was really good and Adebayor is really good in the air, so at the end you can't control everything.
"We knew they could also be dangerous from open play so we were trying to control all the small details but you can't control everything."
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