Kuyt fancies Reds' chances

Dirk Kuyt reckons Arsenal are the best team in Europe, but that Liverpool are confident they can beat anyone in Champions League combat.

Dutchman Kuyt scored Liverpool's crucial away goal in the 1-1 Champions League draw at the Emirates, and then was lucky to avoid conceding a penalty when it looked as if he had pulled down Alex Hleb.

"We do not fear anyone, we respect opponents but believe we can win matches," said Kuyt. "Inter Milan were a great side, and we beat them. Arsenal have a really great side playing very well, probably the best in Europe at the moment. But we still know we can beat them, especially at Anfield."

Kuyt, striker turned winger in recent months, was delighted with his 10th goal of the campaign, and sixth in Europe.

He also dismissed out of hand any claims that because referee Vink Pieter comes from near his home town in Holland, there was an element of Dutch favouritism over the decision not to award that spot-kick.

Kuyt said: "I touched Hleb, but I did not pull his shirt or hold him, so he didn't deserve to get a penalty although it was close. It wasn't a penalty.

"I know the referee because I have played a lot of times in Holland when he has been in charge, and he was also the referee for a friendly we had with Feyenoord at the beginning of the season, so I do know him.

"He comes from near where I was born and grew up. But there have been times in Holland when he refereed my matches and things went against me. I just think he made the correct decision over the penalty claim."

Kuyt added: "I was delighted with the goal, Steven Gerrard's run and cross did all the hard work and I just did everything I could to get onto the end of it.

"The goal was special for me, I have done well in Europe this season, and it will be very important for us in the way the tie develops."