Kuyt strike gives Liverpool advantage

Liverpool FC will take a slender advantage back to Anfield for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final after the first of three meetings with Arsenal FC inside seven days ended 1-1 in London.

In an absorbing contest, Emmanuel Adebayor put Arsenal in front on 23 minutes only for Dirk Kuyt to restore parity with a crucial away goal three minutes later. The two sides renew hostilities in the Premier League on Saturday before resuming a finely-balanced tie at Anfield next Tuesday.

The opportunity lifted the home supporters, whose hopes for the season have ebbed during Arsenal's recent dip in form. The sight of Kolo Touré dispossessing Steven Gerrard, then Mathieu Flamini clattering into Fernando Torres, further raised morale and Arsenal almost capitalised on their momentum on 21 minutes. Flamini's beautifully flighted pass dissected the Liverpool defence and was met on the volley by Robin van Persie, who could not keep his shot down.

Moments later the Dutch striker came close again. His low shot was tipped behind by a full-stretch Reina and from the resulting corner Arsenal scored, Adebayor rising to head in.

Liverpool were reeling yet quickly regrouped and as so often, inspired by Gerrard, they hit back with their first chance of the game. The visiting captain picked up a loose ball and darted past Emmanuel Eboué and Touré before crossing low for Kuyt to bundle the ball in. Belief restored, the Merseysiders were suddenly the sharper. Ryan Babel tested Manuel Almunia with a low drive before Sami Hyypiä's header almost caught out a surprisingly sluggish Arsenal back line as Liverpool went for the kill. (*)

source: uefa.com