When a goal drought spans 28 Premier League matches and more than 10 months, its conclusion is always likely to be memorable. For Dirk Kuyt, purchased as a prolific striker but reinvented as an industrious winger, his winner at Manchester City had a significance that went far beyond ending his personal frustration.
The Dutchman's strike in added time did not just complete a wonderful comeback, it heralded Liverpool's emergence as genuine contenders to win the Premier League. It was not merely the manner of the 3-2 victory. The context was as important: trailing by two goals to a team with ambitions of a top-four finish themselves, at a point of the season when previous title challenges have gone awry and while leaders Chelsea were winning.
This was a display of conviction and resolve. "We try to make a statement every week," said Kuyt. Liverpool did at the City of Manchester Stadium. Deservedly behind to goals from Stephen Ireland and Javier Garrido, Liverpool mounted a superb recovery as Fernando Torres scored twice before Kuyt got his stoppage time winner, Kuyt elaborated on another game of two halves: "It was the worst 45 minutes of our season this season and the second half was just really good. We fought like a team to get back in the game."
While an irregular scorer delivered the points, there was a sense that this was a popular goal with the players who often benefit from Kuyt's unselfishness. "He deserves to score," said Benitez. "His work rate is amazing, so everyone is really pleased for him." While the Spaniard made no mention of own contribution, two of his decisions proved pivotal. Fabio Aurelio, who was comprehensively failing the thorough examination presented by Shaun Wright-Phillips, was replaced by the more reliable Andrea Dossena. Then, when Martin Skrtel was carried off on a stretcher, Benitez gestured to Jamie Carragher to play as a lone central defender while Liverpool pressed for a winner.
A defence that, until Sunday, had been the most frugal in the Premier League may require changes, depending upon the severity of Skrtel's knee problem, with the Slovakian sidelined by a cruciate ligament injury. Manchester City, too, were left pondering alterations, albeit when the transfer window reopens. "We're still a team who have obvious frailties and we'll work to address them in January," said manager Mark Hughes.
The midfield is probably the area that will require most examination. While City were in the ascendant, their creativity and flair was evident. When Liverpool responded, the lack of balance was an issue. Four attack-minded players - and in Robinho's case, effectively a forward - and one anchorman, Vincent Kompany, who has been regarded as a defender for much of his career, did not prove an effective formula.
His side are a work in progress, waiting for two of their recruits - Jo and Zabaleta - to display their best form. They are an attractive proposition on the ball, but require greater resilience. "We're playing some really good stuff," Hughes added. "What we need to add is that consistent level of performance and resoluteness to see games out." sports@thenational.ae