Liverpool were eliminated from the League Cup due to a 2-1 loss sustained at Arsenal's Ashburton Grove home, but Rafael Benitez has insisted that the defeat will not dilute the feel-good factor that engulfed Anfield following the Manchester United win at the weekend.
Pass-master Fran Merida opened the scoring in the first-half with a long-range effort, but the visitors levelled the game with an equally impressive shot from Emiliano Insua. Nicklas Bendtner, though, struck the winner five minutes into the second half.
Benitez's side could have perhaps had a penalty toward the game's conclusion, as substitute Alberto Aquilani - who made his first appearance in Liverpool colours after his recovery from injury - was perceived to have won a penalty when his bicycle kick struck Bendtner's hands.
"I haven't seen the replay but I've been told it was a penalty, you cannot change things now though," Benitez said post-game. "We saw some quality, though.
"We lost, but played well. Both teams were attacking and creating chances, so it was good for the fans, but bad for us because we lost."
He continued: "We don't lose the feel-good factor. We changed players - they showed energy and passion."
Regarding the debut of Aquilani, a £20 million summer signing from Serie A side Roma, Benitez said: "I think he showed quality.
"Match fitness is only something he can improve by playing. We can see the signs today, two or three good passes. Every day will be a little bit better."
Pass-master Fran Merida opened the scoring in the first-half with a long-range effort, but the visitors levelled the game with an equally impressive shot from Emiliano Insua. Nicklas Bendtner, though, struck the winner five minutes into the second half.
Benitez's side could have perhaps had a penalty toward the game's conclusion, as substitute Alberto Aquilani - who made his first appearance in Liverpool colours after his recovery from injury - was perceived to have won a penalty when his bicycle kick struck Bendtner's hands.
"I haven't seen the replay but I've been told it was a penalty, you cannot change things now though," Benitez said post-game. "We saw some quality, though.
"We lost, but played well. Both teams were attacking and creating chances, so it was good for the fans, but bad for us because we lost."
He continued: "We don't lose the feel-good factor. We changed players - they showed energy and passion."
Regarding the debut of Aquilani, a £20 million summer signing from Serie A side Roma, Benitez said: "I think he showed quality.
"Match fitness is only something he can improve by playing. We can see the signs today, two or three good passes. Every day will be a little bit better."
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