A total of eleven draws has been blamed as the scourge of Liverpool’s Premiership campaign, losing twenty-two points in the process and surrendering a proper challenge on the title as early as the turn of the year. Yesterday though, the 1-1 draw can hopefully be looked at as the first big step by Benitez on his march to the last four in the Champions League and to eventually the city that hosts the Kremlin. Earlier, in the build-up of the match, Jamie Carragher argued that they owe themselves an Anfield chance. With such a result, the red men acquired that and more than that gave themselves a higher probability of finishing the job and advancing at their own home in the definitely unparalleled atmosphere that the lure of the European Cup can only offer.

It was a mixture of silk and steel, class and resilience that gave Liverpool the all important away goal. Steven Gerrard ran and wrong-footed a couple of Arsenal defenders, opening space in the process, then squaring the ball to the tireless Dirk Kuyt who with his usual perseverance poked the ball into the net. It was the least Kuyt has deserved for his season so far. Whilst his goal account admittedly resembles more of a student than of the hard worker he is, his industry has bought him time from his manager and fans, and such a goal coupled with its importance is on the way of redeeming his whole season.

Alongside this possible redemption, we had the renewal of Sami Hyypia’s stature. At thirty-four years of age and on his ninth season for Liverpool, this Finn is on the verge of penning another contract for Liverpool, a contract offered to him by a manager that some three years ago, thought someone like Mauricio Pellegrino could offer him a decent challenge to his place. Once again, Hyypia made himself big, intercepted with ease and coolness and made defending look beautiful to watch and observe. On days like yesterday, Houllier’s biggest legacy multiplies himself into a hammer that breaks everything that comes his way with the authority of an auctioneer hammering his mallet to confirm a successful bid.

This away goal advantage can be felt very slender, but coupled with the residing European’s Cup shadow lurking over Anfield underneath the floodlights, would have been bought by any red before yesterday’s kick-off. A passage to the semi-finals though, would be the only valid currency after next week’s final whistle.