Dirk Kuyt today insisted Liverpool could take plenty of positives from their Carling Cup defeat to Arsenal.
The Reds went down to a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates last night, thanks to goals from Fran Merida and Nicklas Bendtner either side of Emiliano Insua's stunning strike.
Despite making nine changes to the side which defeated Manchester United at the weekend, the Reds fully played their part in an absorbing tie and Kuyt believes Liverpool did enough on the night to at least force extra time.
"We are really disappointed because we had a few chances to at least force extra-time," said the Dutchman.
"We worked really hard for it and we are very disappointed. We put a lot of effort into this game and we tried to win it. We had the belief we could win tonight and both of us scored great goals in the first half.
"Unfortunately we conceded an early goal in the second half but we didn't give up. We tried to go forward and I believe we created enough chances to at least have equalised.
"We had nine changes from Sunday and it was good to see the lads who haven't played for a while give everything they have got.
"We can be happy with the way we played and we were a bit unlucky."
The Reds No.18 also felt Liverpool should have had a late penalty when Philippe Senderos appeared to handle under pressure in the box.
"In my opinion I believe it was a penalty," he added.
"He didn't protect his face and he had his hand next to his face. He touched the ball and I thought it was a penalty, but I would have to see the television replay again to confirm that."
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