Hat-trick hero Dirk Kuyt enjoys 'best feeling ever'

Delighted Dirk Kuyt admits it was "the best feeling ever" after his first Liverpool hat-trick condemned Manchester United to defeat.

Kuyt struck after 34, 39 and 65 minutes to render Javier Hernandez's injury-time goal mere consolation as Kenny Dalglish's side beat their bitter North West rivals 3-1 at Anfield yesterday.

The result moved Liverpool back into the Premier League's top six while dealing a significant blow to United's championship challenge.

Kuyt became the first Liverpool player to score a treble in the fixture since Peter Beardsley achieved the feat during a 4-0 home win in September 1990 - the last time Dalglish was in charge for this Anfield fixture.

And the Dutch striker said: "It was perfect. You always dream about scoring a hat-trick and to get one against United is the best feeling ever.

"Edwin van der Sar said afterwards 'you don't score many goals against me', so I am more than happy with my hat-trick.

"It was unbelievable. I hadn't scored against United before, and to score the third in front of the Kop made it even better.

"They were quite easy goals. I used to score these goals in Holland when I was playing more as a striker, but they all count and I am more than happy to take them.

"There was a lot of confidence in the team.

"We also had the belief that we can compete with the best.

"We showed that against Chelsea and have now shown that against Manchester United. We now have to compete against the other sides."

Kuyt moved to salute Luis Suarez, who was directly involved in two of his strike partner's goals with the Uruguay international earning the man-of-the-match award following an outstanding performance on only his third start since his £22.75million arrival from Ajax in January.

"I also have to say thanks to Luis too," said Kuyt.

"He's a great player and played brilliantly and created two of the three goals I scored, so I am grateful for that.

"He's only been here a few weeks and now everybody knows what he is about."

Both Kuyt and Suarez earned the praise of their delighted manager Dalglish, who said: "Obviously Dirk got three goals and he will get the headlines, Luis played fantastically well, but the rest of them were not too far behind.

"They were all outstanding in different ways. For everybody that supports Liverpool it has been a great day. And I saw plenty in the performance of the players.

"The way they went about their job, their attitude, their commitment, their desire to get a result, the pride they showed in playing for the football club and the pride they showed in their own performances. That is the reason why they got the result.

"Without everyone giving everything they have got you don't beat Manchester United - and they did that."

Another positive for Dalglish came with the long-awaited debut of club record £35million signing Andy Carroll.

The 22-year-old came off the bench for the last 16 minutes to make a first appearance since injuring his thigh playing for former club Newcastle United in December. And Dalglish added: "It was a bit of a reward for Andy.

"He has worked really well with the medical staff to get this far and a run-out was the next logical step in his rehabilitation.

"It was good for him to get the run-out and I'm sure he enjoyed it but, at the same time, I think he'll realise he's still got a wee bit to go yet.

"He's a big guy, he doesn't think he is superior to anyone else, he loves playing football and he wants to be a big part of this football club.

"We have to temper that enthusiasm a wee bit.

"We have signed him for the long-term and he is going to be a big player for this club."

Source: Daily Post

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