Dutchman Kuyt scored Liverpool's crucial away goal in the 1-1 Champions League draw at the Emirates, and then was lucky to avoid conceding a penalty when it looked as if he had pulled down Alex Hleb.

"We do not fear anyone, we respect opponents but believe we can win matches," said Kuyt.

"Inter Milan were a great side, and we beat them. Arsenal have a really great side playing very well, probably the best in Europe at the moment. But we still know we can beat them, especially at Anfield."

Kuyt, striker turned winger in recent months, was delighted with his 10th goal of the campaign, and sixth in Europe.

He also dismissed out of hand any claims that because referee Vink Pieter comes from near his home town in Holland, there was an element of Dutch favouritism over the decision not to award that spot-kick.

Kuyt said: "I touched Hleb, but I did not pull his shirt or hold him, so he didn't deserve to get a penalty although it was close. It wasn't a penalty.

"I know the referee because I have played a lot of times in Holland when he has been in charge, and he was also the referee for a friendly we had with Feyenoord at the beginning of the season, so I do know him.

"He comes from near where I was born and grew up. But there have been times in Holland when he refereed my matches and things went against me. I just think he made the correct decision over the penalty claim."

Kuyt added: "I was delighted with the goal, Steven Gerrard's run and cross did all the hard work and I just did everything I could to get onto the end of it.

"The goal was special for me, I have done well in Europe this season, and it will be very important for us in the way the tie develops.

"It was also important, just as in the European games we have had with Chelsea, that we did not find ourselves in a really difficult position after the first leg.

"Arsenal played really well, we have to be honest and say it was a great performance from them. They have great players and get into excellent positions, but we just had to do everything we could to stop them.

"We had a few half-chances and then the goal. We are very happy with that."

Kuyt believes Anfield can have telling influence, but warns of over-confidence. He said: "Now we play the second-leg at Anfield and everybody knows what we can do there on such occasions.

"It will be really close, but that is why Champions League games are so special, you never what is going to happen.

"But we must not forget that AC Milan produced a great result at Arsenal, drawing 0-0. But they then lost 2-0 in the San Siro, so we have to be very aware of that.

"But we did what we set out to do. We had to make sure we were not beaten, and we had to score. So we are pleased with the first part of the job.

"We have the ability to win every game, and we are confident. But we know it will be tough, but 1-1 has to be a good start."

On a personal level, Kuyt says: "I have got 10 goals now this season, and more in Europe than the Premier League. It has been a long time coming, but that is because of where I am playing at the moment.

"I am not a right-winger, I do it my own way, so maybe that is why I am scoring goals from that position.

"Last season I scored 13 in the league, and this season only three. And now I have got six in Europe so I can be really happy with that and I just want to keep going.

"I aim to continue like this so that I can be involved in really big games and achievements for the club."