Houllier: Forlan goal left us forlorn

Last updated : 01 December 2002 By Chris Maxwell
Houllier said: "When two good teams play each other the first goal is always important. Once you score the first goal it gives you confidence to the whole team.

"This match, until Jerzy's mistake, was very even. You can't legislate for the first goal as it affected everyone - the whole team. It affected Jerzy and I don't think he would have conceded the second goal had he not conceded the first.

"We could have got a draw out of it in the end with Didi's volley and Steven Gerrard having a good chance at the end. draw would have been a good result.

"There was a few things we didn't do well in this game in our passing at times and not taking our chances. We gave Manchester United too much respect and our players were not confident enough to take the initiative. Arsenal have had a blip this season and have come through it. We will overcome it, don't you worry!"