Rafa in charge yesterday

The Liverpool boss didn't travel with the team to the Emirates but instead stayed at home to recover from a minor operation. However, he was in constant contact with Sammy Lee and all the backroom staff and remained in charge for the match.

"His phone bill will be quite big! Technology meant it was never going to be a problem. It's testament to his professionalism because he was in a lot of pain," said the assistant boss.

"Our hope now is that he can settle down for a while and get himself 100 per cent right so that he's ready for the really busy schedule that's coming up."