Dalglish: Wenger clash not ´relevant´

Kenny Dalglish played down a touchline spat with a fuming Arsene Wenger following Liverpool’s heart-stopping 1-1 draw at Arsenal on Sunday.

Arsenal had all but reignited their English Premier League title challenge after Robin van Persie put the Gunners ahead with an injury-time penalty.

But Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt had the last laugh, equalling the Dutchman’s effort from the penalty spot in the 100th minute after Emmanuel Eboue inexplicably fouled Lucas Leiva just as the referee was about to reach for his whistle.

An incensed Wenger could scarcely believe the events unfolding around him and exchanged angry words with Dalglish on the touchline once Kuyt buried his spot kick past Wojciech Szczesny.

The Liverpool manager was less than amused with Wenger’s antics, but was reticent to reveal his choice of words in his post-match press conference.

“I’d rather not repeat what was said,” Dalglish told Sky Sports.

“I don’t know why a conversation between two managers on the bench is relevant after a game like that. It’s not worth the time of day.”

Dalglish was clearly delighted at the Reds’ performance, which came despite losing skipper Jamie Carragher after he was knocked out in a head clash, Fabio Aurelio to a hamstring injury and record signing Andy Carroll to a knee complaint.

“I think what we did at the end epitomised the performance,” Dalglish said.

“We lost two players (Carragher and Andy Carroll) and we had two teenagers (Jack Robinson and John Flanagan) at right- and left-back playing against a side looking to win the league.”

“We’ve had to throw Jonjo (Shelvey) on and lost our centre forward – everything was battling against us but they’ve remained convinced and committed to getting something back from the game and I think that’s fantastic credit to them.”

Wenger was still steaming after seeing a crucial two points slip at the Emirates, but refused to concede the title is now Manchester United’s for the taking.

“Extra time was only (supposed to be) eight minutes,” the Gunners boss said.

“I wanted to get the players away from the referee and after having watched it again I don’t think it was a penalty at all. But the referee saw a penalty, so it was a penalty. What can you do?”

“We have to continue to play and fight until the last minute. That’s what we are about and that’s what we want to show.”

“We have players who are ambitious and want to do as well as we can. We had disappointments in August and we had to bounce back. That’s what we will do.”