Liverpool moved to within one point of fourth-placed opponents Tottenham in this high-tempo but scrappy encounter at Anfield.

With both sides missing key creative players, the game never reached a high standard.

But Liverpool deservedly won the day as, for once, they finished strongly, rather than trying, and failing to hold on to a one-goal lead, as has happened so often this season, most recently against Stoke on Saturday.

Rafa Benitez’s men had the advantage of a sixth minute lead, courtesy of Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt, who also missed two late chances before rendering them irrelevant with a victory-clinching spot-kick in second-half stoppage time.

Kuyt combined well with Alberto Aquilani before placing a right-foot shot past Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes to give Liverpool their early lead.

And the Reds held on doggedly for the rest of a non-event of a first half, while Spurs passed the ball neatly but lacked penetration.

Jermaine Defoe thought he had put the North Londoners level two minutes after half-time when he dispossessed Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina and rolled the ball into the net.

But the England striker was penalised for fouling Reina, the referee’s assistant giving the decision.

Jermaine Jenas had a well-struck swerving effort tipped over ten minutes later. But Liverpool monopolised the chances in the closing stages.

Kuyt was badly off-target with two close-range efforts, while Philipp Degen wasted a great position by delaying his shot when put clean through by Kuyt.

In the last five minutes, Gomes made saves from substitute David Ngog’s right-foot drive and centre-half Sotirios Kyrgiakos’ left-foot effort from twelve yards.

However, Liverpool eventually got their second goal when Sebastien Bassong upended Ngog as the young French striker entered the penalty area.

Kuyt comprehensively beat Gomes with his spot-kick but referee Howard Webb ordered a re-take for encroachment. Kuyt was just as emphatic with his kick, sending Gomes the wrong way.