Kuyt’s goal was his fifth of the season and ended a barren spell stretching back to the 3-2 win at West Ham United on September 19, the last time Liverpool had won on their Premier League travels.

But the Dutchman said: “It’s been a while since I scored, but for me that’s not the most important thing.

“We needed to win, and that’s what matters most.

“This win has come at the right moment for us.

“Everybody knows that we have struggled in the Premier League this season and haven’t done well in the Champions League. But we have to move on.”

Liverpool kept a clean sheet away from home in the Premier League for the first time this season, with the shut-out only their seventh in 21 games in all competitions.

It was largely down to a remarkable double save from Pepe Reina in the 70th minute, the goalkeeper saving a header from Tim Cahill and then blocking Marouane Fellaini’s follow-up effort from point-blank range.

“We won against Debrecen while keeping a clean sheet and we did the same today, so hopefully that can help bring some of our confidence back,” said Kuyt yesterday.

“Everton put us under a lot of pressure with the long balls because they have quality players in the air like Fellaini and Cahill. They caused us a few problems but I thought the defence and Pepe Reina were superb.

“Pepe made a great double save, and for me he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He definitely showed that with the save today.”