Dirk Kuyt: Liverpool must be more ruthless

"We made a good start when we took the lead early on and we controlled the game from then on," said Kuyt.

"We should have killed the game in the second half because we had four big chances but we didn't do that and then Spurs got two goals against the run of play and we lost the game.

"It's unbelievable because we looked really good for a long time but then they got an own goal and then got a second from a throw in.

"Sometimes this can happen in football but we have to take our chances when they come along."

Saturday's defeat was the first time Liverpool have lost a league game under Benitez when they have led at half time.

It was also the first time they have suffered defeat in more than six months and Kuyt insists it is vital that the Reds bounce back from their disappointment immediately.

He said: "The most important thing we can do right now is to think about the future and put this game behind us because we are still joint top of the league.

"But next time we have to make sure we take these kind of chances and kill the game.

"It is a big blow to us because we did not deserve to lose the game.

"But now we have to put this game and this result behind us and look ahead to Tuesday's game against Atletico Madrid.

"The manager has said we need to respond in the right way to this result and he is right.

"We can't afford to let it get to us because we did a lot of good things against Spurs and there are a lot of positives to take from the game.

"Now we just need to keep going."

Carragher echoed the sentiments of his team-mate by urging the Reds to get back to winning ways.

"Look how Chelsea have reacted since we beat them and how Manchester United reacted when they lost to us," he said.

"They've been on a great run since. It's how you come back from your setbacks that counts. This will be a test for us now.

"If you want to show you're championship contenders it's how you bounce back that matters."

Meanwhile, Benitez remains hopeful that Fernando Torres will return to bolster his attack for the visit of Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish striker stayed behind at Melwood on Saturday to continue his recuperation from a hamstring injury picked up on international duty.

Atletico warmed up for tomorrow night's clash with a 2-0 win over Real Mallorca at the weekend with Sergio Aguero scoring both goals.