Lee: Rafa was in complete control

Benitez, who stayed on Merseyside to recover from his kidney stone operation, was reportedly delighted with his team after Robbie Keane cancelled out Robin van Persie's opener with a sweet half-volley.

Lee joked: "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.

"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."

Asked how Benitez had responded to the result, Lee added: "He was pleased. He wanted the lads to know what a good point it was against a very good football team."

Lee admitted there was a tinge of disappointment among the players themselves after failing to capitalise on Emmanuel Adebayor's 62nd minute dismissal.

He explained: "There's all kinds of clichés but we'd have settled for a point before the game. The lads are a bit disappointed but great credit should be given to Arsenal for the way they fought when they went a man down.

"They organised themselves right and made sure they kept shape and kept tight. We worked hard to use a numerical advantage but we don't feel we did that - that's maybe why there's a bit of disappointment among the lads.

"Great credit should also be given to our lads because we felt we took control of the game after going a goal down. We got ourselves back into it.

"We would have been happy to come here and come away with a point beforehand, but being Liverpool Football Club means we never settle for a draw. We always go out to try to win the game.

"So, to that extent we are a little bit disappointed."

Lee was quizzed on whether Keane's goal would boost his confidence after missing out on a starting place in recent weeks.

The assistant boss said: "Ask anyone - goals always give you confidence. But I'm being honest when I say Robbie hasn't been lacking in confidence.

"We pick a team for any given match and opposition. We're fully aware of the programme we've got ahead of us and we're going to have to use all our players. If sometimes certain players don't get picked, it's because it's a long, arduous season. We have to make sure we have everyone ready.

"I think he looked superb today. And if you saw him out there, he certainly wasn't lacking in any confidence."

On whether Arsenal were now out of the title race following another home draw, Lee added: "I have got far too much respect for Arsenal Football Club to say that and I don't know of anything that's won in December. There's no way they're out of the title."