This message was edited by elawer on 28-Oct-2008 @ 7:41 AM

RAFA HAILS MATCH-WINNER TORRES Steve Hunter 16 August 2008
	Rafael Benitez saluted the goalscoring prowess of Fernando Torres after the Euro 2008 hero ensured Liverpool's 2008-09 Barclays Premier League campaign got off to a winning start at Sunderland.
El Nino pounced in the 83rd minute of the game to seal the three points for Liverpool against Roy Keane's resilient Sunderland.   Benitez admitted the Black Cats made things tough for his side, especially in the opening period of the game.   He said: "I think it was a difficult game first half. They controlled the game in the opening 45 minutes but didn't have clear chances other than one. We were a little under pressure but the second half was different.   "We were controlling it and the quality of our passing was much better. We had plenty of possession and were much better going forward.   "The difference at the end of the game was Torres. We know he can score these kind of goals but the team as a whole needs to play well.   "It was also important that we kept a clean sheet."   Explaining his decision not to start with Xabi Alonso, Benitez added: "Xabi had a dead leg and we needed to protect him. Plessis was injured too with a knock on his lower back, so I needed to bring Xabi on for the second half.   "We knew Xabi could be only 80 per cent but he played well. Xabi is our player and he is playing well. If he continues to play like this I will be really pleased."   Another positive Benitez took from the game was the return to the squad of Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio, with the latter featuring as a second-half substitute after recovering from a shin injury.   He said: "All the managers want their squad ready for the beginning of the season but we have some players in the Olympic Games and some have been injured. It was important for me to have Gerrard available and see Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio back in the squad toady."

This message was edited by elawer on 24-Aug-2008 @ 9:08 PM

RAFA: COMEBACK SHOWS HOME PROGRESS Jimmy Rice at Anfield 23 August 2008
	Rafa Benitez praised the spirit of his players following their remarkable comeback against Middlesbrough – claiming Liverpool would not have taken all three points in similar circumstances last term.
The Reds trailed 1-0 with five minutes remaining before Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard saved the day with unstoppable strikes at the Kop end.   Benitez said: "Carragher was amazing, because normally he isn't a great finisher. After that Gerrard showed his quality too even though he isn't 100 per cent fit – he can change games.   "The team showed its winning mentality. This is the kind of determination we want to see for the rest of the season.   "Last season we were drawing or losing these kind of games at home, so it was important that we won. It sends a positive message to the fans, who were maybe thinking about last season.   "We did it the hard way. I was pleased in the first 15 minutes because we were creating chances but after that we did not play well and they were controlling our attacks.   "They scored a good goal and were on top of us. I thought it would be difficult but we changed – we played with three defenders and that was the key."   Carragher's goal on 85 minutes took a wicked deflection off Emanuel Pogatetz, with some news agencies crediting the 'Boro man with an OG.   Benitez added: "I think Carra will claim it. Sami was joking with him, saying it was a deflection, but at the end of the day we won and that's the most important thing."

This message was edited by elawer on 24-Aug-2008 @ 9:08 PM

BENITEZ HAILS 'AMAZING' KUYT Paul Hassall at Anfield 28 August 2008
	Rafael Benitez hailed the 'amazing' energy of Dirk Kuyt after the forward marked his 100th game for the Reds with the winner against Standard Liege.
The Dutchman was on hand to fire home Ryan Babel's deep cross with just two minutes of extra-time remaining to secure a 1-0 win and book Liverpool's place in the lucrative Group Stage of the Champions League.   It was a strike that ended the Belgian champions' brave resistance and the Reds boss admitted he was relieved that his side's efforts were eventually rewarded.   "I was really pleased because Kuyt scored the winning goal," said Rafa.   "His effort is amazing every game. I'm also really pleased because Nabil played well again.   "We knew it could be difficult. From the first minute they played well and we knew they would play well on the counter attack so we had to work really hard until the end.   "For me the most positive thing is that we played a little bit better against a good team who are sharp and we scored at the end. That means that the team are working really hard."   Benitez felt the overriding factor behind his side's late winner was their ability in the wide areas and was pleased that they kept going, despite suffering an evening full of frustration.   "The goal came from a good cross from Ryan Babel and Nabil also played well," he said. "You play with wingers because it gives you space for penetrating passes.   "It's important to have balance in defence but also in attack so that you have pace and quality in the wide areas, with Torres and Keane in the middle.   "We had confidence and we kept pushing. We knew from the first game they are really good and today they also played well. They were always a threat because you know you can concede from a free-kick or a corner but we were going forward well and controlling the game but we were missing the final pass to make the difference."   In an end to end first-half the Reds were twice grateful to Pepe Reina for producing two fantastic saves and while Benitez was delighted with his stopper's display he refused to heap too much praise on individual performances.   "Pepe was the key player in the first game but today it is not about just one player, it is about all of them," he said.   "You could see how hard they were working against a good team. When you play this kind of game you know the other team is training and playing thinking about just this game.   "We had the international break the other day and a lot of players weren't ready, so it was important to make sure we got through and we can now start work again with the group."   Benitez and co can now look forward to tomorrow's group stage draw safe in the knowledge they have once again boosted both the Anfield coffers and their chances of more silverware come May.   "To have the possibility to play for trophies is amazing and really important and also in terms of money," he added.   "We know it is important. If you play at this level you will have more chances of winning trophies and money."

This message was edited by elawer on 28-Aug-2008 @ 4:03 PM

Liverpool battled to a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa in a match that saw Fernando Torres leave the field with a hamstring injury. Here's the best of the post-match reaction.

This message was edited by elawer on 02-Sep-2008 @ 10:47 PM

Rafa Benitez has recorded his first league win over Manchester United after Ryan Babel added to a Wes Brown OG to give Liverpool a 2-1 victory at Anfield.

The Reds had to recover from a nightmare start after Carlos Tevez gave the visitors a third minute lead.
 
A calamitous error from Edwin van der Sar led to Brown's OG midway inside the first half before substitute Babel became the first Red to score a league goal against United in more than four years to win the game.
 
A 90th minute sending off for Nemanja Vidic added late drama to a fantastic match which will long be remembered round these parts.
 
The result is even more satisfying given the fact Benitez went into the encounter without talisman Steven Gerrard and top goalscorer Fernando Torres - albeit both made the seven-man bench. For their part, United had to cope with the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, though Alex Ferguson could call upon £30million deadline day signing Dimitar Berbatov.
 
It was the Bulgarian who played the orchestrator as the game got off to a frenetic start.
 
Even before the goal, Berbatov had a shot blocked by the arms of Martin Skrtel, though thankfully Howard Webb adjudged it to be accidental.
 
United will say that justice was done just moments later when the new boy's low cross rolled agonisingly past the Reds backline towards Tevez, who made no mistake in finding the back of Pepe Reina's net.
 
Three minutes gone and our chances of recording a first league win over United since April 2004 were already severely dented.
 
The Liverpool response was almost immediate as Dirk Kuyt volleyed narrowly wide from 15 yards.
 
Minutes later Kuyt was again denied, this time by the flailing arms of the hapless van der Sar, who recovered well from some sloppy handling.
 
This was followed by some neat trickery from debutant Albert Riera, who appeared to be fouled after evading two defenders in the box. Again referee Webb kept his whistle in his pocket, making it 1-1 in the questionable penalty decision stakes.
 
If tempers were always under control, there remained a palpable bite to proceedings, illustrated with a petulant challenge from Wayne Rooney on 22 minutes after a fierce but perfectly time tackle from Javier Mascherano.
 
If this wasn't quite madness, what followed four minutes later certainly was as Xabi Alonso's 25-yard cross-cum-shot deflected off one United defender before a horrible spill from van der Sar sent the ball into the net off Brown's shin.
 
In what can only be described as an act of footballing romanticism, Anfield announcer George Sefton gave the goal to the lurking Riera, but the Spanish international will have to wait a little longer to record his first Liverpool goal.
 
A relative period of quiet followed, though a couple of excellent interventions from stand-in captain Jamie Carragher were required to thwart the ever-dangerous Berbatov before half-time.
 
It was Liverpool who created the better openings when the second period got underway, notably when Yossi Benayoun was fed through only to lose control as van der Sar closed in.
 
Seconds later Mascherano's right boot smashed the ball into the six-yard box, where the lively Robbie Keane waited on legs not quite long enough to get the required flick.
 
Skrtel was next in the act, playing a one-two with Kuyt before testing the goalkeeper from 20 yards.
 
If this made the Kop smile, then the entrance of Gerrard on 67 minutes made them positively purr.
 
That said, the skipper's appearance was almost immediately overshadowed by a looping shot from another substitute, Ryan Giggs, which forced a fingertip save from Reina.
 
Next to make way was Riera, who can be satisfied with a decent 70-minute debut which left the Anfield faithful thirsty for more.
 
But while he enjoyed an early shower, his replacement, Ryan Babel, wasted no time making his mark by becoming the first Liverpool player to score a league goal against United in almost 14 hours of football.
 
The 77th minute strike was a product of fantastic persistence from Mascherano down the right, allowing Kuyt to gain possession and roll the ball across the face of goal, where his countryman waited to tuck home with ease.
 
There was more late drama as the final whistle loomed when Nemanja Vidic went in elbow first on Xabi Alonso to receive a second yellow.
 
Kuyt could have put the icing on the cake in injury time but he was denied from close range by van der Sar.

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher (c), Skrtel, Arbeloa, Riera, Alonso, Mascherano, Benayoun, Keane, Kuyt. Subs - Babel, Cavalieri, Dossena, Gerrard, Hyypia, Ngog, Torres
 
Manchester United: Van der Sar, Evra, Ferdinand (c), Vidic, Brown, Rooney, Carrick, Scholes, , Berbatov, Tevez. Subs - Evans, Fletcher, Giggs, Hargreaves, Kuszczak, O'Shea,
 
Referee: Howard Webb
 
Conditions:
 
Attendance:
 
Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Javier Mascherano

CARRA: UNITED WIN CAN SPUR US ON Paul Eaton 14 September 2008
	Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool will take more than just three points from their well deserved victory over Manchester United.
The Reds defeated Alex Ferguson's men for the first time in the league under Rafael Benitez, with Ryan Babel the match-winner 13 minutes from time.   But Carragher believes it's the confidence boost as well as the points which should serve the Reds well over the coming weeks and months.   "It's a great result for us," said the Reds defender. "Not just for the three points, but for the belief and confidence it will give us. We've just beaten the best side in Europe and a team we have a lot of respect for. It should do wonders for our confidence.   "For too long we've been off the pace in the league and it's been all about Man United and Chelsea. Now we've gone to the top of the league and put a bit of breathing space between ourselves and United.   "We'll see at the end of the season what this result has done for us but hopefully it will spur us on."

RAFA: I AM SO PROUD OF MY TEAM Joe Curran 14 September 2008
	Rafael Benitez today declared Liverpool's momentous victory over Manchester United as something the whole team can be proud of.
The Reds went down to a Carlos Tevez goal early on in the match but rallied to produce their best performance of the season and record a first league win over Alex Ferguson's side in over four years.   Benitez paid tribute to his players after the match and was happy with the amount of character his charges showed to come from behind and take the points.   "I think today is a game we can be really satisfied with because we were losing against a very good team," said Benitez. "But we showed character and played very well in the second half, so this was very positive.   "The team showed a lot of character after conceding an early goal. I was really disappointed when they scored so early because I wanted a high tempo from the start. They were passing the ball and keeping possession, so we needed to change a lot of things. I think it was really important to have chances and to improve a lot in the second half."   There were many stand-out performances during the match, but the Liverpool manager focused on the whole team and said: "Today you could see a lot of players working really hard, especially the strikers Dirk Kuyt and Robbie Keane, who were doing amazing work up front, and also Albert Riera in his first game played well – he is a lucky man.   "Physically he was not ready but we needed to use his ability. And after we used Steven Gerrard, he did well too. I can talk about a lot of players - Ryan Babel was really good too, but I think the overall play of the team was good."   Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson admitted that his team couldn't cope with Liverpool's tackling and harassing in midfield.   Benitez agreed, saying: "In the last two years, I can remember that they were happy waiting and just playing on the counter-attack until we make mistakes," added Benitez. "And today was more or less the same situation. When you have players with the quality of Berbatov, Tevez or Rooney in front, sometimes they just need to wait and if we make a mistake they will kill us off.   "We didn't make many mistakes today. We can always improve and do things better, but the team played well.   "One thing that we needed to improve was our results against the top sides so now we have three points and we are in a better position than last season. We now have more wins against the top four so hopefully it will be the same against Chelsea and Arsenal. Everton is also another difficult game for us."

This message was edited by elawer on 14-Sep-2008 @ 7:37 PM

Liverpool made the perfect start to their Champions League campaign in Group D with a 2-1 win over Marseille. Here's the best of the post-match reaction.

RAFA: GERRARD IS SO SPECIAL Paul Eaton 17 September 2008
	Rafael Benitez today hailed the influence of Steven Gerrard on the Liverpool team after the midfielder's match winning heroics in Marseille on Tuesday night.
Gerrard's brace in the Stade Velodrome took his tally to 99 goals in all competitions for the Reds, and after recovering from a groin operation the skipper is reaching the sort of form which suggests his landmark century goal isn't too far away.   "The game was another example of the influence Gerrard has on our team, he is so special," said Benitez.   "To score twice like that, and with a really good first goal, when you have only just recovered from an operation shows just how important he is to us.   "But it was not just Steven. It was a very sound team performance, everyone worked so hard, and that is what pleased me most.   "But he showed that he can change games on his own. He can improve, and he knows it, following the operation.   "But his impact was the most positive thing from the game. His first goal was amazing, a fantastic effort and it altered the course of the match.   "You may not see many such goals in 10 years it was that good."

This message was edited by elawer on 19-Sep-2008 @ 2:39 AM

RAFA SALUTES GERRARD - 99 NOT OUT Paul Hassall 19 September 2008
	Rafael Benitez has hailed Steven Gerrard as one of the top three players in the world as the Reds skipper goes in search of a century of goals for the club against Stoke City tomorrow.
The talismanic midfielder netted a magnificent double in Tuesday night's Champions League success in Marseille to take his tally to 99 and the Reds boss feels the 28-year-old could now go on to set a new club record for the most number of goals scored by a midfielder.   "For any player it is fantastic to score 99 or maybe 100 soon - but especially for a midfielder," said Rafa.   "It just shows the quality and ability of Gerrard. He is a player who can play anywhere and score fantastic goals. Not just normal goals, but we are talking about fantastic goals too.   "This is what you get with a top class player. To score that many goals is a great achievement. First of all you have to be really good and secondly you have to have an offensive mentality and quality.   "You also have to play in a top side because at the end of the day you need to attack and create chances. It's not easy but he is still young and I think he will score a lot of goals and maybe he will have a record as a midfielder.   "If he keeps playing as well as he is then why not? And if he keeps taking the penalties it will be easier too. If he can score against Stoke I will be really pleased."   The England international once again proved how invaluable he is to the Liverpool cause when he dragged his team back into the clash at the Stade Velodrome with a sensational equaliser before holding his nerve to convert a twice-taken penalty.   The calibre of his first strike has been heralded across Europe as an early goal of the season contender and Benitez feels only a rare breed of footballer is capable of producing such an exquisite finish.   "Only two or three players can do the same," he said.   "It was not easy. It was a fantastic strike and the timing was really good for us and the quality was of the highest level.   "But we saw him score one today in training that was similar so we know he can do these things."   A victory over Stoke City would cap a magnificent week for Liverpool in which they followed up a deserved 2-1 success over Manchester United by getting their Champions League campaign off to a flier in the South of France.   It has made a solid start to the new campaign look even better and while Benitez is pleased with his team's success on the pitch, he is determined to ensure they maintain their focus against Stoke - refusing to discuss any suggestion that this could be the year the club's title drought could come to an end.   "Overall it's been a really good week," he said. "We've had two difficult and important games to play and we won them both so everyone is very happy here at Liverpool.   "But we are just looking at the next game and we are now ready to play Stoke. It is important to understand that we need to take one game at a time.   "If we keep winning then every game, little by little, we will be in a better position so we will talk about this maybe in two or three months time, but at the moment it is game by game."   Benitez is well aware of the threat Stoke will pose having seen them follow up a surprise win over Aston Villa earlier in the season by pushing neighbours Everton all the way at the weekend.   He feels it would be unprofessional for his side to take three points against Tony Pulis' men for granted and has warned his players of the problems they could cause at set pieces.   "In football It's very difficult to say you can win every game and some people may say it's an easy game, but we know it's not easy," he said.   "We know it will be tough, that Stoke are a well organised team and they are physically very strong.   "They play direct football. I have been really impressed with their set pieces and I don't just mean their throw-ins. I mean the corners and free-kicks too. The manager is doing a very good job there.   "In England a lot of teams use the long throw too, so we have to be aware and try to be ready for the first ball and also the second ball.   "We will try to play our football. If we can keep passing and moving the ball, then it will be fantastic. If not then we know that physically it will be difficult but we know that technically and tactically is how we need to make a difference."   The Reds currently sit second in the table on goal difference behind Chelsea and while the Reds boss is delighted his side have made such a competent start in terms of putting points on the board, he admitted he feels his side still have a few gears to go up when it comes to performance.   "Yes, I think we can improve," he said. "The pre-season was different from normal with a lot of players coming back from the Olympic Games and the European Championships late, so I think physically we can improve a lot and that means we can also do that technically and tactically too.   "We have a very good squad and the mentality is really good. We won against United without Torres and Gerrard on the pitch from the start so I think it is really good to see other members of the squad playing well and that means we can maybe use different players in other competitions this season and keep the same level."

This message was edited by elawer on 20-Sep-2008 @ 1:18 PM

This message was edited by elawer on 27-Sep-2008 @ 1:19 PM

This message was edited by elawer on 27-Sep-2008 @ 1:26 PM

Fernando Torres fired home an explosive double as Liverpool ran riot in the 208th Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

The Spanish hot-shot blew the Toffees away with two goals in four second-half minutes to clinch a 2-0 win for Rafael Benitez's side and ensure the Reds equalled their best start to a Premier League campaign since the 96-97 campaign when they took 14 points from their opening six matches.
 
It means Liverpool are now second in the table - behind Chelsea on goal difference - following the Blues' win at Stoke and Arsenal's shock home defeat against Hull.
 
Prior to kick-off the Reds had failed to score in the first-half of each of their last seven league matches and that stat now stands at eight after the first 45 ended in stalemate.
 
That's not to say it was not full of incident as both sides fought tooth and nail to make the breakthrough in what proved to be a typically full-blooded encounter.
 
The home support love nothing more than to see their heroes come out on top against the Reds and there was certainly an increased sense of expectation in the stands as David Moyes' men went in search of their first home win of the campaign.
 
They could have made the perfect start too, but Tim Cahill somehow contrived to miss his kick from eight yards out after Mikel Arteta's 14th minute corner had evaded everyone at the near post.
 
The chance came on the back of a good spell of possession for Rafael Benitez's side and they responded to the let off by carving out a good chance of their own, when Fernando Torres' close range shot was brilliantly blocked by Joseph Yobo after great play down the left by Albert Riera.
 
For all Liverpool's good approach play it was Everton who continued to create the more clear-cut opportunities and the Reds - and Pepe Reina in particular - were left to breath a huge sigh of relief on 28 minutes.
 
The Spanish stopper flapped at a hoisted cross from the left and presented Marouane Fellaini with a great chance to mark his derby debut with a goal.
 
The Belgian midfielder did everything right, lashing a low drive towards goal, but he was brilliantly denied on the goal-line by Jamie Carragher - only for the defender to see that referee Mike Riley had already generously blown for a free-kick to the Reds.
 
The remainder of the half was a scrappy affair with neither side able to manufacture a serious goalscoring opportunity although Xabi Alonso should have done better with a 25-yard drive that flew harmlessly into the stand.
 
There was a sense throughout the ground that there was much more to come from the 208th Merseyside derby and it proved to be the case for those in red.
 
As the half wore on it looked more and more likely that Liverpool's purposeful approach play would pay dividends and the Gwladys Street faithful were almost 'treated' to the sight of Steven Gerrard's 100th goal for the club on 52 minutes but the skipper's 25 yarder dragged just wide of Tim Howard's far post.
 
Ahead of the match Benitez had given derby debuts to Alvaro Arbeloa, Andrea Dossena, Albert Riera and Robbie Keane - and the latter marked the experience by playing a decisive part in Liverpool's opening goal.
 
Riera and Alonso combined to send Keane racing into space on the left-hand side of the area, with the Irishman delivering a delightful cross for Torres to expertly volley home his second of the season on 58 minutes.
 
It had looked like being a frustrating afternoon for El Nino after the Spaniard was booked for dissent five minutes after the restart. But having grabbed his first since the opening day of the season win at Sunderland he duly set about adding his second.
 
Once again it was some superb approach play by Keane that saw the forward feed the ball into Dirk Kuyt, and although the Dutchman was challenged out of a shot at goal by Phil Jagielka, Torres was on hand to nonchalantly steer an effort into the top corner.
 
At this point it looked like the latest in a long line of great Liverpool number nine's could go on to emulate the incredible feat of the legendary Ian Rush, who memorably struck four goals in a Goodison derby 25 years ago last November.
 
He may have had a chance too, but his stunning drive form an acute angle was harshly ruled out after Kuyt was penalised for a push on Joleon Lescott on 65 minutes.
 
The hosts were now showing signs of serious frustration and Cahill was left stunned when he was shown a straight red for a late challenge on Alonso.
 
It was all over bar the shouting and all that was needed now was for El Nino to cap the afternoon with his treble - but it wasn't to be.
 
Not that the travelling Kop were complaining as they happily performed the 'Torres bounce' while the Reds extended their run of Goodison triumphs to seven from their last nine visits. 

RAFA HAILS DERBY VICTORY Steve Hunter at Goodison Park 27 September 2008
	Rafael Benitez saluted the performance of his players after a Fernando Torres brace inspired Liverpool to a 2-0 win over Everton in the 208th Merseyside derby.
The Reds number nine scored on his derby debut at Anfield last season and he was the hero again on his first appearance at Goodison Park - but the Reds boss was keen to stress the whole team deserved credit.   "It was a good performance by the team and Fernando was really good," said Rafa. "We had a lot of players like Keane, Gerrard and Kuyt who were doing a good job for the team and the defenders, but I prefer to talk about the team and how well we did today.   "With these type of games you have to play with passion and also with game intelligence, so you need to use your brain and also your muscles. We did both things really well.   "I thought we played really well against United and again today. This was a very positive performance and the team was well organised and we knew what to do.   "Clearly we have players who can change games like Fernando with his goals and it gives the team confidence and it makes it easier for us to play well and keep the ball. Torres is always a threat for defenders."   Last season El Nino scored 33 goals in his debut season in England and the striker believes he could beat that this campaign. It is a view that he shares with his manager.   "I think it's positive he has confidence but I like to see the team winning and if he scores 32 goals then I will be pleased," added the boss.   Benitez also had words of encouragement for Robbie Keane who played a major part in both Torres goals.   "Robbie was doing a good job for the team and played his part in both of our goals," he added. " I think the team did a really good job and each player did their job really well.   "We are level on points with Chelsea at the top of the table and I am really pleased and I hope we can stay there for a long time. We can talk about the next game with more confidence. We have confidence and you can see the team is playing well and has a good balance.   "We are strong in defence and we know we can create in attack so that is very important. When you are playing well we know we can beat anyone."

TORRES THRILLED WITH DERBY DOUBLE Paul Eaton 27 September 2008
	Fernando Torres today spoke of his relief after ending his barren scoring spell with a brilliant double to sink Everton at Goodison Park.
The Spanish striker roared back to top form with two goals in four minutes as Liverpool climbed back to the top of the Premier League table and maintained their unbeaten record since the start of the season.   Having just the one goal to his name this term ahead of kick-off at Goodison, Torres was thrilled to be the match winner as the Reds collected three precious points.   "Not scoring for six games is too long for a striker," said Torres. "It hasn't been affecting my confidence because I knew that if I kept working hard the goals would arrive.   "Now I want to keep going and score again in the Champions League next week. I want to improve on my 33 goals from last season.   "It was an important three points today. We know how important this game is for the fans and the players because we want to stay towards the top of the table.   "We know if we're in the top three or four in January and also in the next round of the Champions League then we can have a fantastic season."

This message was edited by elawer on 28-Sep-2008 @ 10:25 AM

RAFA HAILS STEVIE THE CENTURION Paul Hassall at Anfield 01 October 2008
	Rafael Benitez paid tribute to Steven Gerrard after the Reds skipper scored his 100th goal for the club in the 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven.
The inspirational number eight drilled home the third and final Liverpool goal of the night to join the elite list of players to have scored a century for the Reds, and Benitez hopes there will be many more to come.   "100 goals is always a very good figure, but it is especially good for a midfielder," he said.   "He is one of the best offensive midfielders in the world and hopefully he will go on to score many for us in the future.   "It was a good day. There were lots of positive things. The team continues to win, we were solid and had good balance and that is what you need to win.   "It was almost a perfect night. A clean sheet would have made it better but I am really pleased.   "The third goal finished the game and although they got one back, it is normally enough and we knew there was not much time for them to get back into it."   The match was also significant for what was Robbie Keane's first goal in a red shirt and the Anfield manager believes it will do wonders for the Irishman's confidence.   "Everyone was talking about this so it was important for him and for us that he scored," said Rafa.   "Maybe now people will talk about his first goal in the Premier League but at least he has now got his first in all competitions.   "A striker is always looking to score goals and he will now be hoping to get his first in the league so he can look to get lots more in the future. It was very important and is one step forward.   "The crowd here are very clever and they know a good player when they see one. Robbie has been a very good player in the Premier League with Tottenham and they knew it would just be a question of time."   The victory over PSV means Liverpool are now level on points with Atletico Madrid at the top of Group D, and Benitez is hopeful the Reds can clinch qualification to the knockout stages sooner rather than later.   "We have four games to play and we know from experience that it is important to go right to the end," he said.   "We will try to win and if you can get 10 points then you will be in a very good position to qualify.   "We will go to Madrid and look to win. It is very difficult in the Champions League because PSV showed quality and Marseille are difficult away so we know we must keep our focus."   Benitez also explained his decision to keep Javier Mascherano on the bench after the midfielder recovered from the calf injury that kept him out of the Merseyside derby on Saturday.   "He was okay to play," explained Rafa. "But we had four days between the last game and this one and Xabi Alonso and Lucas have been playing well so we didn't need him to do anything. We can now get him ready for the next game."   He added: "The important thing now is to calm down, keep doing the same things and try to keep winning matches."

This message was edited by elawer on 02-Oct-2008 @ 7:10 AM

RAFA SALUTES COMEBACK HEROES Steve Hunter
	Rafael Benitez praised the character of his players after the Reds came back from 2-0 down to beat Manchester City 3-2 following a fantastic second half performance.
Goals from Stephen Ireland and Javier Garrido gave Mark Hughes team a commanding interval lead, but inspired by Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt the Reds roared back to complete a memorable victory.   Torres scored twice, making him Liverpool's record overseas goalscorer in the Premier League, and Kuyt netted a stoppage time winner for his first strike in the top flight for over 10 months.   The only blemish to a great victory was Martin Skrtel forced off on a stretcher with a knee injury.   "I'm really pleased with the result but am disappointed for Martin Skrtel with his injury," said Benitez.   "The positive thing was the reaction of the players after a bad first half. We made two mistakes for both goals and the reaction and character we showed in the second half was for me the key to winning the game.   "I told the players at half-time to try and score one goal and then we would be right back in the game. That was the idea and the character and determination of the players was much better than the first half.   "We were pushing hard in the second half and the determination of the players was fantastic.   "The problem in the first half was we were making mistakes against players with ability and pace.   "It's better for me that we don't concede goals but at least if you can win it shows the players are ready for winning every game. Physically we are in good condition so credit to our fitness coach. We also have great belief and mentality."   The Reds boss also felt the sending-off of City right back Pablo Zabaleta was justified after a late challenge on Xabi Alonso.   "Xabi is okay," added Rafa. "It was a clear red card, no doubt about this and very clear.   "At this point we were controlling the game and were on top of them. We were creating chances and we were better than them."   On Torres' brace, the boss added: "We know how important Torres is for us. He is always a threat to the defenders and can score goals. He also gives space to his teammates and Torres is a fantastic boy with a good mentality. He was unlucky not to get his hat-trick."   Benitez also defended his decision to start Robbie Keane on the bench and said it was for tactical reasons.   "City have a players with pace and a lot of skill so we were trying to control this in the middle of the park and give freedom to Gerrard," added the gaffer. "It wasn't bad but we made some mistakes. In the second half the attitude changed and everything was different.   "Against good teams it's always important to do the right things and we know we can beat anyone. They are a good team with a lot of good players and a good manager, so the belief of our players was the key."

TORRES NETS LANDMARK GOAL FOR REDS Paul Eaton
	Fernando Torres’ first goal in today’s 3-2 victory at Manchester City was the 1,000th goal Liverpool have scored since the inception of the Premier League.
Here are the other landmark goals on the way to the Reds chalking up one thousand since the start of the new league back in 1992.   1st: Mark Walters v Sheffield United (19 August 1992) 100th: Nigel Clough v Manchester United (4 January 1994) 200th: Robbie Fowler v Manchester United (1 October 1995) 300th: Stan Collymore v Leeds United (19 February 1997) 400th: Michael Owen v Nottingham Forest (24 October 1998) 500th: Michael Owen v Coventry City (1 April 2000) 600th: Michael Owen v Middlesbrough (8 December 2001) 700th: Michael Owen v West Bromwich Albion (26 April 2003) 800th: Milan Baros v Fulham (5 February 2005) 900th: Dirk Kuyt v Bolton Wanderers (1 January 2007)

This message was edited by elawer on 08-Oct-2008 @ 4:14 AM

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This message was edited by elawer on 19-Oct-2008 @ 10:10 AM

KUYT SEALS ANOTHER COMEBACK WIN 
 

Rafa Benitez's comeback kings did it again after twice coming from behind to secure a 3-2 victory over Wigan.

Dirk Kuyt hit two goals, including a dramatic winner with just five minutes to go, to see off Steve Bruce's plucky side.
 
Albert Riera also bagged his first Liverpool strike on a day when Wigan's Amr Zaki caused havoc in the Reds defence with a fine brace.
 
The game's other flashpoint came on 74 minutes when Antonio Valencia received a second yellow for a late tackle on Xabi Alonso.
 
Benitez's men now go into next weekend's top of the table clash at Stamford Bridge level on points with Chelsea, who beat Middlesbrough 5-0.
 
Wigan's reputation as a brutish side masks the fact that, under Bruce, they play without fear or worry regardless of the opposition. The addition of the Egyptian Zaki has added a touch of class which means they don't always have to park a metaphorical bus.
 
And so it was today, when for 80 minutes they held their own against a Liverpool side enjoying their equal best start to a Premier League campaign.
 
It took an expert tackle from Jamie Carragher in the home box to thwart the visitors with less than five minutes on the clock, while Olivier Kapo forced a smart save from Pepe Reina midway inside the first half.
 
As the drizzle swept across Anfield, the hosts were restricted to a long range effort from Alonso and a solitary one-on-one for Robbie Keane after a sublime throughball from Riera. Sadly, the Irishman could only dink wide with the outside of his right boot.
 
Shortly after, with 29 minutes on the Anfield scoreboard, Wigan's endeavour paid dividends, albeit in fortunate circumstances when Agger, making his first league start for 13 months, was too presumptuous in collecting Reina's short pass.
 
If there was one player he didn't want to see on his shoulder ready to pounce on any loose control it was Wigan's lucky number 13, Zaki, who stole a march on the Dane before slotting past Reina.
 
If Liverpool were to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign, they'd have to come from behind for fifth time this season.
 
No problem. It took just eight minutes for the Reds to draw level with a goal scored by Kuyt but created almost entirely by the seemingly redeemed Agger.
 
There looked to be little on when the centre-back embarked on one of his trademark surges forward, but a neat ball from Riera saw him gain possession in the box, where a canny piece of skill created enough space to deliver a low cross to Kuyt, whose bumbled shot found its way beyond Chris Kirkland.
 
The goal was Kuyt's third in consecutive games, a feat not previously achieved since he arrived from the De Kuip Stadium in 2006.
 
Liverpool almost took the lead twice before Alan Wiley called time on the opening period, first when Kuyt thundered a long-range shot against the crossbar, then when Riera glanced a header across the face of goal from a Jermaine Pennant cross.
 
Then, just as it seemed Gerrard and co were in the ascendency, Anfield was stunned by a goal of the month certainty. We were two minutes into injury time when the highly-rated Valencia swept in a cross which Zaki hit acrobatically home.
 
The second period began promisingly enough when an Alonso floater was met by the head of Agger only for Lee Cattermole to clear off the line.
 
Next Kuyt missed a golden opportunity to level, hitting straight at Kirkland from six yards after a Keane cross.
 
Liverpool were starting to ask serious questions, though it wasn't yet all out attack from the Premier League's comeback kings.
 
Gerrard came close with a 20-yard free-kick which took an age to take due to squabbling over the proximity of Wigan's wall.
 
The home cause was aided somewhat on 74 minutes when referee Wiley flashed a second yellow at Valencia for a clumsy challenge on Alonso, making him the third player to be sent off for a tackle on the Spaniard in as many league games.
 
Benitez, meanwhile, introduced Yossi Benayoun and Nabil El Zhar, the latter having been praised for his contribution to that late, late comeback against Middlesbrough earlier in the campaign.
 
Incredibly, the young Moroccan again made an instant impact from the bench, cutting back for Riera to slam home from 20 yards with 10 minutes remaining.
 
Surely Liverpool couldn't do it again? Yes they could.
 
Gerrard, Torres and Carragher have all made heroes of themselves in recent months with last-gasp goals. This time it was Kuyt who took the glory, firing a Pennant delivery against the ground and into the top corner on 85 minutes.
 
A player who two weeks ago hadn't scored a league goal in 11 months now had three in two games.
 
Ian St John, sat in the Anfield press box for this one, doubtless got a text from his old mate Jimmy Greaves.
 
Yes, Jimmy, it is a funny old game, he might have replied.

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Dossena, Carragher, Agger, Arbeloa, Riera, Gerrard (captain), Alonso, Pennant, Kuyt, Keane. Subs - Hyypia, El Zhar, Leiva, Ngog, Cavalieri, Insua, Benayoun
 
Wigan Athletic: Kirkland, Cattermole, Bramble, Figueroa, Melchiot (captain), De Ridder, Scharner, Palacios, Kapo, Valencia, Zaki. Subs - Boyce, Koumas, Brown, Taylor, Pollitt, Kilbane, Camara
 
Referee: Alan Wiley
 
Conditions: Drizzly
 
Attendance: 43,868
 
Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Dirk Kuyt 

DIRK: WE ALWAYS BELIEVED Joe Curran 18 October 2008
	Dirk Kuyt today heaped praise on the character his Liverpool teammates showed after snatching three points from the jaws of defeat in the last 10 minutes against Wigan Athletic.
The flying Dutchman scored a brace as the Reds came from 2-1 down for the second Premier League game in a row to record a 3-2 victory at Anfield.   Kuyt revealed the Liverpool players always thought they could turn the game around.   "It was unbelievable," Kuyt told Liverpoolfc.tv.   "I think we showed a lot of character today and it helped us come back from behind to win the game."   "We knew that if we kept trying and showed some of that character then we would be able to score goals, and that proved to be the case today. We always believed we could win.   "We didn't play very well at the start of the match, but at the end of the day the three points are the most important thing for us."   The Latics were reduced to 10 men when Antonio Valencia was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 74th minute, but Kuyt insists the incident was not the main turning point of the match.   "We were always going to get a few more chances playing against 10 men, but I think it was our hard work that made the difference in the end," he added.   "We tried everything we could to beat them, and it's good to score the goals, but I think the most important thing today is winning the match - that is what makes me happy."

RAFA: WE MUST MAKE LIFE EASIER Jimmy Rice at Anfield 18 October 2008
	Rafa Benitez warned his players they must make life easier on themselves if their title charge is to remain on course after Liverpool again came from behind to win 3-2 against Wigan.
A Dirk Kuyt brace and another from Albert Riera secured a fifth comeback for the Reds this season.   It means Liverpool remain unbeaten in all competitions, but Benitez said: "I told the players at the end of the game that they had to make things easier for themselves.   "We started the game really badly. They were winning a lot of second balls and controlling the game. We started to get better but then they got the second goal.   "We needed to change a lot of things and the team showed a lot of character. We were pushing and pressing and passing the ball. In the end, thanks to this belief, we won the game."   Asked if his team could keep coming from behind, the boss joked: "I will talk with my doctor and we will see!   "No, I would like to score one, two or three goals in the first half. But the Premier League is very tough and when you show the kind of character we did today, it's important for the games ahead.   "We will see if we can show this kind of character against Chelsea next weekend, but I would like to be calmer on the bench!"   Goal hero Kuyt, whose winner against Wigan came on 85 minutes, has now found the net four times in three games.   Benitez added: "We were talking about Kuyt not scoring too many goals in the league but today, playing as a striker, he got two. The understanding between him and Robbie Keane was good.   "It is always the same. Kuyt is a player every manager would want in his squad. He showed again that he can score goals - something we know he can do."   Wigan twice took the lead through Amr Zaki, the first of which coming after a slip up from Daniel Agger.   Benitez said: "It was between Pepe Reina and Daniel. Daniel was not waiting for the pass and then he had to dribble quickly because Zaki was there. But his reaction was very positive. He kept going forward and created the first goal."   The Wigan result means Liverpool remain level top with Chelsea ahead of next week's trip to Stamford Bridge.

This message was edited by elawer on 25-Oct-2008 @ 3:17 PM

RAFA: IT’S TWO POINTS DROPPED Paul Hassall at the Vicente Calderon
	Rafael Benitez reflected on Liverpool’s Champions League draw with Atletico Madrid and admitted he felt it was two points dropped.
The Reds boss was disappointed to see his side concede an equaliser seven minutes from time after Robbie Keane had given them a first-half lead and believes they did not get the reward that their performance deserved.   "We had control of the game in the first half and part of the second," he told reporters at the Vicente Calderon Stadium.   "I'm disappointed because we had chances to kill the game. It's a problem when you have a situation on 83 minutes and you make a mistake. You pay for it.   "For me we had plenty of situations in and around the box and should have made more of them. The entrance of Aguero gave more depth to their play and we defended worse.   "If you'd said to me before game that we'd have seven points at the end of it then it would be good. But after leading until the 83rd minute, and when you consider the chances we had, then I think we have lost two points."   Benitez was also keen to quash any suggestions the Reds missed Fernando Torres and felt it was pointless to speculate whether he would have made an impact against his former club.   "No, I think it wasn't the case," he added, when asked if Torres' absence had cost the Reds victory. "Obviously he's a special player and it could have been a different match. But he was unavailable so it doesn't matter."

This message was edited by elawer on 25-Oct-2008 @ 3:08 PM

RAFA SALUTES REDS AFTER 'MASSIVE WIN' Steve Hunter at Stamford Bridge 26 October 2008
	Rafael Benitez saluted the character of his players after they went top of the Barclays Premier League with a magnificent 1-0 win at Chelsea.
Xabi Alonso's first half strike gave the Reds their first league victory at Stamford Bridge since 2004 and brings an end to the Blues' proud home run that had stretched to 86 matches undefeated.   "Everybody was talking about statistics and our record against the top sides and we knew they were unbeaten at home for a long time, so it was a massive game for us," said Benitez.   "We have the right mentality that you need for fighting against the top sides and to win and stay at the top of the table and remain unbeaten is a massive message.   "To come here with the mentality and the character the players showed today for winning was a big boost for the rest of the season. We have belief, quality and character.   "It's enough for being at the top of the table and we will now start thinking about Portsmouth and another three points.   "We have showed good qualities today that we can come to Chelsea and win the game. Against a very offensive team I felt we controlled the game.   "We had other chances and we didn't just sit back and defend the 1-0 lead. We kept the attacking mentality and tried to get the second goal. "The team worked so hard and the players knew what to do. We had more space going forward in the second half because they were pushing more players forward. We defended really well and they didn't have too many opportunities.   "Credit to my players who were really good. The key for me is if you have players with quality who work hard then you know you will have a winning team.   "Our supporters were behind us as always and for them, for us and everyone in the club it was a fantastic day."   The Reds now face former Red Peter Crouch and his Portsmouth side at Anfield on Wednesday and Benitez is eager for his side to maintain their place at the summit of the table.   "Clearly I think we have to come down from this win and start thinking about Portsmouth," he said.   "It was important to beat Manchester United and now we have beaten Chelsea, but clearly if you want to stay at the top of the table for a long time you have to beat almost everyone."   The Reds boss also praised the strength of his squad and admitted it is a good sign for the future that the team can win without star striker Fernando Torres.   "Everybody was talking about how it would be difficult for us to come to Chelsea without Torres," said Rafa. "Fernando is a key player for us who can change a game and is always a threat for the defenders.   "But, if you work well as a team together you can manage like we showed today. If we have to play one or two more games without Fernando I think we have enough quality in the squad.   "We have confidence and we just have to keep it going. Every year we are trying to improve the squad. We have made mistakes signing players but we have also made some very good ones. When I talk about players I don't just mean quality because they need a very good mentality.   "Players like Agger, Mascherano, Alonso, Gerrard, Carragher, Reina, you can see the mentality they have and it inspires the rest of the players too.   "We have a good squad with good competition. Diego Cavalieri hasn't played much but he is pushing Pepe Reina, Dossene is pushing Fabio Aurelio which is really positive for us so the new players have a very good mentality. Lucas Leiva is working so hard in every training session and everybody has to be on their toes."

CARRA: STILL A LONG WAY TO GO Paul Eaton 26 October 2008
	Jamie Carragher has refused to get carried away after helping Liverpool break Chelsea's 86-match unbeaten record at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League after Xabi Alonso netted the only goal of the game, and Carragher admits the result should help give the Reds a massive confidence booster for the rest of the campaign.   "Before today Chelsea were playing as well as anyone in Europe. To come here and win should give our confidence a boost but we realise there's a long way to go yet," said the Reds defender.   "Their record was never going to go on forever, they were always going to lose at some point, and I'm just glad it was us who managed to beat them.   "We are top of the table but as I said, there's a long way to go. Over recent years Chelsea and United have been towards the top and ourselves and Arsenal are trying to get involved and challenge. Hopefully we can bridge the gap this season."

CHELSEA 0 - 1 LIVERPOOL Sunday 26 October 2008 13:30 , Barclays Premier League

ALONSO FIRES REDS CLEAR AT THE TOP Liverpool have moved three points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League after Xabi Alonso's first-half strike gave them a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard's first goal of the season was enough to maintain the Reds' unbeaten start to the season and brings an end to the Blues' proud home run that had stretched to 86 matches undefeated.   It means Liverpool have now notched up a landmark 600th top-flight victory on the road and halts a Chelsea hoodoo that had seen them win only once at the Bridge - in January 2004 - since the inauguration of the Premier League.   Both sides had gone into the match level on points at the summit of English football and with Chelsea protecting their incredible Bridge record, few observers would have been surprised to see them create the first opening of this heavyweight bout on three minutes.   A slip from Alonso allowed Nicolas Anelka to seize possession and race towards the Liverpool goal. The Frenchman jinked past the first defender before seeing the ball break menacingly towards Deco, but just when it seemed the Portuguese playmaker would open the scoring, Jamie Carragher intervened with one of his trademark blocks to deflect the ball to safety.   If the home support thought it was a sign of things to come then they would be very mistaken, and Alonso's next contribution would result in the opening goal of the game on 10 minutes.   A long throw on the right was flicked on by Dirk Kuyt and as Robbie Keane battled for it, the ball fell invitingly to Alonso who did not waste his chance, firing an awkward left-foot shot that deflected past Petr Cech and into the net.   It was a dream start for a Rafa and co and they would go on to boss the remainder of the first-half, restricting Chelsea to wayward shots from distance, whilst carving out one or two good opportunities of their own.   Indeed, it could have got even better for the visitors on 16 minutes when the impressive Albert Riera danced his way beyond the attentions of Jose Bosingwa and fizzed a shot just wide of the near post.   With Steven Gerrard operating just behind lone striker Robbie Keane, the Reds continued to cause problems, and the skipper nearly added to his eclectic mix of great goals with a stunning 25 yarder that Petr Cech somehow managed to touch over the crossbar.   For their part, Chelsea continued to probe for openings but the away side were well worth their interval lead and Deco's 34th minute piledriver was the closest they came to troubling Pepe Reina.   The home side upped their tempo in the second period but it was the away side who continued to enjoy the best attacking moments with Dirk Kuyt firing just wide from 20 yards.   If the Dutchman's strike was close, then Alonso's exquisite free-kick was even closer, with only a lick of paint on the post preventing the midfielder from doubling his tally.   At times Liverpool were playing some breathtaking counter-attacking football and substitute Ryan Babel was only inches away from collecting a pass to send him clear on goal while Javier Mascherano over-hit his cross when he may have been better placed to shoot.   Babel then showed a cameo of what he is all about with a great first touch to turn his man before sending a sizzling effort wide of the left-hand post.   With so many opportunities going begging, there was always the nagging doubt that Luiz Felipe Scolari's men would snatch a draw, but with Jamie Carragher once again immense at the back, the Reds saw it out to secure Rafael Benitez's first victory away to one of the top-flight's so-called big four. Teams Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher, Agger, Arbeloa, Riera, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard (captain), Keane. Subs - Hyypia, Babel, Leiva, Dossena, Cavalieri, Pennant, Benayoun   Chelsea: Cech, Cole, Terry (captain), Carvalho, Bosingwa, Malouda, Lampard, Obi Mikel, , Kalou, Anelka. Subs - Cudicini, Ferreira, Belletti, Di Santo, Sinclair, Ivanovic,   Referee: Howard Webb   Conditions: wet   Attendance: Unknown   Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Jamie Carragher

This message was edited by elawer on 27-Oct-2008 @ 8:13 AM

LIVERPOOL 1-0 PORTSMOUTH Wednesday 29 October 2008 20:00 , Barclays Premier League

SPOT-ON STEVIE KEEPS LIVERPOOL TOP Liverpool extended their unbeaten run to 17 games after Steven Gerrard's 75th-minute penalty helped overcome Portsmouth 1-0 at Anfield. The result keeps Rafa Benitez's men three points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League with 26 points from a possible 30.   The Reds dominated the play for much of the match, but failed to put that killer touch on to a series of well-worked moves.   Dirk Kuyt was a threat throughout and Steven Gerrard always looked liable to unlock the Pompey rearguard, and it might have been a much more flattering scoreline had one of their earlier efforts gone in during the first half.   Liverpool's first chance of the match came on ten minutes when Dirk Kuyt hit the post from 15 yards with a curling low effort.   The move started with Lucas Leiva finding Jermaine Pennant to lay the ball back to the Dutchman. Kuyt picked his spot and had David James well beaten, but the ball rebounded off the woodwork to safety.   Minutes later it was Lucas Leiva's turn to have a go. The Brazilian rose to head over from another Pennant delivery in a similar position to which he scored against Crewe Alexandra.   With numerous corner kicks in the opening minutes, Liverpool looked every inch the top of the table team at the start of this clash. They continued to probe the Pompey goal but time and time again lacked a ruthless edge in the final third.   Gerrard continued to find himself in great positions, and all too often there was no one in the six-yard box to capitalise on the skipper's dangerous balls across the penalty area.   But Liverpool were very much the superior team throughout and, apart from a long-range headed effort from Younes Kaboul in the 24th minute, Portsmouth rarely threatened Liverpool and it was clear that Tony Adams was looking to sneak a point at fortress Anfield in his first match in charge of the south-coast club.   The second half started with much more urgency from the Reds and Rafa Benitez's men went in search of another win with a succession of high-pressure attacks.   With the Kop in full voice, it seemed only a matter of time until they sucked the ball into the net like the old days, and the status quo was soon restored when Sami Hyypia - who was an assured presence at the back from start to finish - forced Papa Bouba Diop into handling in the penalty area 15 minutes from time.   Steven Gerrard made no mistake from the resulting penalty kick to ensure Liverpool - the only unbeaten side in the Premier League - stayed at the top of the table.   Teams Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher, Hyypia, Arbeloa, Babel, Alonso, Leiva, Pennant, Gerrard (c), Kuyt. Subs - Agger, Benayoun, Cavalieri, Dossena, Keane, Mascherano, Riera   Portsmouth: James, Traore, Distin (c), Kaboul, Pamarot, Belhadj, Davis, Diop, Diarra, Crouch, Utaka. Subs - Ashdown, Defoe, Hreidarsson, Hughes, Kranjcar, Mvuemba,   Referee: S Tanner   Conditions:   Attendance: Unavailable   Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Steven Gerrard

This message was edited by elawer on 01-Nov-2008 @ 11:15 PM

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2-1 LIVERPOOL Saturday 01 November 2008 17:30 , Barclays Premier League

SPURS 2-1 LIVERPOOL: THE VERDICT Liverpool fell to their first defeat of the season when they lost 2-1 to Harry Redknapp's Tottenham Hotspur. Here's the best of the post-match reaction. The local paper This was a result so perverse it defied logic, with Liverpool superior in everything but the final scoreline. Had any one of Liverpool's three efforts that struck the woodwork gone in they would today still be sitting pretty at the top of the table. At one goal down, Tottenham had found the gulf in class impossible to bridge. Had they conceded a second against the increasingly rampant Reds there was every likelihood that they might even have been routed. The only thing you could admonish Liverpool for was their finishing and as chances came and went - Xabi Alonso's close range header being their most glaring miss - so the feeling grew that events were conspiring to make this Tottenham's day. Tony Barrett, Echo   The broadsheet newspaper Of all the qualities Napoleon prized in his generals, luck was the most important. Difficult to imagine Harry Redknapp on the fields of Austerlitz or Borodino but he is certainly channelling outrageous good fortune. For the second game running his new Tottenham team staged a remarkable comeback, winning a game in which they had looked dead and buried. Liverpool had enough chances to bury Spurs but under Redknapp this team has instantly developed an admirable resilience and a belief that fortune will smile on them. Onwards the Redknapp revolution. The Telegraph   The player We were really unlucky because we played well and created chances, but that's football. We lost the game but we have to leave Spurs behind and look forward. We've just lost one game but we have lots of quality and were the best team on Saturday. We have the quality to win every game and that's always our intention. We can beat anyone if we want. We don't look too much at unbeaten runs. Dirk Kuyt   The boss I can't believe we have lost this game. After playing well in the first half we started the second half with four clear chances. We hit the bar and Kuyt and Alonso had great chances that we didn't take. I am really disappointed but it was really bad luck because everybody could see we were better than them. As a team we were really good but we need to take our chances. That makes the difference in a game like this. Rafael Benitez   The supporter This was the first time we looked like league title contenders and for me it was our best performance of the season. I know we lost the game but the football we played was brilliant. Although we didn't finish them off and ended up losing I was really proud of how we played. With a little bit of luck the result would have been different. Jumpers4goalPosts, LFC.TV Message Boards

This message was edited by elawer on 04-Nov-2008 @ 10:12 PM

This message was edited by elawer on 07-Nov-2008 @ 10:45 PM