RAFA: REDS WILL LEARN FROM EXPERIENCE

James Carroll 27 April 2009

Rafa Benitez believes the experience of being in a title race will stand his players in good stead for future campaigns.

While refusing to throw in the towel on the Reds' Barclays Premier League dream, the Liverpool boss feels the lessons learnt from this season could prove invaluable in years to come.

"The team, the squad, has shown that it's better and this is a fantastic experience for the next years because we are in a position now that we were not before, for me that is the positive thing," said Benitez.

"Always you can talk about trophies but in England there are so many strong sides, it's not easy. At least you have to be there, you have to be contending - then you see what happens.

"We have four games now to finish the season and we're still in the title race so I think it's very positive.

"Normally when you play this level you know that at the end of the season you will play for trophies and can lose but if you analyse the whole season I think the team's done very well, especially without Gerrard and Torres for a lot of games.

"I have confidence that we can fight until the end. After that, it's very good experience because we have been in a position we were not before, not for a long time."

With four games remaining Liverpool are three points behind league leaders Manchester United, who also have a game in hand.

"I have confidence United will drop points. So we need to keep going, keep doing our job, put them under pressure and then we will see," added Benitez.

The Reds kept the pressure on United with a 3-1 victory over Hull City on Saturday, and although delighted to pick up maximum points from a potentially tricky fixture, Benitez claims his side can improve on their display.

"We were talking with the players about these kinds of games that could be the difference," said the Anfield chief.

"This year we've won against the top sides, so these kind of games, which we've been drawing, have to be the difference in the future.

"We assessed the game and I thought we could control it, but it was difficult because they were pushing. We were making mistakes, and we need to improve."

While the result keeps Liverpool firmly in the hunt for the title, Hull remain hovering perilously just above the relegation zone, but Benitez is backing the Tigers to beat the drop.

He said: "I think Hull can be safe. It'll be difficult for all the teams near the bottom because they'll play now with more nerves, more anxiety, but I think it will be a good battle - if you're not in it. But Hull have the potential to stay up."

CARRA HOPING FOR FINAL DAY DRAMA

James Carroll 27 April 2009

Jamie Carragher is hoping the Barclays Premier League title race goes right to the wire as he is confident Hull City would be capable of doing Liverpool a favour on the final day of the season.

The Tigers provided a stern test for Rafa Benitez's side at the KC Stadium on Saturday, but the Reds emerged with a hard-fought 3-1 victory to keep up the pressure on league leaders Manchester United.

United visit the KC on the last afternoon of the campaign and Carragher believes he has seen enough of Hull to suggest they could pose problems for Alex Ferguson's men, potentially helping Liverpool's title bid in the process.

"We have been on a great run of form recently and that was probably the worst we've played in a long time to be honest," said the Liverpool vice-captain.

"Credit to them though, they competed really well and caused us quite a few problems and we were just delighted to get the result in the end.
"Good luck to them, we just hope they do the same when they play Man United at the end of the season.

"They weren't really the kind of conditions you want to be playing in when it's warm because the pitch was really sticky and the grass was long so we couldn’t really get our passing going.

"But obviously they did that because it gives them more chance of making a game of it and, like I said, good luck to them.

"If they keep going like that I'm sure they will do well and hopefully we can take the title race to the last game because it won't be easy for United to go there just as it wasn’t for us on Saturday."

Carragher was delighted with Liverpool's character as they dug in to grind out the victory.

"That's what we're about to be honest," he added.

"We've shown all season that we are prepared to fight and I think that's one of the main reasons why we've only lost two games up to now.

"Obviously people will point to the fact that we've had a few more draws than some of the other teams around us but to only have two defeats at this stage of the season is testament to the team and its character."

DIRK: WE WILL NOT GIVE UP ON DREAM

Steve Hunter 27 April 2009

A defiant Dirk Kuyt today refused to give up hope of lifting the Barclays Premier League title.

Manchester United remain three points clear with a game in hand after their 5-2 victory over Tottenham on Sunday.

However, Kuyt still feels Alex Ferguson's men face several stumbling blocks in their five remaining fixtures.

"We will keep fighting and putting the pressure on Manchester United," said Kuyt.

"It was a pity that we didn't beat Arsenal on Tuesday because I thought we played really well, only we made too many mistakes, but sometimes that happens.

"We have to move on now to what's in front of us. We will try to win our games and hopefully they will lose some points.

"I've seen some strange things happen. We could still do it."

Liverpool are the Premier League's leading goalscorers this season with 66 but Kuyt admitted he would gladly swap that statistic for top spot.

"To score the most goals is not the most important thing because we want to win the league," he said.

"At the end of the day we are only in second place so all we can do is win our remaining four games and then see what happens.

"You have to give everything you have as a team. We have a great team and we will fight to the end and see what happens come the last day of the season.

"They will need to slip up again to make it really interesting, but we just have to wait and see. We won't give up."

The Reds number 18 took his tally to 13 for the season when he hit two during the 3-1 win at the KC Stadium on Saturday.

It was a special day as Kuyt was making his 100th appearance in the top flight for the Reds.

"It was nice to score a couple of goals but the positive thing was we kept going and got the three points," he said.

"We didn't play very well but we got the result which was the most important thing."

NEXT MATCH

LIVERPOOL V NEWCASTLE UNITED
Sunday 3 May 2009 13:30

Liverpool entertain Newcastle United at Anfield on Saturday with the Reds looking to retain their unbeaten home record in the Barclays Premier League.

Rafa Benitez's side have not lost a league game at Anfield since December 2007 and enjoy a fine record against the Magpies in front of the Kop.

Last season, a Fernando Torres inspired Reds ran out comfortable 3-0 victors and Newcastle haven't claimed a point at Anfield since May 2004 when they played out a 1-1 draw on the final day of the season.

That draw came ten years after they last won a league encounter at Anfield.

Earlier this season, the Reds demolished Newcastle 5-1 at St James' Park. Steven Gerrard scored twice with Sami Hyypia, Ryan Babel and Xabi Alonso also finding the back of the net.

RAFA'S DELIGHT FOR DOUBLE DUTCHMAN

Jimmy Rice at the KC Stadium 25 April 2009

Rafa Benitez singled out Premier League centurion Dirk Kuyt after his double blast helped Liverpool to a 3-1 victory in Hull.

The Dutch striker marked his 100th league appearance for the Reds with two second-half goals to see off Phil Brown's plucky side.

"Everyone has to be really pleased at the club because Kuyt is a fantastic professional who always works so hard," Benitez told reporters. "It was very good for him to score on his 100th game - very positive. I'm really pleased for him."

Xabi Alonso was Liverpool's other goalscorer at the KC Stadium, where the hosts showed the kind of fighting spirit that could keep them in the division.

Geovanni scored for Hull after the 58th minute dismissal of Caleb Folan for violent conduct towards Martin Skrtel.

Benitez added: "The sending off was clear - I watched the replay. After this, credit to them - they had 10 men but were still pushing.

"We deserved to win so I'm happy - we got three points from a difficult game. It was difficult because they worked hard and were pushing.

"It's always dangerous (against relegation strugglers) because you know they will fight until the end. We talked about it before. We needed to be calm and challenge for every single ball.

"We were a little bit nervous because the pitch was terrible. The grass was long and it was very difficult to pass the ball. That means you can make mistakes when the other teams goes to press.

"But you have to accept this situation because it's part of the game, and we were better in the second half.

"We were a little bit nervous but we showed character."

HULL C. 1 - 3 LIVERPOOL

Hull C.	1 - 3	Liverpool
Geovanni		X. Alonso
		D. Kuyt
		D. Kuyt

X. Alonso



D. Kuyt



Geovanni



D. Kuyt

KENNY: I'D BE HAPPY TO HELP CLUB I LOVE

James Carroll 22 April 2009

Kenny Dalglish today admitted he would relish a return to working for Liverpool Football Club.

The Kop legend has been linked with an emotional return to Anfield to take up a role within the club's hierarchy, and says he'd be delighted to lend a hand if required.

Dalglish told LFC Magazine: "I was as far removed from the weekend's speculation about me returning to a role at Liverpool Football Club as it was possible to be, relaxing with the family at Loch Lomond in Scotland. That's not to say that the Sunday paper stories and TV debate escaped me.

"All I can say at the moment is what I've said many times in this column; if I can help Liverpool Football Club in any way, shape or form then I'm in. That's not a new revelation.

"If I can be of help to the club I love in any capacity then I'm more than happy to play any part that I can. If the manager or the people running the club think there's a role for me then I'll fill it happily.

"Similarly, if the club think the best thing for the club is for me to stay out of the way then I'm not going to take offence at that either.

"At the moment, there's not much more that I can say other than that if and when there's anything to say to the supporters - the people who keep this club alive - then they will be the first to know."

KUYT: WE WON'T GIVE UP

James Carroll 22 April 2009

Dirk Kuyt claims Liverpool are refusing to give up on their dream of clinching the Barclays Premier League title.

The Reds played out a pulsating 4-4 draw with Arsenal at Anfield last night and although the result was enough to move Rafa Benitez's side to the top of the table on goal difference, Manchester United now have two games in hand on Liverpool.

"It is harder after last night because we knew before the game that we needed to win to keep the pressure on," said Kuyt.

"But at least we got a draw and didn’t lose and we have to keep fighting until the very end.

"It has become more difficult than it already was but you have seen a team that has not given up and we will never give up."

Despite dominating for long periods of the game, Liverpool were forced to come from behind on three occasions in order to claim a point and Kuyt believes defensive errors ultimately proved costly for the Reds.

"All of their goals came from our own mistakes and this is something we have to change but we need to keep our focus on our next game," added the Dutchman.

"It will be difficult but as long as we keep winning our own games then maybe they will struggle. United have two games in hand so they could take a six point lead so they will have to lose twice but that can happen.

"The point we took is an important one because otherwise we could have ended up seven points behind and that would have made it almost impossible."

GERRARD: THAT POINT COULD BE BIG

Paul Eaton 22 April 2009

Steven Gerrard believes Yossi Benayoun's last-gasp leveller against Arsenal last night could yet prove to be a crucial goal in Liverpool's pursuit of the Barclays Premier League trophy.

Arsenal appeared to be heading for all three points as they held a 4-3 lead in stoppage time, but Benayoun's Kop end strike ensured the Reds went back to the top of the table, albeit only on goal difference after their seventh home draw of the season.

Despite the frustration of seeing two points slip away, Gerrard is remaining positive and believes the one point collected could prove significant in the final reckoking.

"United have a fantastic team and you look at their run-in, look to see where they are going to drop points - it would have been very difficult if we'd lost the game," said the Reds skipper. "I think that point could be big. We'll have to wait and see how big it could be for us.

"Performance-wise, at times we were very good. Torres and Benayoun were frightening going forward. Yossi was my man of the match.

"It's not like us to concede that many goals. We're normally sound defensively, especially at home.

"Now we need United to get beaten which is difficult to do because they're a good team. Hopefully others can look at what we did to them and what Fulham did to them. I still believe there will be twists and turns in this title race and we'll keep on fighting."

PM PROMISES HILLSBOROUGH HELP

James Carroll 22 April 2009

Prime Minister Gordon Brown today confirmed the government are ready to explore means of disclosing official documents relating to the Hillsborough disaster.

South Yorkshire Police said earlier this week they would be prepared to release around 300 boxes of material regarding the tragedy if able to do so.

Now the Prime Minister has pledged to do his best to help the families affected by the disaster.

Asked during Prime Minister's Question Time whether official documents - not just police files, but also health and government records - would be released, Mr Brown replied: "96 people lost their lives on that day and the inquiry found that action had to be taken so that something like this would never happen again.

"I can well understand that, even after all these years, the feelings of the families are such that they want to be sure that everything possible was done, and so yes, we will look at how we can release whatever information is available to the families.

"I have to say that the Taylor Report was a very full inquiry, and there was then a further report after 1997 to at what may be necessary to do in addition.

"But if this is a means by which we can help the families in difficult times, even after these years, we will look very carefully at what we can do."

LFC 4-4 ARSENAL: THE VERDICT

LIVERPOOL 4 - 4 ARSENAL
Tuesday 21 April 2009 20:00 , Barclays Premier League

Here's the pick of the post-match reaction following Liverpool's pulsating 4-4 draw with Arsenal.


The local paper
Liverpool were the better side and by no little distance, particularly in the first half which they dominated only to perversely find themselves trailing, and the fact that Arsenal did not win a single corner in the entire match tells its own story. The problem was that they put so much energy into their latest comeback from a losing position that they ended up running on empty in the closing stages and when Arshavin again found the target it was hard to see how the Reds could possibly get back into the game. From somewhere though, they again found the resilience and determination to come up with a result just when it seemed one would be beyond them and in doing so they kept their title dreams alive. Should Portsmouth show as much desire at old Trafford tonight as Arsenal did at Anfield then a disappointing point could yet turn into a decent one. The advantage is very much with United but no-one should write Liverpool off just yet, not in a season when anything can and so often does happen. The white knuckle thrill ride that is Liverpool's title challenge may have been driven off course but it has not been derailed and the seemingly endless succession of twists could still turn things back in their favour.
Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo

The tabloid
Just when you think games can't get any better, you are proved wrong, wrong, and wrong again. A week ago, Liverpool had played their part in the match of the Champions League season at Chelsea. Last night, Rafa Benitez witnessed the Premier League equivalent.
Martin Lipton, Daily Mirror

The broadsheet
What a night, and what a match. Arshavin's four goals were stunning, four breathtaking finishes and they represented the only four clear-cut chances that Arsenal had all night. Yossi Benayoun's 93rd-minute equaliser was the last significant act in another conflagration of dodgy defences and swashbuckling strikers. Arshavin stole the show but Torres, with two goals of his own, was a giant, leading Liverpool in the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard. Just eight days ago, Benitez's side played out another eight-goal extravaganza against Chelsea in the Champions League and last night they did it all over again.
Sam Wallace, The Independent

The broadsheet
When the dust finally starts to settle around Anfield this morning, after an extraordinary night when the old place was shaken to its foundations, it will be of little consolation to Rafael Benítez that his team have suddenly become English football's great entertainers.
Oliver Kay, The Times

The player
It was great game for the supporters to watch but not for us because we made too many mistakes. We should have won the game. In the first-half we created four or five really good chances but then they scored with their only shot of the half. We came back strong in the second-half and led 2-1. At that point we were controlling the game but we made more mistakes and then when we had to chase it they punished us. We have the best defence in the league and the best goalkeeper too, but I think we didn't defend well as a team against Arsenal. We scored four goals and still didn't manage to pick up the three points so I think that shows we should have done better.
Yossi Benayoun

The boss
I am very disappointed because we have conceded four goals we wouldn't normally concede. We made massive mistakes. You don't remember any saves from Pepe Reina. It's just four chances and four goals - all of them from our mistakes. You never know what can happen in football, so we have to be confident we'll have chances until the end of the season. United are in the driving seat, but we will see what happens on Wednesday. If they win it will be more difficult, but they have to win. They also have to play Arsenal, so we will see.
Rafa Benitez

The skipper
I think that point could be big. We'll have to wait and see how big it could be for us. Performance-wise, at times we were very good. Torres and Benayoun were frightening going forward. It's not like us to concede that many goals like we have tonight. We're normally sound defensively, especially at home. Now we need United to get beaten which is difficult to do because they're a good team. But I still believe there will be twists and turns in this title race.
Steven Gerrard

The opposition manager
The game was quality on both sides but you are only half happy when you concede four goals. We are bit less than half happy because we were 4-3 up with just a minute to go. The positive is that we have a long unbeaten run and this keeps that going, and another positive is that we have shown our quality. The negative is that three points would have been better.
Arsene Wenger

The fan
Phenomenal commitment, great entertainment (although I'm neutral on this) and the atmosphere was unbelievable. Three players stood out for me though: Torres, Benayoun and Kuyt. Torres is getting back to his goalscoring best and, according to an Arsenal mate who was in the away section tonight, was incredible. Benayoun is growing into one of my favourite players at the club. His heroic performances of 2009 so far will never be forgotten by me. Brave, skilful and pops up with goals. Gerrard clearly loves him and I do too. And Kuyt - the effort he put in was out of this world and he produced two stunning assists.
Underdogg, Liverpoolfc.tv forums

REDS ANNOUNCE FAR EAST TOUR

Paul Eaton 22 April 2009

Liverpool Football Club have confirmed they will play two games in South-East Asia this summer as part of their preparations for the 2009-10 season.

In a tour promoted by Strategic Sports Investment, part of the Profitable Group, Rafael Benitez's men will face the Thailand national team in Bangkok on July 22 before flying to Singapore to take on the national team on July 26.

It will be the first time the Reds have visited Thailand since 2003, while their last trip to Singapore was in 2001.

Manager Rafael Benitez said: "We have a fantastic group of fans in both Thailand and Singapore and it will be great to take the lads out there again."

Ian Ayre, Liverpool FC Commercial Director, commented: "South East
Asia is clearly a key region for Liverpool FC. As we continue to develop our international plans, being able to allow fans all over the world to see the team live is paramount. We have already had very positive feedback from our supporters clubs in the region and the club will be working closely with them, our sponsors and other local partners to ensure this is an exciting and memorable tour."

Former Liverpool star Steve McMahon, Profitable Group's Commercial
Director, added: "It is fantastic news that we are able to bring one of the best club sides in the world to Thailand and Singapore. It will give a real opportunity for Liverpool fans in the South East Asian region a chance to see their heroes play up close."

The President of the Thai Football Association, Dato Worawi Makudi said: "Liverpool's return to the kingdom is long overdue. When they were here last time everyone concerned with the tour had a great experience and we are looking forward to making sure that this will be an even better event for them this time. It's also a fantastic opportunity for the fans to witness one of the top sides in the Premier League, a league that is unrivaled here in Thailand. The experience that our players will receive from this game will help in the development of Thai football."

The General Secretary of the Football Association of Singapore, Winston Lee commented: "We are very pleased to welcome Liverpool back to Singapore. Many Singapore football fans are also fans of English football and they will look forward to this opportunity to catch one of the top club sides in the world in action against their very own local football stars right here in our country. Inviting teams such as Liverpool as well as Brazil and Australia last year is part of our continued efforts to bring top class football action to our shores. It will not only be a great experience for our fans but our players will get exposure to world-class teams and players."

Summer tour timetable:

22nd July 2009
Thailand National Team v Liverpool Football Club
Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok
8.00pm Kick Off (local time)
Bangkok is 6 hours ahead of UK

26th July 2009
Singapore National Team v Liverpool Football Club
National Stadium, Singapore
7.00pm Kick Off (local time)
Singapore is 7 hours ahead of UK

Officials from Liverpool FC, including Ian Ayre, the club's Commercial Director, will be in Asia to officially announce the Tour in the respective countries in the middle of May 2009.

Ticket information and the tour schedule will be released at these press conferences.

RAFA: TITLE OPEN DESPITE MASSIVE MISTAKES

Jimmy Rice 22 April 2009

Rafa Benitez believes a series of 'massive mistakes' cost his side dear against Arsenal - but the Liverpool boss insists a 4-4 draw keeps this season's title race alive.

The Reds returned to the top of the league on goal difference thanks to an injury-time equaliser from Yossi Benayoun after four goals for Russian hotshot Andrey Arshavin.

However, second-placed Manchester United have two games in hand starting at home to Portsmouth on Wednesday.

"I am very disappointed because we have conceded four goals we wouldn't normally concede," Benitez told reporters afterwards.

"We made massive mistakes. You don't remember any saves from Pepe Reina. It's just four chances and four goals - all of them from our mistakes.

"You never know what can happen in football, so we have to be confident we'll have chances until the end of the season.

"United are in the driving seat, but we will see what happens on Wednesday. If they win it will be more difficult, but they have to win. They also have to play Arsenal, so we will see.

"I have explained before that, one Saturday when I was with Tenerife, we drew 1-1 at home and were fourth. Seville and Betis were first and second but they lost the next day, so we had one more point.

"The positive thing is that we've scored four goals against Arsenal in a very good game for the supporters. The other positive thing was the team fighting right until the end. To score another goal at the end shows this team has very good character."

Benitez, whose compatriot Fernando Torres matched Benayoun in netting a double, also paid tribute to the fans on what is sure to prove an unforgettable Anfield night.

He said: "The fans from the beginning were supporting and pushing the team. Sometimes you play with a little bit of anxiety, and some of the mistakes were because of this, but at the end, thanks to the fans, the team worked so hard and we scored the four goals."

Meanwhile, Benitez's opposite number, Arsene Wenger, insists the title race is far from over despite United's two-game advantage.

"Liverpool are still in it but it depends on United's games in hand," said the Frenchman. "It's still very open. United had some little problems before the Champions League, so it depends on how they bounce back."

LIVERPOOL 4 - 4 ARSENAL

LIVERPOOL 4 - 4 ARSENAL
Tuesday 21 April 2009 20:00 , Barclays Premier League

LIVERPOOL TOP AFTER EIGHT-GOAL THRILLER

Liverpool are top of the league after drawing 4-4 with Arsenal in one of the most thrilling games of football ever witnessed at Anfield.

Andriy Arshavin scored four goals for the Gunners, who took the lead three times including once in injury-time.

Yossi Benayoun popped up to level with seconds to spare to put the Reds ahead of Manchester United on goal difference.

It was the Israeli's second of the game, with Fernando Torres also claiming a double in front of a stunned capacity crowd.

The result keeps the title race open, though everyone on the red half of Merseyside will be praying United drop points at home to Portsmouth in one of two games in hand on Wednesday.

Arsenal came to Anfield 18 league games unbeaten, but their best run of form since 2004 was in danger of being undermined by a lengthy injury list which included Emmanuel Adebayor, Manuel Almunia, William Gallas, Robin van Persie and Gael Clichy.

Buoyed by his side's four goals at Stamford Bridge, Benitez opted for an offensive line-up including four attackers. Little did the Anfield boss know that he was about to witness an even more exciting encounter than that seen at Chelsea a week ago.

Messrs Torres, Benayoun, Riera and Kuyt set about some sizzling play before one of Liverpool's all-time attacking greats, Ray Kennedy, who suffers from Parkinson's disease. Prior to kick-off, both sets of supporters held aloft mosaics showing the 57-year-old's shirt numbers (he wore No.5 at Anfield, No.10 at Highbury) to bring attention to the Ray of Hope fundraising appeal.

There were just three minutes on the clock when Kennedy witnessed a current Kop icon, Torres, doing what he does best. The Spaniard made a mug of Bacary Sagna to go one-on-one with Lukasz Fabianski. Rarely does the 24-year-old spurn such chances but his tame sidefoot was easy for Arsenal's rookie goalkeeper.

Minutes later Fabio Aurelio dinked a cute ball over a static back four to Benayoun, whose stretched effort again fell kindly for Fabianski.

Next, Dirk Kuyt bypassed two Arsenal defenders with a delicate throughball to Benayoun. The 'keeper committed early and got there just in time.

Fabianski was maligned in the press following a series of errors which contributed to Arsenal's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, but the young Pole was single-handedly keeping Liverpool at bay here. Even his defenders looked a little surprised when he got fingertips to a 20-yard snapshot from Torres on 18 minutes.

The Spain international was again denied on 30 minutes after leaving Kolo Toure with his backside on the turf, while Daniel Agger had a header cleared off the line on his 50th league appearance for the Reds.

Six chances, no goals. All of which made what happened on 36 minutes even harder for the Kop to swallow. It was Javier Mascherano who was caught in possession on the edge of his own box, with Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas on hand to capitalise before feeding the onrushing Arshavin, who converted off the bar from close range.

Fabianski again came to Arsenal's rescue with a reflex save as Benayoun weaved his way towards an instant reply. The Israeli was playing like Peter Beardsley, but again missed out on his just rewards after a smart header from an Alvaro Arbeloa cross looped just over.

If Liverpool felt hard done by to be behind at the break, they didn't linger on their disappointment. It took Torres just four minutes after the restart to level the scores after an inviting cross from Kuyt. The No.9 found a yard on the edge of the six-yard box and powered his header beyond the reach of Fabianski to record his 15th goal of the season.

Seven minutes later the game had been turned on its head, and again the goal was the product of a Kuyt cross, this time towards Benayoun at the back post. The Israel captain ignored a high challenge from Sagna to send a diving header through the palms of Fabianski and over the line.

Twenty years after Arsenal clinched the title at Anfield, the Kop sniffed what could be a decisive victory in this year's race. But the drama was not yet complete.

Liverpool probed for a third but, to the surprise of just about everyone inside Anfield, it was the visitors who struck next through Arshavin. The Russian pounced after Jamie Carragher's header failed to reach Arbeloa before sending a 20-yard curler past the diving Pepe Reina.

Arsenal fans had barely finished celebrating when their January signing completed his hat-trick on 70 minutes after Aurelio failed to clear. The striker fired close to Reina but with enough power to ensure it reached the net.

It was just two minutes before a remarkable game took another twist as Torres prompted another Kop eruption. El Nino collected the ball on the edge of the box, bought a yard from Mikael Silvestre and slotted home via the hand of Fabianski.

Torres was denied a hat-trick with 10 minutes remaining when Kieran Gibbs cleared his glancing header off the line, while Jamie Carragher was almost the unlikely hero with a 20-yard volley with sailed narrowly wide.

But it was Arsenal who struck next in injury-time when a Liverpool corner was cleared to substitute Theo Walcott. With just Xabi Alonso back, the 20-year-old only had to look up to see Arshavin. He did, and the Russian kept his cool to beat Reina.

Game over? Not according to Benayoun, who seconds later found himself with the ball at his feet five yards out. The winger made no mistake with his sidefoot into the bottom corner and that, finally, was that.

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher (captain), Agger, Arbeloa, Riera, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Benayoun, Torres. Subs - Skrtel, El Zhar, Ngog, Dossena, Babel, Leiva, Cavalieri

Arsenal: Fabianski, Gibbs, Toure, Silvestre, Sagna, Nasri, Fabregas (captain), , Song, Bendtner, Arshavin. Subs - Eboue, Diaby, Vela, Ramsey, Mannone, , Walcott

Referee: Howard Webb

Conditions: Fine

Attendance: 44,424

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Benayoun

Breakdown

19:02 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Arsenal kick off attacking the Kop end
1 min : Prior to kick off both sets of fans produced a tremendous public show of support for Ray Kennedy. The Kop held up a mosaic with a white '5' on a red background to represent Ray's Liverpool shirt number while the away fans held up a blue '10' against a yellow background
3 mins : First chance falls to Torres but Fabianski does well to hold his effort from the edge of the box
5 mins : Good bit of pressure from the Reds ends with Yossi hooking a volley into Fabianski's hands after a cute chipped pass from Aurelio
6 mins : Another chance for LFC. Riera drills a low shot that the Gunners' stopper does well to keep out. A bright opening from Rafa's Reds
10 mins : Great ball by Kuyt finds Yossi but Fabianski is out well to deny him
14 mins : Masch turns well on the left and fires a low shot just wide. It's all Liverpool at the moment
16 mins : Beautiful Arsenal move almost unlocks the Reds defence... but Yossi is back to clear. Great work from the Israeli
18 mins : Torres crashes a shot towards the top corner...great save Fabianski
20 mins : Great link play between Riera and Benayoun sees the Spain winger get in behind, but his low cross is well defended by the Arsenal backline
21 mins : Free-kick 35-40 yards out to LFC...Xabi standing over it
22 mins : Easily cleared by the Arsenal defence
24 mins : Fabianski may had his critics on Saturday in the FA Cup, but he's started well here
25 mins : The Reds seem to have lost their way a little in the past five minutes or so
26 mins : Magnificent ball from Xabi sends Kuyt through...he's brought down just outside the area...no free-kick. Crazy decision by the referee. The crowd are not impressed
27 mins : An Arsenal free-kick is greeted by incessant booing...but it's cheers now as the Reds win a corner
29 mins : A mix-up between Reina and Agger almost results in an opening goal for the Gunners - but Fabregas drills his volley wide
30 mins : Yossi looks to be in... but that man Fabianski is there again
30 mins : Torres shoots from distance....another great stop from the Pole
31 mins : Agger almost caps his 50th Reds appearance with a goal but his flick-header at the near post is hooked off the line
33 mins : Nice feet from Arshavin...unfortunately for him, his attempted cross is not so good and he miscues for a goal-kick - much to the amusement of the Kop
36 mins : GOAL! Andrey Arshavin:
40 mins : Anfield has been stunned by Arsenal's smash and grab. It must have been their first serious attack of the match
44 mins : Kuyt sees a hooked effort cleared off the line but it looks like the Gunners will go in ahead
45 mins : There will be a minimum of one minute as added time
45 mins : Arbeloa sees his shot well saved
19:49 GMT : Half Time Reached
20:04 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : LFC restart the match attacking the Kop end
46 mins : Corner ball to the Reds
47 mins : Xabi's corner is flighted outside the box to Aurelio who gets his volley all wrong
49 mins : GOAL! Fernando Torres: Great header from Kuyt's cross
53 mins : It's the perfect start to the second period and the crowd are really up for this now
56 mins : GOAL! Yossi Benayoun: Yossi's header just crosses the line after another great ball in from Kuyt
59 mins : Xabi arcs a free-kick just over. It's been a stunning turnaround by LFC
61 mins : First Booking: Bacary Sagna:
62 mins : Torres' turn and shot is well gathered by Fabianski. The Reds are well on top
64 mins : Riera's shot is deflected for a corner following a great run by the Spaniard
65 mins : Substitution: Theo Walcott for Denilson :
66 mins : Fabianski does well to punch clear Aurelio's free-kick
67 mins : GOAL! Andrey Arshavin: Stunning effort from the Russian
70 mins : GOAL! Andrey Arshavin: Hat-trick
72 mins : GOAL! Fernando Torres:
73 mins : Substitution: Ryan Babel for Albert Riera:
78 mins : What a game!
79 mins : The Reds need the winner to pull clear of Man United
80 mins : Free-kick to LFC 25 yards out. We need a hero now
81 mins : But Xabi fires it well over
82 mins : Corner to LFC after a good run by Babel... Torres heads goalwards... it's off the line
83 mins : Another corner is cleared to Carra...but he guides a volley just over
84 mins : It's been a season of great comebacks but can we do it again?
86 mins : Substitution: Nabil El Zhar for Dirk Kuyt:
87 mins : Powerful run from Carra but his shot is wayward
89 mins : Corner to Liverpool. Time is running out
90 mins : GOAL! Andrey Arshavin:
90 mins : Substitution: Abou Diaby for Nicklas Bendtner:
90 mins : GOAL! Yossi Benayoun:
90 mins : First Booking: Francesc Fabregas:
20:56 GMT : Match Over

STEVEN GERRARD INJURY UPDATE

Paul Eaton 18 April 2009

Liverpool today confirmed Steven Gerrard faces at least another week on the sidelines as he continues to recover from a strain in his adductor muscle.

The Reds' skipper aggravated the injury ahead of the clash with Chelsea in midweek, and has now been ruled out of Liverpool's Premier League fixture with Arsenal on Tuesday night.

"In the training session before the Champions League game at Chelsea, Steven Gerrard unfortunately aggravated a small strain he had previously suffered in his adductor muscle," confirmed a club spokesman.

"A scan has since confirmed our medical team's initial diagnosis and the player is expected to be out for between seven and ten days.

"In the meantime, Steven will continue to receive intensive treatment on the injury at Melwood."

MASCH: THESE PEOPLE ARE AMAZING

Jimmy Rice 18 April 2009

Javier Mascherano today paid tribute to the people of Liverpool for the way they honoured those who died at Hillsborough 20 years ago this week.

The Argentina captain was so struck by Wednesday's Memorial Service that he rang friends back home to tell them what he had witnessed.



"I have never seen anything like it in my life," Mascherano told Liverpoolfc.tv. "I spoke to some people in Argentina about it because it was amazing to see the stadium almost full for a memorial service. It would not happen at other clubs or in other countries.

"It's great the way the fans and the city came together. They still remember after 20 years the people who lost their lives.

"When I came here I didn't know what happened 20 years ago but living in the city and playing for Liverpool you hear all the stories. It was so sad."

Mascherano's first professional club, River Plate, endured their own stadium disaster in 1968 when 74 people died trying to escape a fire.

"In Argentina something similar happened many years ago at River Plate but they don't remember like Liverpool fans remember," added the 24-year-old.

RAFA WANTS XABI TO STAY AT ANFIELD

Jimmy Rice 17 April 2009

Rafa Benitez has spoken of his desire to keep Xabi Alonso at Anfield this summer.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed a fine season after speculation about his future following Spain's Euro 2008 triumph.

Benitez said: "The first year was really good and this year he is also playing really well.

"Xabi has been having a very good season; he has been playing well in a lot of games and is a key player for us.

"We have a lot of confidence in him because he is playing really well and he is a player we want to keep because he has the quality, and the game, that we need."

ON THIS DAY: FIVE-STAR REDS SINK GUNNERS

Steve Hunter 18 April 2009

Liverpool won their first League Division One title under Bill Shankly after a thumping 5-0 win over Arsenal at Anfield, on this day in 1964.

Goals from Ian St John, Alf Arrowsmith, Roger Hunt and a double from Peter Thompson did the damage on an afternoon that also saw the BBC's Panorama programme film the Kop - reporting on this 'extraordinary cultural phenomenon.'

It was a glorious moment for Shankly and a new Anfield dynasty was about to begin.

Elsewhere on this day in LFC history in 1984, Ian Rush notched up a century of strikes for Liverpool as the Reds were held to a 3-3 draw at Leicester City.

The iconic Welsh frontman took his tally to 100 goals in just 166 games with the second of Liverpool's three efforts after Ronnie Whelan had struck in the first-half.

John Wark grabbed the third and final Reds goal nine minutes from time but it was not enough to claim all three points.

INCE DEDICATES CUP WIN TO 96

Louise Goulding 17 April 2009

Thomas Ince today dedicated Liverpool Under-18s' FA Youth Cup victory over Birmingham to the 96 who lost their lives at Hillsborough.

Ince and his teammates attended Wednesday's memorial service at Anfield, which marked the 20th anniversary of the tragedy, and the youngster believes it inspired the team to their 3-0 semi-final first leg win a day later.

"When we went to Anfield and saw the fans paying their tributes it was unbelievable. It was an inspiration for us," Ince said.

"We knew it wasn't only that we had a potential final to look forward to, but the fact that we could pay our own tribute to the 96 that died.

"It was pleasing to pay tribute to them with a 3-0 win and hopefully we have done them proud."

The forward certainly played his part on the night and enjoyed his role behind two-goal Lauri Dalla Valle.

"Over the last few games I have been playing in that position as it allows me to get in the gap between midfield and the back four, which allows me to do what I do best," he said.

"I am enjoying the role and I feel I am more involved in the game."

Hugh McAuley's men were leading 3-0 at the interval, but failed to add to their goal tally in the second half.

"Going in a few goals up helped us calm the nerves, but in the second half we got a little bit sloppy," added Ince.

"I think there were a few tired legs, but we can work on that in training and hopefully put the first-half performance on for a full 90 minutes."

IN PICTURES: ANFIELD PAYS ITS RESPECTS

Paul Eaton 16 April 2009

Over 28,000 football fans yesterday joined the Hillsborough families and players, staff and officials from Liverpool FC to pay their respects to those who lost their lives on April 15, 1989.

Here are a selection of photographs from an emotional afternoon at Anfield.

FOWLER: TORRES CAN BE ANFIELD GREAT

James Carroll 17 April 2009

Kop icon Robbie Fowler believes Fernando Torres has the potential to establish himself as an all-time Anfield great.

The Spain striker has endured an injury-troubled season, but has still managed to find the back of the net on 14 occasions.

Fowler is confident there is more to come from the Reds' current number nine.

"In terms of Fernando Torres, he could be up there with the greats of Liverpool, like Ian Rush," said Fowler, who scored 183 goals in 369 appearances for Liverpool.

"His record has been fantastic since he came to the club.

"He is just a very, very good player and he scores all types of goals, which is really crucial to a forward. He doesn't just get tap-ins.

"So I can see him being up there with the best of them. I think he has got everything."

Fowler also spoke of his desire to see his former club win the race for the Barclays Premier League title this season.

"I am really, really hoping that Liverpool win it," he added.

"If you had asked me four or five weeks ago I would have said Liverpool would have no chance as Man United were playing well and were six points clear with a game in hand.

"But Liverpool, ever since beating Real Madrid in the Champions League, have been on an unbelievable run and I can't really see them getting beat for the rest of the season."

Hillsborough 1989

A Video tamzen9 Made In Memory Of The 96 Liverpool Fans Who Died In The Hillsborough Disaster, R.I.P! *Never Forgotton*

MOTD remembering the Hillsborough 96

FAMILIES HANDED FREEDOM OF LIVERPOOL

James Carroll 16 April 2009

The families of the 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough were handed the Freedom of the City of Liverpool last night.

In an emotional ceremony at Liverpool Town Hall, Trevor Hicks, president of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, signed for the honour on the families' behalf.

"I do not think anywhere in the world could have been as supportive as this city has been," Hicks told those in attendance in the Grand Ballroom.

"It is with great honour and humility that I accept this."

Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool's manager at the time of Hillsborough, then lit a candle in memory of the 96.

The families were also joined at the ceremony by Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Rafa Benitez, Alan Hansen and Alan Kennedy.

Earlier in the day, a moving memorial service at Anfield was attended by an estimated 28,000 people.



Hundreds of floral tributes, scarves and a variety of different football shirts were laid next to the Hillsborough memorial and tied to the Shankly Gates.

The commemoration was opened by the Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones, before the 96 names were read out and a candle lit in each of their memories.

At 3:06pm, a two-minute silence was impeccably observed at the stadium and across Liverpool as the city, including public transport, ground to a halt in memory of the 96. Similar silences were held in Sheffield and Nottingham.

The bells of Liverpool's two cathedrals and civic buildings then rang out 96 times at 3:08pm.

Liverpool Lord Mayor Cllr Steve Rotheram joined Hicks in giving a rousing speech before the Mayor and Liverpool manager Benitez symbolically laid a scarf on the penalty spot in front of the Kop.

The duo released 96 red balloons into the afternoon sky as Gerrard and Carragher presented Hicks with a Freedom of the City scroll to Hicks, on behalf of all the families.

The memorial concluded as Gerry Marsden sang an emotional rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone.

GERRARD NOMINATED FOR PFA AWARD

James Carroll 14 April 2009

Steven Gerrard has been nominated for the PFA Players' Player of the Year.

The Liverpool skipper is the only non-Manchester United player on the six-man shortlist and joins Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and last year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo in the running for the honour.

Gerrard, who won the award in 2006, has been in sensational form for the Reds this season, with the 28-year-old netting 21 goals.

Speaking about Gerrard's nomination, PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor said: "Steven has been a personal favourite of mine for a long time now and I have the utmost respect and admiration for the way he continues to go about his business, as an influential midfield player, a talisman if you like, for club and country.

"I remember when he won the Young Player of the Year award in 2001 he told me that, whilst he was proud to win that particular award, he would not be satisfied until he had won the main prize, and that said a lot about his ambition and dedication.

"He went on to win the Players' Player award in 2006 and fully deserves to be amongst the nominees again this year.

"He is not only a top class player and captain, he is a top class lad too and a credit to his profession.

"He is a real Roy of the Rovers performer who, on so many occasions when Liverpool have perhaps looked down and out, he has pulled them through virtually single-handed and I don't think many people would argue with the comments made by Zinedine Zidane that Steve is the best midfield player in the world."

RAFA: THIS CAN INSPIRE PL GLORY

Jimmy Rice at Stamford Bridge 14 April 2009

Rafa Benitez believes his side's gallant defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-finals could inspire them to Premier League glory.

The Reds almost completed a remarkable turnaround after the 3-1 first leg loss with first-half strikes from Fabio Aurelio and Xabi Alonso.

Two goals for Chelsea early in the second half then looked to have ended the tie before Lucas and Dirk Kuyt once again stunned Stamford Bridge.

Hopes of a miracle comeback were only dashed in the 89th minute when Frank Lampard netted his second of the game to make it 4-4 on the night (7-5 on aggregate).

Benitez told reporters afterwards: "We showed character and quality and we have to be really proud. The players have done a fantastic job and the fans will be really pleased with the team.

"We were on top of them from the beginning. Credit must go to all the players, especially Lucas in the middle. In the position of Steven Gerrard he worked extremely hard. The players were pushing and pushing and we were very close.

"I think, clearly, when you lose you have to be disappointed but when you lose in this way you have to be proud and have your head up.

"Thinking about the Premier League, maybe it's positive because if we can score four goals here at Stamford Bridge, we can do the same in any stadium. We can win a lot of games with this mentality."

Benitez believes Liverpool were undone by a handful of mistakes in what was otherwise a memorable performance.

"When you play against a good side like Chelsea and make a mistake, you pay," he said. "Clearly we attacked and were controlling but with one or two mistakes they scored."

Benitez was quizzed on the absence of skipper Gerrard from his matchday squad.

"He felt something in his adductor so he wasn't available," he said. "It was an easy decision - he couldn't play."

Benitez believes Gerrard will recover in time to face Arsenal in the Premier League in a week's time.

"I think so," said the boss. "It's not serious. We thought he could be available today but in the end he wasn't."

On the substitution of Fernando Torres 10 minutes from time with the aggregate score 6-3, Benitez added: "Torres is okay. I thought it would be difficult so I wanted to change something and give minutes to a player with quality like Ngog."

CHELSEA 4 - 4 LIVERPOOL

Champions League Quarter Final (1)

Liverpool	4 - 4	Chelsea
F.Aurélio		Pepe Reina (o.g)
X.Alonso		Alex
Lucas		F.Lampard
Kuyt		F.Lampard

f.Aurelio

X.Alonso

Pepe Reina (o.g)

Alex

F.Lampard

Lucas

Kuyt

F.Lampard

RAFA: STEVIE CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

Paul Hassall at Melwood 13 April 2009

Rafael Benitez believes an in-form Steven Gerrard could be the key to Liverpool producing a famous Champions League win at Chelsea.

The skipper was an unused substitute in Saturday's clash against Blackburn and the Spaniard is hoping a fresh Gerrard can inspire his side as the Reds look to overturn a 3-1 deficit.

"He is better but he is still working with the physios," the boss told a pre-match press conference at Melwood. "He will have one more day of training and then after we will see how he feels.

"It makes a difference if we play with him. Clearly we need him, he is a key player for us. Everything can change if he can play and if he plays well.

"We will talk with the doctor and with him before the game. It is not a massive risk but there is a small one because you could lose the player for 10-15 days and that would be bad. He was playing with some problems before though, so I think we can manage."

Liverpool need to score three goals at Stamford Bridge to have any chance of progressing to the last four of the competition. Asked if his side could call upon the inspiration of Istanbul, Benitez said, "It would be good and could be helpful.

"If we have the fans behind us and can give them something from the beginning, then it would be a very good inspiration.

"You approach the games away thinking about winning. In this case, if it is possible, we need to score an early goal and then we will play with more confidence.

"It's not a question of the managers, the players on the pitch can make a massive difference. Okay, we will try to help but clearly it will be the players. If we win it will be them, if we lose it will be us all together."

After conceding two set pieces against Chelsea in the first-leg Liverpool's use of zonal marking has come under great scrutiny.

However, Benitez insists it is still the best system for his side to use.

"They (Chelsea) have six or seven players that are really good in air, and that was clear the other day," he said.

"We talked about zonal marking but we scored against Blackburn who use man-to-man marking and yesterday you could see goals conceded between Aston Villa and Everton using man-to-man.

"So in the end it depends on the quality of the players in the air.

"It has been good for us in the past so hopefully it (zonal) will be good in the future."

Asked if the Reds could take heart from Bolton's three-goal salvo against Chelsea at the weekend, the boss added: "Yes. If you play well and have a bit of luck, you can score a goal, so we will see. It will be good for the club if we can win, so we will try to win."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163991090413-1018.htm

TORRES: UNITED WIN GIVES US BELIEF

Paul Hassall 13 April 2009

Fernando Torres feels Liverpool's 4-1 win at Old Trafford should give them the belief they can pull off a famous comeback against Chelsea in the Champions League.

The Spanish forward netted a confidence boosting double in Saturday's 4-0 win over Blackburn Rovers and is now urging his teammates to hit the goal trail in the quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.

"We have kept our confidence after the Champions League game and it was important to win for the fans," he said.

"It was an important victory because it was the last game at home before the Hillsborough memorial service and I think they enjoyed it.

"I hope that we can score three goals against Chelsea. We know it is a very difficult.

"They are a strong team, but we have confidence, we can do it and we have to go there to win the game. We beat Manchester United 4-1 at Old Trafford so we know we can do it.

"We know it is difficult and it is difficult to score against them, but we will prepare the game and see what happens.

"I think Chelsea will play for a win. If they score one or two it is over, so they will not just defend."

Torres got Liverpool off to the perfect start on Saturday with a sensational dipping volley that has earned comparisons with Marco Van Basten's goal for Holland against Russia in the final of Euro 88.

Asked if he was pleased with the goal, he said: "It was a good day for me.

"The first one was a great goal and a great start to the game. To then get three more goals was good for the team.

"I work hard on my heading so I was pleased with the second one. I am always pleased to score at Anfield and I almost had a hat-trick but the main thing was to win and stay fit for Tuesday which is a big game."

After a sensational first season in English football Torres' impact on the current campaign has been hampered by injuries.

He admits it has left him frustrated at times but is confident he has now put his problems behind him.

"It has been really frustrating to miss league games this season," he said.

"Just 19 league games and 11 goals is a good record.

"We have to try and learn from this for next season and try and help me stay 100 per cent fit for all the games."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163990090413-0927.htm

ALONSO: WE HAVE TO FIND THE BALANCE

Steve Hunter 13 April 2009

Xabi Alonso insists Liverpool will need to find the right balance between attack and defence at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night and not leave gaps at the back for Chelsea to exploit.

Rafael Benitez's side must score three times against Guus Hiddink's outfit to stand any chance of progressing, but despite last season's runners-up being favourites, the Spanish playmaker remains confident that the tie is far from over.

"There is hope," Alonso told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"We know it is going to be a very difficult task to score three goals, but as long as we have a little chance then we are going to try and fight for it and go there and try to do our best.

"I think that it will be the closest to perfect if we can go there, score three goals and beat them.

"We will need to have a very attacking mentality because we need to score a lot of goals. By the same way we can't go desperate all-out attack because if you do that you will have more chances to concede.

"We will need to keep the balance but with an attacking mind of course."

The midfield will be boosted by the return of Javier Mascherano after suspension and Alonso said: "It is always good to have as many options as possible and good for the manager to have everyone available for this game."

Reflecting on the disappointing first leg, Alonso said every player is determined to put things right in the capital tomorrow night.

"Once we conceded the first goal we knew it was going to be hard and difficult because we had conceded an away goal," he said.

"I think maybe it affected us more than what it should have.

"The second half wasn't the best. The played well and controlled the game. We were not calm enough and they deserved to win. The result was very bad for us.

"You have to give credit to them. They have a great team and sometimes when they perform that well it is difficult to beat them.

"We made some very uncommon mistakes ourselves and that's something we will have to look at and try to improve for this game."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163987090413-0723.htm

TORRES: WIN WILL LIFT US

Paul Hassall 12 April 2009

Fernando Torres believes Liverpool's 4-0 demolition of Blackburn will give them a huge lift ahead of their Champions League clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Spanish striker admits the Reds were hugely disappointed by the manner of their 3-1 first-leg defeat against the Blues at Anfield and feels their rout of Rovers will lift spirits as they bid to rescue the tie.

"It was a great result coming after the game against Chelsea," said Torres. "The last game wasn't good, but we've done our job.

"We have confidence after this result to go to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday."

Torres got Liverpool off to a flier against Rovers with a stunning fifth minute volley that set the tone for the remainder of the match.

Asked if he felt it was one of the best he's ever scored for the Reds, he said: "Sometimes you try to score like this, but normally the ball goes out," he added. "But this one went in. It was a good goal."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163984090412-0842.htm

YOSSI: TORRES IS WORLD'S BEST STRIKER

Paul Hassall 12 April 2009

Yossi Benayoun hailed Fernando Torres as the best striker in the world after the Spaniard hit a magnificent double in the 4-0 victory over Blackburn on Saturday.

The Israeli was left searching for superlatives after El Nino inspired the Reds to a morale-boosting triumph with a brace that included a stunning volley that could well be a goal of the season contender.

"That's what you get with Torres," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"He is always a threat. He is the best striker in the world. The goals that he scores are just unbelievable. Look at the first one today. It was incredible. He makes it look so simple too. It's always easier for us as a team when he is playing."



The win saw Liverpool briefly return to the summit prior to Manchester United's narrow win at Sunderland and Benayoun admits it was important the Reds reacted positively after their shock Champions League defeat against Chelsea on Wednesday night

"It was important that we responded after the disappointment of the Chelsea defeat," he said.

"We have to give everything in the Premier League and keep fighting to the end. We must keep winning to put pressure on Man United. Hopefully it will be enough to see us win the title.

"The win has restored our confidence and that was important. We know it will be very difficult on Tuesday at Chelsea. We will look to give 100 per cent and try our best and then see what happens. You never know in football - anything can happen."

Prior to kick off Anfield fell silent to mark the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster and Benayoun was pleased the Reds were able to cap the afternoon with the three points.

"It is very sad and we will all attend the service on Wednesday and pay our respects," he said. "We have to make sure something like that never happens again.

"The crowd were amazing today and hopefully we gave them something to cheer at a difficult time."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163983090412-0830.htm

LIVERPOOL 4-0 BLACKBURN: IN PICTURES

Pictures by David Rawcliffe of Propaganda 13 April 2009

Liverpool kept up the pressure in the Barclays Premier League title race with a superb 4-0 win over Blackburn Rovers on an emotional day at Anfield. Here's the best of the action in pictures.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163981090413-0725.htm