Wednesday, April 22, 2009

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."

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