Source: Daily_Mail
Liverpool 2 Blackburn 1: Rafa Benitez bites back in spat with rival Allardyce
Rafa Benitez stepped up his war of words with arch-rival Sam Allardyce on Sunday by launching a scathing attack on the Blackburn manager's style of play and conduct.[LNB]After claiming the points in a bruising encounter with a 44th-minute winner from fit-again Fernando Torres, Benitez tore into his Blackburn counterpart in an onslaught laced with heavy sarcasm.[LNB]Responding to Allardyce's pre-match jibe that Liverpool were 'turning into another Bolton', the Liverpool manager claimed Blackburn midfielder Steven Nzonzi should have been sent off and added: 'It doesn't matter what he said. We won. [LNB] No love lost: Rafa Benitez (left) and Sam Allardyce have been highly critical of one another in the media [LNB]Sitter: A grounded Torres watches his effort find the net[LNB]'If Blackburn are pleased with the way they play under this manager, then fine. That is up to them.[LNB]'It was very clear that Nzonzi was touching the face of Lucas, and the rules are the rules. But we have shown we can win on the pitch, and we will enjoy the moment. [LNB]'It is a pity that some people have to talk before press conferences and then again afterwards.[LNB]'They do that because they find it more difficult to do their job. He (Allardyce) is a model for all the managers round the world. I'm sure his style of play and behaviour is the perfect model for all kids and managers everywhere. [LNB]'I'm sure parents everywhere will enjoy this model and tell their kids, 'This is how it should be done.' In fact, I believe Barcelona are thinking about copying this style.[LNB]'I remember the first time we played Bolton, there was a first-minute challenge with an elbow that broke Sami Hyypia's nose. That is his style. [LNB]'Really, I want football to be an example for parents and kids, not this.'[LNB]Allardyce defended his latest outburst against Benitez by saying: 'If Liverpool have a go at me, I am entitled to respond. When you get criticised by Rafa Benitez, you have every right to criticise back.'[LNB]Opener: Reds skipper Gerrard breaks the deadlock[LNB]After starting sluggishly, Liverpool clicked into gear with a flowing move worthy of a side intent on remaining among the Barclays Premier League's elite top four. [LNB]Predictably, Steven Gerrard was at the hub of it, as well as the sharp end. [LNB]A one-two with Dirk Kuyt was followed by a pass to Yossi Benayoun on the left of the area, and when the Israel midfielder cut inside and returned the compliment, Gerrard advanced a couple of paces before lifting a deft finish over Paul Robinson.[LNB]Liverpool might have paid for an inexplicable 40th-minute lapse by Jamie Carragher, who handled on the floor and gave Keith Andrews the chance to equalise from the spot, but they were back in front four minutes later.[LNB]Lucas's through ball for Torres was fractionally over-hit, but, predator that he is, Liverpool's £21million record signing sensed there may still be an opening, as Christopher Samba failed to clear his lines. [LNB]Sure enough, Maxi Rodriguez retrieved the centre back's attempt to find touch and pulled it back for Torres to convert at the near post.[LNB]Spot on: Andrews converts his penalty[LNB]El-Hadji Diouf's every touch had been roundly booed, and the volume increased shortly before half-time, as the former Liverpool forward clashed with Gerrard.[LNB]The pair had to be separated by referee Alan Wiley after squaring up, and there was an additional cautionary word for Diouf from a senior police officer at half-time, amid concerns that he was in danger of losing control.[LNB]If there were few moments of genuine quality in the first half, there were even fewer in an ensuing 45 minutes that degenerated into an ugly, ill-tempered scrap, with Pascal Chimbonda and Nzonzi lucky to stay on.[LNB]Wiley's reputation for leniency was reinforced in the 50th minute, when Nzonzi wrapped an arm round Lucas's neck then hurled him to the ground with a hand in his face, only to escape, somehow, with a yellow card.[LNB]Diouf inevitably found his way into Wiley's list of cautions, for a 70th-minute trip on Javier Mascherano, but the experienced official, and his equally well-placed linesman, managed to miss a studs-first lunge by Chimbonda that pole-axed Maxi.[LNB]Football made a belated re-appearance in injury-time, as Samba met Pedersen's free-kick with a header that drew a brilliant flying save from Pepe Reina.[LNB] [LNB] Liverpool's Jamie Carragher begging to be centre of attention againBig Sam goads rival Rafa Benitez: You've created the new Bolton!LIVERPOOL FC
