Source: SKY_Sports
Benayoun hails Reds response
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Yossi Benayoun believes it was vital that Liverpool gave their season an early kiss of life by hammering Stoke after an opening defeat at Tottenham.[LNB] The Reds slumped 2-1 at White Hart Lane last Sunday in their first game of the new campaign, sparking suggestions that they would struggle to contend for the league title.[LNB]However, Rafa Benitez's side responded in style with a 4-0 victory over Stoke at Anfield in midweek to revitalise expectations.[LNB]Benayoun, who was an impressive second-half substitute at Spurs before starting against the Potters, feels it was essential that he and his team-mates bounced back. [LNB]The Israel midfielder said: "It was very important for us to win our first game at home, especially after what happened at Tottenham last weekend.[LNB]Important"We never expected to lose that game and so it was very important for us to recover quickly and get that win against Stoke. We want to start our season now.[LNB]"We were lucky that we had our next game quickly to recover from the Tottenham defeat, we did many things better especially in the second half and we deserved the win.[LNB]"We wanted it more against Stoke, I think. We ran more, we pressed more and we worked harder. In the first half at Tottenham they had the ball, and the possession for large parts of the game.[LNB]"Against Stoke it was different. We moved the ball and we had good movement without the ball and this was the difference for us.[LNB]"We know we have quality players and when we keep the ball we create a lot of chances and after getting four against Stoke we will have the confidence to play better and better."[LNB]
