Liverpool Football Club News

• Nickname:Reds
• Founded:1892
• Manager:Kenny Dalglish

• Ground:Anfield
• Capacity:45,362

Benitez pleased with victory

04 May 2009 - 10:26:31

Click To Enlarge

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was pleased with his side's performance in the 3-0 home win over Newcastle United which maintained the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Goals from Yossi Benayoun, Dirk Kuyt and Lucas wrapped up a comfortable victory at Anfield, despite the Reds being without the injured Fernando Torres.

Benitez told his club's official website: "I think it was a good game, but could have been better as we had plenty of possession and a lot of chances.

"We had opportunities to score more goals, but in winning 3-0 and keeping a clean sheet, we have a lot of positives.

"We knew that mentally they could have some problems if we scored first. That was the key, but you could see at 2-0 they were still working very hard, so scoring the third goal was important for us to finish the game.

"We have to try and get three points in each match and see if United feel under pressure and make mistakes.

"We have to win our games. It is the only solution for us - keep winning games and put them under pressure."

Meanwhile, Benitez hopes that star striker Torres will shake off his injury to face West Ham United next week.

The Spaniard added: "Fernando had a problem with his hamstring and it would have been a risk to play him. In the end we decided to leave him out of the squad, which I think was the right decision.

"I think he will be back next week. He was very close today, but to start with him could have been dangerous.

"To keep him on the bench, maybe without a proper warm-up, could have also put him at risk, but I think he will be ready for next week."