Flying high: Gerrard leads Anfield romp, but boss Rafa still can't raise a smile

23 March 2009 11:34
Rafa Benitez moved to within a point of arch-rival Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday and, stern-faced, warned the Manchester United manager any more mistakes could cost his side the Barclays Premier League title. [LNB]After United's second successive defeat, at Fulham on Saturday, Steven Gerrard scored a hat-trick as Liverpool followed up their stunning 4-1 win at Old Trafford with a 5-0 rout of Aston Villa. [LNB] Three and easy: Steven Gerrard celebrates completing his hat-trick in the 5-0 rout of Aston Villa.[LNB]Liverpool play Fulham next in a fortnight and a win will take them above United, who play Villa 24 hours later. [LNB]Although yesterday's victory was not enough to make Benitez smile, he insisted: 'Don't get me wrong, I am really happy. We needed to do our job and wait for United to make mistakes, and that is what happened. [LNB] Liverpool 5 Aston Villa 0: Rafa in control as rampant Reds close gap to a point[LNB]Liverpool 5 Aston Villa 0: All the action as it happened[LNB]Harry mixes it with big boys as Spurs make it six unbeaten against 'Big Four'[LNB]LIVERPOOL FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB]ASTON VILLA FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB][LNB]'They are still in a much better position, but we will keep pushing them. What do I think of United's wobble? I don't know. Ask Mr Ferguson.' [LNB]The Anfield boss, involved in a row with Ferguson over who has spent more on transfers in the past five years, piled more pressure on his Old Trafford counterpart by claiming Liverpool can get even stronger and better in the closing weeks of the season. [LNB]Staying cool: Rafa Benitez keeps a straight face as Liverpool romp to victory.[LNB]Benitez added: 'We're doing well and getting closer, and we have some momentum. I hope that continues, because it can be important when the momentum is with you. [LNB]'If I looked stern on the bench, it was because we could have scored two, three or even four more goals than we did. We had so many chances, and it is important you make the most of them because you don't know how important goal difference will be. I wanted more goals. That is something we can improve on, and I think we will.' [LNB]Steven Gerrard echoed Benitez's message to United after destroying Villa, two of his goals coming from penalties. [LNB]'United are going into games knowing we are ready to pounce if there are any slip-ups,' he said. 'Winning so convincingly shows we're in a rich vein of form.' [LNB]Villa manager Martin O'Neill saluted Liverpool but backed Ferguson to hold his nerve. 'Liverpool were exceptional, but I doubt whether the best manager in the world will allow a couple of defeats to get under his skin,' he said. [LNB]'It's interesting again, but don't forget Sir Alex has won about 26 titles. That may be a slight exaggeration, but he probably will have done by the time he has finished.'[LNB] Enlarge [LNB]Enlarge [LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail