Source: Liverpool_Echo
Liverpool FC 2 Tottenham 0 - Dominic King on a classic night at Anfield
Reds make and break![LNB]MAKE or break. Rafa Benitez had suggested Tottenham's visit to Anfield last night would do one or the other to Liverpool's season but instead it did both.[LNB]In taking three points off a side who have designs of nudging them out of the Champions League places, the Reds have gone some way to ensuring the remainder of the campaign will have a real purpose.[LNB]But after seeing Dirk Kuyt bookend a terrific performance with a brace of goals, the Reds have broken all theories that they are in a state of disrepair; in dumping Harry Redknapp's men on their backside, Benitez saw his players blow open the race for fourth place.[LNB]From the moment the team coach trundled into Anfield Road it was evident that team and fans would be as one.[LNB]Crowds gathered on each side of the pavement to form a guard of honour, with huge banners fluttering in the night breeze and the words on the one nearest to the Shankly Gates said it all - 'Scouse Solidarity'.[LNB]To further increase the siege mentality, another banner declared 'Rafa Benitez - God's Gift 2 Liverpool', while effigies of the clubs many legends were omnipresent; Liverpool's players could not have asked for any more inspiration.[LNB]It was, all told, a scene more in keeping with a Champions League semi-final rather than a middle of the season, midweek Premier League game but this was no ordinary fixture; Liverpool had to win.[LNB]Experience has shown Benitez does not 'do' hyperbole before a game; if anything, he eschews fanning flames at all costs so the fact he described this contest in such powerful tones showed the enormity.[LNB]Nerves, undoubtedly, were bound to jangle before kick-off and that has frequently led to an atmosphere of apprehension but, fortunately, Liverpool got the flying start Benitez, his players and supporters craved.[LNB]Pepe Reina's skills as a footballer, just as much as goalkeeping ability, have been noted on many occasions but there was nothing remotely dexterous about the ball he lumped downfield after six minutes.[LNB]Thoughts of a goal were remote as it hung in the air but thanks to a combination of persistence, hunger and determination, Alberto Aquilani and Kuyt fashioned a chance that the Dutchman was able to sweep past Heurelho Gomes in front of The Kop.[LNB]Kuyt has endured a stamina sapping campaign which has nullified his effectiveness yet, in the absence of Fernando Torres, he is Liverpool's most experienced front-runner - what's more, his commitment is never in doubt.[LNB]So, in many ways, it was fitting he became the first man to put his name on the scoresheet; his was never going be a performance where Liverpool played slick, quick, triangles or they passed Tottenhamin to a stupor.[LNB]No. This was a night to run and tackle, chase and charge, to show the world that they should not be written off and, in the first 45 minutes, nobody could be accused of failing to put in the hard yards.[LNB]All over the pitch there were unlikely heroes. Maybe it was down to Jamie Carragher continually putting a flea in his ear but Philipp Degen showed more great tenacity, withstanding a battering from Tottenham's left side.
