Liverpool Football Club News

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

• Ground:Anfield
• Capacity:45,362

Reds patience pleases Benitez

30 Oct 2008 - 08:32:20

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez felt that his side were good value for their 1-0 win at home to Portsmouth, which kept them three points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

The Reds needed a late Steven Gerrard penalty to see off Pompey at Anfield, with Benitez pleased with his team's patience on the night.

He said: "It took a long time, but we had to be patient. Maybe it took a penalty, but we'd had several chances before that and dominated the first period.

"Portsmouth defended well with a lot of bodies behind the ball and it was not easy to find the space, you have to be very precise with the final pass.

"The pitch was wet and quick and it was not always easy to control the ball, but we were very dominant in the first period and had our chances and maintained possession.

"But in the second period we were a little nervy and when they started to play long balls up to Peter Crouch it was not easy for us.

"After the victory against Chelsea it was very important to get these three points and to show that we can change four or five players and still win matches.

"The message for the squad and everyone watching us is that we can change players and still maintain our form."