Liverpool Football Club News

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

• Ground:Anfield
• Capacity:45,362

Reds resolve pleases Benitez

21 Jan 2010 - 07:27:09

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Rafael Benitez claims Liverpool have proved their top-four credentials following Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Tottenham at Anfield.

Two goals from Dirk Kuyt moved the Reds to within a point of fourth-placed Spurs and eased the mounting pressure on Benitez.

Spurs felt aggrieved after Jermain Defoe's second-half effort had been controversially ruled out for offside.

But Benitez claimed his side deserved the points which he believes will answer some of their critics who had suggested the Anfield club could miss out on a top-four finish this season.

"It was important for everyone here because we had to reduce the gap and stay in the race," he said.

"I am really pleased with the attitude of the players, we showed character.

"Normally the last five years we do better in the second half of the league.

"Everyone knows Liverpool are a good team and it was just a question of time to start winning games and showing our quality.

"Also now some of them know the race will be with four teams."

Benitez also singled out Kuyt for praise after the Netherlands forward stepped up to fill the void created by the injury absences of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun.

He added: "Dirk works very hard, he could maybe have scored four goals today.

"Always his commitment is 100 per cent so we are really pleased for him too."