It was tense times at Craven Cottage last night, as Liverpool bombarded Fulham's goal for the full duration, hitting the woodwork four times in the first half alone.
Fulham held the Reds until 92 minutes in, when substitute Yossi Benayoun was fortunate enough to pick up on a loose ball and drill home a well placed injury time winner.
The win over Roy Hodgson's outfit saw Liverpool leapfrog Manchester United and reclaim top spot in the Premier League. And despite United having two games in hand, Rafa has said that the pressure is now on Sir Alex.
"We know we are still in the title race. I think it puts a bit more pressure on Manchester United," Benitez told BBC Sport.
"They have experience and quality but they will be under pressure."
In a game that looked sure to end goalless, the Reds' gaffer said that he was positive a goal would come.
"We were creating chances so we were disappointed we could not score.
"But to score the late goal we are really pleased.
"We were doing the right things all the time, it was just the finishing that needed to improve - and also their keeper was doing well. But if you are playing well you just have to keep going.
"We had confidence until the end, this team has belief that we will be able to score right at the end.
"We are playing with confidence and it's easier to play better when you have confidence. It is a positive cycle - you are playing well, you are creating chances, you are scoring goals, you are winning matches."
A win on Sunday would put Manchester United back in pole position, but with Rio Ferdinand doubtful, Nemanja Vidic out due to suspension, and a recent slump in form, the team that looked unbeatable all season are starting to show some cracks.
Tonight Fergie's side play hosts to Aston Villa, a side who are very much looking to get back on the horse after some poor performances. This, coupled with the fact that Liverpool managed the three points at Craven Cottage - something that United failed to do - are factors that Benitez is confident will be turning the screw on the Old Trafford side.
Fulham held the Reds until 92 minutes in, when substitute Yossi Benayoun was fortunate enough to pick up on a loose ball and drill home a well placed injury time winner.
The win over Roy Hodgson's outfit saw Liverpool leapfrog Manchester United and reclaim top spot in the Premier League. And despite United having two games in hand, Rafa has said that the pressure is now on Sir Alex.
"We know we are still in the title race. I think it puts a bit more pressure on Manchester United," Benitez told BBC Sport.
"They have experience and quality but they will be under pressure."
In a game that looked sure to end goalless, the Reds' gaffer said that he was positive a goal would come.
"We were creating chances so we were disappointed we could not score.
"But to score the late goal we are really pleased.
"We were doing the right things all the time, it was just the finishing that needed to improve - and also their keeper was doing well. But if you are playing well you just have to keep going.
"We had confidence until the end, this team has belief that we will be able to score right at the end.
"We are playing with confidence and it's easier to play better when you have confidence. It is a positive cycle - you are playing well, you are creating chances, you are scoring goals, you are winning matches."
A win on Sunday would put Manchester United back in pole position, but with Rio Ferdinand doubtful, Nemanja Vidic out due to suspension, and a recent slump in form, the team that looked unbeatable all season are starting to show some cracks.
Tonight Fergie's side play hosts to Aston Villa, a side who are very much looking to get back on the horse after some poor performances. This, coupled with the fact that Liverpool managed the three points at Craven Cottage - something that United failed to do - are factors that Benitez is confident will be turning the screw on the Old Trafford side.
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