Rafa: I Was Right To Drop Keane

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has defended his decision to omit Robbie Keane from the starting XI in Sunday's thriller against Manchester City.

Eyebrows were raised when Keane was benched against City after scoring his first goal for the Reds in their midweek Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven.

The Irish forward, who initially struggled after his summer switch from Tottenham Hotspur, seemed to have finally found his touch with a match-winning display against Everton the previous weekend, and his absence was noticeable at Eastlands as the Merseysiders fell two goals behind in the first half.

Liverpool ran out 3-2 winners thanks to Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt, but some pundits have nonetheless taken Benitez to task over his decision to drop Keane.

The Spanish tactician responded via the club's official website: "City have players with pace and a lot of skill so we were trying to control this in the middle of the park and give freedom to (Steven) Gerrard.

"It wasn't bad but we made some mistakes. In the second half the attitude changed and everything was different.

"Against good teams it's always important to do the right things and we know we can beat anyone. They are a good team with a lot of good players and a good manager, so the belief of our players was the key."

Liverpool's second-half display would seem to at least partially justify Benitez's tactics, as the likes of Gerrard and Xabi Alonso exerted their considerable influence on the game.

The Reds' dominance after the break was highlighted when City defender Pablo Zabaleta was sent off for raising his studs in a desperate bid to win the ball from Alonso.

"Xabi is okay," added Rafa. "It was a clear red card, no doubt about this and very clear.

"At this point we were controlling the game and were on top of them. We were creating chances and we were better than them."

The win means Liverpool maintain their unbeaten record this season. They currently sit second in the Premier League standings, trailing Chelsea on goal difference.

Agger Ready To Fill Skrtel Void

As Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel prepares to learn the extent of his knee injury, Daniel Agger is readying himself for a long-awaited return to the first team.

It is Skrtel's fine form which has kept Agger rooted to the sidelines for most of the season so far, and yet it was a defensive error which could cause the Slovakian to miss the rest of the season.

The former Zenit St. Petersburg star misjudged a hopeful long-ball during Liverpool's miraculous win against Manchester City on Sunday, resulting in a nasty collision with Ched Evans that forced the Reds, who had already used all their substitutes, to play out the game with 10 men.

Television replays showed the 23-year-old's knee flex awkwardly in the challenge, and it has been confirmed that he will be out of action until at least January.

However, it is feared the damage could be even more severe, and Skrtel will see a specialist later today to learn whether he could in fact sit out the rest of the term.

In any case, there is now a vacancy in Rafael Benitez's back-line which desperately needs filling - and while Agger is disappointed for his team-mate, he is determined to grab his opportunity with both hands.

"Of course, I was hoping for some playing time but this is not exactly the way I wished to get it," the Danish defender told the Daily Mail. "I know Martin very well because I share a room with him when we travel.

"I hope to get my chance now and then I will prove that it is my place. At the same time it could be (Jamie) Carragher’s place we are talking about because I don’t know why people only say it is me and Skrtel fighting each other for a starting position."

Agger was a first-team fixture by the end on the 2006-07 campaign, but a recurring metatarsal injury saw him spend the vast majority of the following season on the treatment table.

Thus, with only Sami Hyypia in reserve, Skrtel was recruited in January to plug the gap - a job he performed with such aplomb that Benitez was forced to retain him in the starting XI even after Agger returned to fitness.

The former Brondby star, also 23, has made only two starts so far this season: the first coming against Standard Liege in Champions League qualifying in August, the second in the Carling Cup against Crewe Alexandra.

"I have had to be patient and wait for this opportunity but I’m not complaining. I know how things are," Agger said.

"The team have been playing really well and the results have been great so I couldn’t really expect the manager to make too many changes.

"The only thing I could do was get my head down and concentrate on getting as fit as possible so I would be ready when my chance came."

Speculation has sprung up over the past few weeks concerning Agger's future at Anfield, with several sources suggesting he is bored of sitting on the bench and may seek a move in January.

The strongest link comes from Real Madrid, who recently revealed their admiration for the Dane and confessed that they had initially planned to swoop for him in the summer.

But Agger dismissed rumours that he is unhappy at Liverpool, saying: "There have been a few stories about me recently but I couldn’t be happier. I’m really glad to be a Liverpool player and all I want is to play a part in maintaining our good start to the season."

The Reds are undefeated so far this season. They sit second in both the Premier League and their Champions League group, with only goal difference separating them from Chelsea and Atletico Madrid respectively.

Dirk Kuyt Optimistic Liverpool Are On Course

As he reflected on an uplifting start to the Barclays Premier League campaign for his Liverpool team, Rafael Benítez was eager to make clear that the real hard work lies ahead. That perception will only be enhanced by the grim confirmation yesterday that Martin Skrtel could be absent for six months with cruciate knee ligament damage, but not even that news could wipe the smile off Liverpudlian faces as they wondered whether maybe, just maybe, this could be their year.

It feels too early in the season to be pinpointing results that define a campaign, but Liverpool have had enough of them in recent weeks to suggest that they have summoned the spirit and resolve that is required of champions. Whether they have the necessary quality in all departments is to be determined, but, as they left the City of Manchester Stadium on Sunday evening after recovering from a 2-0 deficit to beat Manchester City 3-2, Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and the rest looked as if they felt that they had just proved something to each other as well as to Chelsea, Manchester United et al.

The misfortune for Liverpool is that the injury to Skrtel, one of their most impressive performers, threatens to take some of the wind out of their sails, with doubts over whether the Slovakia defender will play again this season after he damaged the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee shortly before Dirk Kuyt's stoppage-time winning goal against City. He will have a further assessment today.

In Skrtel's absence, Benítez must decide whether to opt for Daniel Agger, who has not played in the Premier League since suffering a fractured foot 13 months ago, or Sami Hyypia, who was deemed surplus to requirements when the manager submitted his squad for the Champions League at the end of August.

Hyypia, who turns 35 today, will have a part to play - not least because of his ineligibility for the Champions League, which came about as Benítez grasped for a way around Uefa's quota system on homegrown players - but, if Liverpool are to sustain their title challenge, it is essential that Agger returns to the form he had begun to show before injury brought his last season to a premature end. The Denmark defender has been troubled by concerns over the injury since returning to fitness over the summer, but Benítez will need him at his best for the tests ahead, most notably the encounter with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on October 26.

Either way, the majority of Liverpool's players departed for international duty in high spirits. “It was great for us to take all three points after what happened with Martin,” Kuyt, the Holland forward, said.

“Sunday was a really important win for us. I think the first half was our worst 45 minutes of the season, but we were a completely different side in the second half. It was great to win a game like that because it gives us even more belief, but we know it is still very early in what will be a long season. The most important thing now is to keep taking it one game at a time.”

Indeed, Benítez was eager to reinforce the “one game at a time” message, pointing out that there are matches at home to Wigan Athletic and away to Atlético Madrid, the latter in the Champions League, before the trip to Stamford Bridge.

Wigan were one of seven visiting teams to escape defeat at Anfield last season, but with victories at home to United and away to City, Liverpool have illustrated their determination to succeed where they failed last season - one game at a time.

Liverpool Boss Rafa Benitez Not Looking Beyond Wigan To Chelsea Clash

With some vital victories, Liverpool seem to be on the right track for the Premier League title challenge and manager Rafa Benitez has revealed a simple yet effective secret to it.

The Reds' impressive 3-2 win against Manchester City at the City of Manchester Stadium where they were down by two goals at half time, shows their calibre and determination to mount a sustained title challenge.

The victory has also kept Benitez’s side on a 12 match unbeaten run in all competitions and the Reds will look to maintain it when they face Wigan Athletic at Anfield after returning from the international break, before the big clash against Chelsea on October 26.

"We have a clear idea of what we have to do," Benitez said.

"We have to go one game at a time. This was another great win and three points.”

"The main thing from my point of view is the belief of the players."

Rafa: Nando Is A Good Boy!

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has once again hailed the impact of Fernando Torres.

Torres fired his 28th and 29th Premier League goals for Liverpool yesterday, a tally that takes him beyond Patrik Berger as the Reds' all-time foreign goalscorer in that competition.

The ex-Atletico man followed his brace in the Merseyside derby with another two-goal salvo at Manchester City in the weekend's 3-2 win and his manager could not be happier.

Torres set Rafa Benitez back over £20million, but the Liverpool boss has been more than repaid in terms of goalscoring output.

Today, he took the opportunity to talk up the European champion’s credentials.

He told the press: "We know how important Torres is for us. He is always a threat to the defenders and can score goals. He also gives space to his team-mates and Torres is a fantastic boy with a good mentality. He was unlucky not to get his hat-trick."

Martin Skrtel's Knee Injury Confirmed By Liverpool FC Medics

MARTIN SKRTEL is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after a scan revealed he suffered a cruciate ligament injury in Liverpool’s win over Manchester City.

The Slovakian defender was carried off in agony after falling awkwardly in the latter stages of the Reds 3-2 win yesterday.

Skrtel was also given oxygen on the pitch and Liverpool’s worst fears were today realised when the results of the scan showed that he sustained an injury to his posterior cruciate ligament.

He will see a specialist tomorrow, at which point it will be determined how long he is likely to be out of action.

Club spokesman Ian Cotton said: “Martin underwent a scan this morning which showed damage to the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

“He will see a specialist tomorrow to assess the extent of the injury and will then have an accurate idea of the time scales involved before he is back playing again.”

Meanwhile, Dirk Kuyt today dedicated his winning goal in yesterday’s clash to his stricken team-mate and admitted the sight of Skrtel being carried off made Liverpool even more determined to secure victory.

“Martin’s injury looked very ugly but hopefully it will not be too serious,” said the Dutchman.

“He is due to have a scan and with a bit of luck it will turn out to be not so bad but we will have to wait and see.

“It was great for us to take all three points after what happened to Martin and I think we all wanted to win it for him.”

It is feared Skrtel has suffered a knee ligament injury but nothing will be confirmed until the results of the scan are known.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez said: “Martin has twisted his knee and we will have to wait for the scan but we think it could be serious.

“That's the bad news for us from yesterday. When a player like Martin is on the ground you know it’s serious so we will keep our fingers crossed that it won’t be too bad.”

After going 2-0 down to City before half-time, Liverpool staged a remarkable second half comeback which saw them win the game thanks to a brace from Fernando Torres and Kuyt’s last gasp strike from close range.

Kuyt was delighted to score his first league goal since last November but he insists he is even more pleased that the Reds managed to take all three points after an opening 45 minutes which he readily admits was Liverpool’s worst of the season so far.

He said: “It was a really important win for us. I think the first half was our worst 45 minutes of the season but we were a completely different side in the second half.

“At half-time the manager told us that we had to go back out there and play our own game and that we would be back in the game if we scored a goal.

“That’s exactly what we did. We worked really hard and with Fernando getting the first goal early on in the half it gave us the belief that we could go on and win the game.

“The most important thing is to keep taking it one game at a time.

“It was great to win a game like this one because it gives us even more belief and confidence but we know it is still very early in what will be a long season and we have to keep focusing on getting results.

“I hadn’t been thinking of the fact it had been so long since I scored a goal in the league but it was great to score such an important one at the very end of a game and I am even more delighted because it gave us the three points we wanted so badly.”

“Now hopefully we can keep it going.”

Liverpool Boss Benitez Top Of Juventus List To Replace Ranieri?

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is on the top of the list to replace Claudio Ranieri at Serie A giants Juventus, according to Tuttosport.

Ranieri's future at La Vecchia Signora is clouded with uncertainty, despite the former Chelsea manager gaining promotion for the Turin club from Serie B the season before last and taking them to 3rd place in the Scudetto last season and qualifying for the Champions League.

However, the Bianconeri are struggling in 11th place in Serie A and had to come back to earn a draw with BATE Borisov in Europe last week after going 2-0 down. This has led to the board at Juve bringing Ranieri’s future into question and drawing up a list of people to replace the Italian.

Anfield chief Benitez is understood to top the list, with Zenit St Petersbug’s Dick Advocaat also on the list along with AS Roma coach Luciano Spalletti.

Benitez joined the Reds from La Liga side Valencia amidst reports of differences in transfer policy with the board at the Mestalla. Something Benitez has clashed with the American co-owners of Liverpool on more than one occasion, but a move to Italy would seem unlikely at the moment, with Liverpool making their best ever start to a Premier League season.

Liverpool Comeback Shows They Might Just Be The Real Deal

A win is a win is a win but, as Morrissey almost said, some wins are bigger than others.

To see Liverpool's delirious celebration of Dirk Kuyt's winning goal at Eastlands today, after they had been 2-0 down at the end of a thoroughly miserable first half, was to see a side with an increasingly powerful belief that destiny is with them, and that it has decided their run without a league title will end at 19 years.

Liverpool did not play particularly well until Pablo Zabaleta was given a straight red for an appalling challenge on Xabi Alonso, after which they picked City apart at will, but that only adds to the worthiness of their victory. There is an inclination to talk of such victories as displaying the "mark of champions", when a team have played badly but willed or lucked their way to a win.

Yet what is just as important as the perception that a lucky victory is the preserve of the bona fide title contenders is the extent to which the confidence and sense of fate that can be drawn from such victories permeates through future contests. Liverpool will glean an immeasurable psychological boost from the manner of their win.

There are still issues with the team, not least at full-back, but this will only reinforce the growing belief on the Kop that this could be Liverpool's year. Late wins, comeback wins, lucky wins: Liverpool are ticking a lot of the boxes of the potential champion. The force is strong in these ones.

Every title-winner recalls one symbolic victory: recent examples include Manchester United's heist at Anfield in March 2007, Chelsea's show of bare-chested cheek after withstanding a physical battering at Blackburn in February 2005, and Thierry Henry's 4-2 victory over Liverpool in April 2004. Usually, by their very nature, they come in the second half of the season. But if Liverpool win the league this year, this might be the one.

Comeback wins (Liverpool have already come from behind three times to win this season) and in particular late goals offer a window into a very healthy soul – remember how many Manchester United's treble winners scored – and this is the third time in seven league games that Liverpool have won with a goal in the final 10 minutes, two of them in injury time. Ryan Babel's winner against United also came late, with 13 minutes to go.

Liverpool are gathering force through each game and, as a consequence, gathering an even stronger force for the long-game of the title race.

Frustrated Liverpool defender Agger Set For A Move To Real Madrid In New Year

Unsettled Liverpool defender Daniel Agger could be set for a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in the January transfer window.

The Danish centre-back has fallen behind Martin Skrtel as Jamie Carragher's first choice partner, and the Sun have reported he has become unhappy with the lack of games.

Real vice-president Jose Angel Sanchez has admitted they would already have moved for Agger had they not spent the summer trying to resolve Robinho's future.

Sanchez said: 'We already had plans about buying Agger this summer, along with some other players.

'But the Robinho situation took so much attention and demanded so many resources from the club that we had to drop the plans for putting in a bid for him and the others we had in mind.

'Agger’s a player we have been looking at for a long time and it’s likely we will bid for him in January.

'He’s a world-class player and would fit into our system without a doubt. We need a defender and a striker - and Agger tops our list.'

Kuyt: Liverpool Can Aim For Title After Victory Over Manchester City

Liverpool's Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt, who scored the winner in his team's Saturday 3-2 victory over Manchester City, believes that that win proves that Rafael Benitez's team have the credentials to go on and win the Premier League this season. The stoppage time goal was Kuyt's first in the Premier League in 28 games.

Liverpool had been trailing 2-0 at the break, but two Fernando Torres goals brought them back in to the game. Going in to the international break, Benitez's team are top of the Premier League, four points ahead of Arsenal and six clear of champions Manchester United.

The 28-year-old said: "We try to make a statement every week. Every three games we have a big game. We had Everton and PSV last week, and our target is just to win every game and try to be there by the end of the season. But it was vital to keep pace with Chelsea before the internationals. We can leave with a good feeling.

"We've already had one international break and we came back in our first game after it and beat Man Utd, so I wouldn't say it comes at a bad time.

"Anyway, we don't need any excuses. We'll just keep on going and see how we do against Wigan in our next game."

Kuyt added: "We had a feeling at half-time that we could get back in the game if we scored a goal. We got that and were back in the game, and I think we deserved to win.

"All of the players worked really hard - even the substitutes. It shows what a good squad of players we have here.

"Fernando had a difficult time in the first half but that was the same for all of us. He just needed a little chance to score and it's great for a team if you have someone like that up front. He always seems to score when he gets his chances."

Skrtel - Worst Pain Ever

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has revealed his injury against Manchester City left him in the worst pain he has ever experienced.

The Slovakia international was stretched off late on at the City of Manchester Stadium on Sunday after falling awkwardly while shielding the ball from Ched Evans.

Skrtel's agony was obvious as he was given oxygen on the pitch and he has now informed Slovakia's team doctor that he went through a new level of pain after twisting his knee.

The Reds ace is set to go for an MRI scan on the injury on Monday where Liverpool will be hoping to ascertain how long he might be facing on the sidelines.

"I have already spoken with Martin and he told me he had never experienced such pain before," Peter Malinovsky told SITA.

"Martin will have an MRI scan on Monday and I don't really want to think about how long he might be on the sidelines.

"It might only be a week, but it could be a lot longer and I don't want to believe what the consequences of this injury could really be."

Match Review: Manchester City 2 - 3 LiverpooL

Dirk Kuyt scored his first Premier League goal since November to secure a dramatic victory for Liverpool.

The Holland striker rattled the ball home in stoppage time to stun 10-man City.

The home side had raced into a two-goal lead in the first half through Stephen Ireland and Javier Garrido.

Fernando Torres pulled a goal back before City's Pablo Zabaleta was sent off.

The momentum was then with Liverpool with Torres adding a second before Kuyt, who was guilty of a shocking earlier miss, having the final word.

Liverpool almost went ahead as early as the fourth minute when Albert Riera got a good touch and goalkeeper Joe Hart had to look alert to turn his effort around the post.

The visitors kept up the pressure and launched a swift counter-attack in the 15th minute. Javier Mascherano, who was preferred to Robbie Keane tried to send Steven Gerrard clear.

However Shaun Wright-Phillips showed his defensive qualities to get in a crucial challenge.

Three minutes later Kuyt should have put Liverpool ahead only to sky his shot over the top in front of the post after Riera had set up the opening.

City made the breakthrough a minute later thanks to Ireland's third goal of the season.

Wright-Phillips did well to cut the ball back from the by-line but it seemed to get stuck under Robinho's feet.

However it eventually fell to Ireland and the ever-improving midfielder rifled an unstoppable shot into the corner.

Whenever Liverpool did break forward City were defending in numbers from front to back. Xabi Alonso tried his luck from distance in the 38th minute but Hart was equal to his effort.

City extended their lead three minutes later after Wright-Phillips was bundled over Riera, who had a spell on loan at Eastlands.

Garrido stepped up and sent a superb free-kick over a stunned Reina for his first goal for the club.

However it was game on the 56th minute with Liverpool pulling a goal back through Torres.

England midfielder Steven Gerrard, a subdued figure in the first half, began the move by releasing Alvaro Arbeloa.

He skipped to the byline before delivering a cross into the path of Torres, who scored from close range.

It was the Spain striker's fourth goal of the league campaign and came on the back of his brace in the victory over Everton.

This was now a test of character for City, whose own form in the domestic campaign has been a little bit inconsistent.

However they hit back and Wright-Phillips skipped down the wing in the 65th minute, leaving Liverpool players trailing in his wake.

He picked out Robinho but he was unable to test Reina, his effort going over the bar.

The game took a dramatic twist in the 68th minute when City were reduced to 10 men.

Zabaleta was sent off by referee Peter Walton for what the official deemed as a two-footed lunge on Alonso, who needed brief treatment.

Keane was introduced at the expense of Mascherano in the 72nd minute and a minute later Liverpool were level.

Torres peeled away from his marker as Gerrard swung in the corner and thumped home a header.

He had a chance of completing his hat-trick in the 82nd minute only to send his effort at the back post wide of the target.

Kuyt then secured the points in stoppage time, smashing the ball high into the net after Torres' shot had bobbled off Dunne and into his path.

Reds Fear For Skrtel

Rafa Benitez fears Liverpool's Martin Skrtel could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee against Manchester City.

The Reds stopper fell awkwardly late on when attempting to keep the ball away from substitute Ched Evans at The City of Manchester Stadium.

Skrtel was caught in the air by Evans and upon landing his right leg caught in the ground and he needed to be stretched off with his leg heavily strapped.

Benitez has confirmed Skrtel will have a scan on Monday, although should he require any length of time on the sidelines Daniel Agger is on stand-by to fill in.

"It seems serious. He's twisted his knee and now we have to wait for the scan," the Spanish tactician told Sky Sports.

Work On Liverpool Stadium Halts

Building work on Liverpool's new stadium has been halted because of the credit squeeze, but chief executive Rick Parry said the project isn't in danger.

While Liverpool's ownership and financial future remains in doubt because of the continued discord between American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr., the worldwide crisis in the money markets have added to the problems facing the club.

"With the financial markets in the turmoil as they are, any major construction project at this time is difficult, it is risky,'' Parry told BBC Radio.”It is a case of a delay while things settle down. It is still a very, very good long term project. The economics of it still make underlying sense.''

Liverpool has planning permission to build a 60,000-seat stadium close to its current 45,000-capacity home at Anfield and hopes to increase it to 73,000. Building work has barely started on the Stanley Park site, however, and delays to the project have led to speculation that Hicks and Gillett, who remain in a dispute over the ownership of the club, have run into cashflow problems.

Parry said there were no intentions of making any major alterations to the project or groundshare with neighbor Everton, its most traditional and most bitter rival.

"I do not see any change in direction or any change in plans, and groundshare is not back on the agenda,'' said Parry, who added that there were no significant moves expected in the ownership dispute which has been dragging on for almost a year.

Hicks is blocking Gillett's moves to sell his 50 percent share to outside organizations.

"It has gone quiet and everyone is delighted,'' Parry said.”The focus at Liverpool should only ever be on football. All is relatively stable, I am not aware of anything that is happening regarding the sale of the club at this moment. My focus is on day-to-day things and making sure we deliver.''

Torres Is Priceless - Benitez

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists Fernando Torres is not for sale at any price and that he would not swap the Spaniard for anyone.

Benitez is a huge admirer of Torres and believes the striker is currently among the best players in the world.

Torres enjoyed a sensational debut season at Anfield last term netting 33 goals in all competitions and he carried that form into Euro 2008 helping Spain win the trophy in the summer.

Cash-rich Manchester City have been credited with an interest in signing Torres, but Benitez insists the former Atletico Madrid ace is 'unbuyable.'

"I do not want to put a price on him because people will want to think I want to sell him and that is not the case, so I will not say any price," Benitez is quoted as saying in the News of the World.

"I'm sure all the players have a value but not Torres. He is priceless to us. He is unbuyable.

"I would not want to swap Fernando with anyone else in the world because he is my player and I'm very pleased with him.

"There are good players in Europe and all the way around the world, but better than Torres? No."

Benitez is confident there is more to come from Torres and has tipped him to become even better in the future.

"Torres is very clever, but he is still young - he will get better," added Benitez.

"When he was at Atletico Madrid he was on his own up front. He was going to the wide areas too much.

"I felt he had to be closer to the box and he has worked on that. It makes him more dangerous."

Match Preview: Manchester City vs. LiverpooL

Liverpool face a tough trip to Eastlands on Sunday as the Reds resume Premiership duties with a clash against Manchester City.

The Reds make the short journey to Manchester boasting an unbeaten record in the league but manager Rafael Benitez is aware that the club now thought to be the richest in the world following their takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group will provide a stern test.

However, Benitez believes that getting back-to-back victories and building momentum is more important than winning a solitary game at the likes of City in order to have a genuine crack at the Premiership title.

"If you want to be a contender in the league, you have to be consistent - you have to win games in a row," he said.

"I'm not sure whether this is the type of game we need to win if we want to win the league.

"People were saying that about the Stoke game, saying 'you need to win this game, you need to win this game'.

"But we beat United and Everton either side of it. Of course, you need to win every game you can because the competition at the top of the Premier League this season is going to be really difficult.

"You can't guarantee that winning a game like City away will make a massive difference at the end of the season."

The Reds could consider themselves unfortunate to have come away from the City of Manchester Stadium with only a point last December and it's a result that still irritates Benitez.

He says: "It was clear last season that we were in a good moment but it finished 0-0 even though we had a lot of chances. It is important to do the right things this year.

"I remember the game really well. It was a good game and we played really well but could not score.

"We had chances in the first half and at the start of the second half Torres had two chances and there was one at the end, so I was really disappointed that we could not score because we deserved to win.

"At the time we were in a good moment. We had a lot of confidence and the team was playing well so the timing was bad for us.

"It is important to recognise that it is different this time though.

"It is another season with different players so hopefully the outcome will be better for us this time.

"The only similarity is that we are playing well now as we were then so we have to try and make sure that we are ready and that we take our chances if they come."

City are expected to spend heavily in the January transfer window and Benitez believes that Mark Hughes' side can pose a threat to the so called 'big four'.

He said: "They have a good team, with good players and a good manager - so why not? They could be near the top of the table, but Aston Villa have also spent a lot of money and other teams could also be there.

"I think that they will be thinking about improving every weekend. And after they bring new players, it is all about how they are settling and if they can understand each other. Foreign players will always need time, so I think it is not easy to sign top class players and get them to play well from the very first game.

"I think our main thing at the moment is to think about how we can improve our own team this year and for the future too. Every year you hear about Tottenham or Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle or West Ham and Manchester City now, but we have to do our job.

"City's money can obviously help when you're trying to sign the best players. But you need a squad in place too, the balance of which is the key if you want to win trophies.

"Everyone is talking about them, but any questions about whether the money makes it more difficult for them is one for Mark Hughes to answer.

"They were a good team beforehand, they are a good team now and they will be better in the future."

Liverpool's excellent form both domestically and in Europe will give Benitez serious selection headaches over the coming weeks with several high-profile players left warming the substitutes bench recently, but the manager believes that this is a sign of the Reds' progress.

"You know that if you want to win games and try to win trophies that you have a good squad," he said.

"I have said this is the best squad we have had since I came to the club.

"It is not easy for me to pick a team when so many of the players are confident and playing well but it is better to be this way than for your team to pick itself because only some of your players are playing well."

Benitez must decide whether to recall Javier Mascherano into Liverpool's midfield tomorrow or stick with Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso in the centre.

Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel picked up minor knocks in the Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven in midweek but both are available to play.

Daniel Agger continues to push for a starting berth while Albert Riera could start against the club he spent six months on-loan at in 2006.

City are sweating on the fitness of centre-back Richard Dunne after he missed Thursday's Uefa Cup victory over Omonia Nicosia with a hamstring problem. Tal Ben Haim will deputise if needed.

Martin Petrov is pushing for a recall to the starting line-up while the most expensive player in British football history, Robinho, will start.


PROBABLE TEAM LINE-UPS:

Manchester City from: Hart, Zabaleta, Richards, Dunne, Ben Haim, Garrido, Ball, Elano, Kompany, Ireland, Hamann, Fernandes, Petrov, Wright-Phillips, Robinho, Jo, Schmeichel, Evans, Sturridge, Glauber, Etuhu.

Liverpool from: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Hyypia, Skrtel, Aurelio, Dossena, Babel, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Benayoun, Riera, Torres, Kuyt, Keane, Lucas, Cavalieri.

City The Acid Test Of Ability To Sustain Title Quest

How apt that Steven Gerrard’s 100th goal for the club would be a screamer at the Kop end?

After bringing hope in the late 90s, then being key in delivering a glut of trophies in the noughties, Gerrard has been undoubtedly the shining light at Anfield over the last decade, and now possibly of all time.

But as things stand in 2008, the fact is that he is finally with a bunch of players who can also conjure up moments of magic.

In Fernando Torres, Robbie Keane, Ryan Babel and Albert Riera, Liverpool possess an attacking pool that finally looks like they could smash the London-Manchester league dominance.

The season so far has been impressive, and the strength in depth really is coming to the fore. Inevitably the media are picking up on this as testified by the daily rumours on Daniel Agger.

This is obviously a problem with big squads but I hope that Agger bides his time and when he does get his chance, he takes it, his ability to link defence with midfield can be a pleasure to watch.

The Champions League is as ever a big lure for fans but the league remains our first love and going top last Saturday, albeit for a few hours, felt so good.

The Stoke result still niggles but the professional way that Everton were dispatched took everyone’s minds of it.

Torres showed that he is a class act once again, and you wouldn’t swap this guy for anyone in the world.

For Torres also read, Gerrard, Carragher and Mascherano and you can start to see that this team is becoming a force.

The clash at Eastlands will however be a real acid test. Man City and their attacking abilities will represent one the biggest challenges thus far for our rearguard. But at the other end of the pitch I hope that Robbie Keane can now bag his first Premier League goal.

With the ever-improving Riera facing his former side, it’s time for Liverpool to get ruthless if they really are serious about bringing number 19 back home.

Rafa: Riera Just Revving Up

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says that he is pleased with what summer signing Albert Riera has managed to produce thus far, but insists that there is much more still to come from the former Espanyol ace.

Riera arrived at Anfield just prior to the close of the transfer window, and he has wasted little time settling into the Premier League.

The Spanish winger was highly impressive on debut against Manchester United, his touchline play during the 2-1 victory instantly demonstrating what the Reds have lacked on the left flank in recent years.

"It's too early to judge Albert properly," said Benitez on the club's official website. "He's been playing well and the team has been playing well also, but I think that he will improve.

"Players need time to settle down, but because he knows the Premier League it has made it easier for him. But we'll be expecting more from him."

Many were skeptical of the 26-year-old's quality given his failed stint at Manchester City, but tomorrow's match against his former side could be a perfect opportunity for him to prove that he has blossomed into a top player.

Alonso Admits Summer Sorrow

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has admitted that the treatment he received from the club over the summer still leaves a sour taste.

The Spain international looked set to leave Anfield with Rafa Benitez apparently happy to part with his services to raise funds for the proposed signing of Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

Alonso came close to joining Juventus, while Arsenal were also credited with an interest in his services, but he remained on Merseyside as Villa rejected all advances from the Reds for England international Barry.

The gifted midfielder never wanted to move away from Merseyside and is happy to have remained part of Benitez's first-team plans.

Alonso told the Daily Express: "I prefer not to think too much about how I was treated. It was a new situation for me, something I had never experienced before.

"It is a fact that any player can be really happy where he is but, if the club don't want him, he has to accept it. There is not much you can do.

"It is not always easy to detach yourself from things like that, but I accept it is part of football and the main thing is it was all resolved and I am now playing regularly.

"I was really pleased that I was able to continue my Liverpool career."

Liverpool have made an impressive unbeaten start to the season and Alonso believes they have the potential to challenge for honours at home and abroad.

He added: "With the team we have got and the spirit of the fans, it could be the right time to win things.

"But I prefer not to say it very loudly. We have to be cautious about making any predictions at this stage of the season. We know there is pressure because we haven't won anything for two years - but we impose that pressure on ourselves.

"We are responsible for the successes and failures of this club and we are more than happy to take that responsibility."

Kuyt Happy To Play Team Game

For Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt, goal scoring has become a hit-and-miss situation - hit in the Champions League, miss in the Premier League.

The Dutchman finds himself in the remarkable position of failing to score in the top flight in 26 appearances dating back to Liverpool's 3-0 win at Newcastle last November.

But in Europe, it is a totally different story. His opener in the 3-1 group-stage victory over PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday was his 10th in his last 16 Champions League ties.

Kuyt has scored 15 in 72 league games for Liverpool, and 12 in 31 cup ties.

The 28-year-old finds those figures hard to explain, but insists he does not care who scores for Liverpool as long as they win and he has been able to contribute to the team effort.

Boss Rafael Benitez consistently says the same, highlighting Kuyt's amazing work rate, which suggests the likeable Holland international will be in the thick of the action on Sunday at Eastlands against Manchester City.

It has not helped Kuyt's strike rate that he has been converted virtually to a right-sided midfielder by Benitez.

But the former Feyenoord forward said: "I scored again in Europe in midweek, and it does not matter what competition it is as far as I am concerned. That was my 10th in 16 European matches, but they are just goals to me.

"We have started well this season, we are in the top two in the Premier League and have six points in the Champions League. That is the most important thing.

"Winning games is the only thing that matters, not who scores them. But I have confidence that I will score more goals in the Premier League.

"For me, if I get an assist rather than a goal, it does not matter too much. It is still a goal."

Kuyt has slotted into his wide role with an uncomplaining attitude, saying: "I like it there. It allows me to make goals and to score them too.

"It is more important for me to play as part of the team. It does not matter what position that is, as a striker or on the right.

"If Rafa asked me to play full-back that would not be a problem, it is his decision. But I'm not sure how well I would do there, though!

"But I would do whatever he asks because you are a professional and all you can do is get on with it."

His hard-working style means Benitez uses that attribute in a role that sometimes sees Kuyt playing outside the box. He continued: "My goals target has changed a little because you do not get as many chances playing in the role I have now.

"You have other jobs to do when you are out on the right, goals are not the main target for me this season, it is honours that I want."

And he has no intention of leaving, despite transfer window speculation of interest from Hamburg. Benitez said of that: "Maybe in 10 years."

Kuyt added: "When you play for Liverpool it is impossible to find a better club anywhere in the world."

Which brings Kuyt onto Manchester City, and some wild, initial, suggestions from their new Arab owners that the likes of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard were on their wish-list.

Kuyt commented on that: "I don't think any players from Liverpool would want to join Manchester City because Liverpool is a much bigger club. It won't be easy for City if they try to sign really big players.

"It's possible, but if you want the ones who are already playing for the big clubs, that's the difficult thing."