Friday, May 09, 2008

Benitez Still Has Scores To Settle


Rafael Benitez wants Liverpool to end the season on a high and add to their record of scoring more goals than any team in England this term.

The Liverpool boss also wants to ensure that goalkeeper Jose Reina retains his 'golden gloves' title as the best stopper in the Premier League.

Sunday's trip to Tottenham is seen by Benitez as a chance to destroy a few myths about his side and counter the criticism they have taken this season over style and entertainment.

Their goal scoring is a point in question.

Liverpool have scored 117 goals this season in all competitions - more than any other team in England. They are five ahead of Arsenal who also have one game to play.

Benitez also wants another clean sheet to aid Reina's cause, with the Spain international leading the race to claim the division's most shutouts.

An 18th blank at White Hart Lane will guarantee Reina, who been ever-present in the league, the title as the Premier League's best goalkeeper for the third successive season.

He will also win it if his nearest challenger David James, one clean sheet behind, is rested by Portsmouth ahead of the FA Cup Final.

Benitez, with fourth spot assured, said: "To achieve 76 points would be fantastic. You always want to win trophies but we want more than 117 goals and another clean sheet, which would make us happier.

"It can be an exciting fixture, hopefully on the last day it can be an open match with some goals and a good match.

"We would like to sign off with a win, score some goals and play well. It is never easy to play the last game away from home, the hosts always find such occasions easier.

"But we have hungry people who want to show what they can do, we want another clean sheet and we want to add to the 117 goals we have scored this season.

"We want three more points, we aim to be at our very best to end on a positive note. We will use players with commitment and passion. If they are young, okay, then we will use young players."

Benitez could include Harry Kewell for his last game for the club before he is released, while Peter Crouch - who started his career at Spurs - may also play in what could also be his last game for the club before a £15m-plus summer move.

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