Rafael Benitez: Limited Spending Power Makes Premier League Tough For Liverpool

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has suggested that it is more difficult for his team to win the Premier League than rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United because they can't match their spending power.

The Spanish tactician believes that even if the Reds do not win the title this season, they have demonstrated that they have a squad capable of doing so by mounting a serious challenge during the 2008-09 campaign.

However, a recent report suggested that the Merseyside outfit will offload 11 players, including key men such as Xabi Alonso, to fund new acquisitions this summer.

While Benitez has neither confirmed nor denied the claim, he has hinted that a lack of financial backing could make it extremely difficult to compete for England's top prize in the future.

"We are getting closer and closer to winning the league every year," Benitez is quoted as saying by Setanta.

"Everyone knows we are now genuine contenders. We’ve shown this year that we have enough quality in the squad.

"Look at the squad we have now compared to when I arrived here. We have better players with a winning mentality.

"But it is still very difficult when you analyse the financial power of Chelsea, United and Arsenal with the money they can spend."

Mascherano Maintains Loyalty To Liverpool

Battling midfielder Javier Mascherano will remain with Liverpool at Anfield for the foreseeable future as a season of challenging Manchester United for the Premier League title has given the Argentine captain added confidence of going all the way in forthcoming campaigns.

"My future is here," Mascherano affirmed on the club's official website. "I am here and I will continue to give 100 per cent. It will always be like this. I think we have taken a big step this season, a really big step.

"In the past three or four seasons Liverpool have lost the league maybe in December or January but this time we are there right at the very end of the season and we still have a chance. This is very important.

"Our job now is to continue to work hard and to improve because we have shown that we can win against the biggest teams."

There are just two fixtures remaining in the season run-in for Liverpool, who remain three points adrift of league leaders Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson's men also have a cushion of a game in hand, but Mascherano will not give up the chase until it is mathematically impossible.

"We know that we still have a chance so we will be supporting the teams who play against United, but the main thing is that we are doing our own job," he added.

"This has been a fantastic season for Liverpool and we are on target to get more points than we have ever had in the Premier League."

Liverpool Again Linked With Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mail, Liverpool have yet again turned their attentions to Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing.

The left-sided winger has been linked with a move away from the Riverside Stadium for some time, with the Reds and Tottenham Hotspur said to be most interested in acquiring his services.

Apparently, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is keen to add more width to his squad, despite signing Spain international Albert Riera last summer, and will offer Boro £12 million for the 24-year-old.

Downing has won 23 caps for England to date and has scored 22 goals in 233 appearances for the Teesside outfit.

It is claimed that Benitez was also eyeing Spurs' Aaron Lennon to play on the right, but has put that idea on hold having been impressed with Dirk Kuyt's performances as a makeshift winger.

Juventus Add Liverpool’s Dossena To Summer Wish List

Juventus have been one of the most disappointing Italian clubs in 2009, especially recently, as they have failed to record a league win in their past six attempts.

In fact, the Bianconeri have not tasted victory for almost two months now, when they easily accounted for Roma 4-1 at the Stadio Olimpico.

As a result, they have set their sights on a number of key players to bring in this summer, with Real Madrid’s Fabio Cannavaro and Werder Bremen’s Diego heading that list.

According to the latest reports from Sportsmediaset, Liverpool’s Andrea Dossena is the latest addition to their list of desired players, as he would add some much needed depth to a struggling defensive unit.

The former Udinese man is currently struggling to hold down a first-team spot with the Premier League outfit, so a return to a top club in the Serie A may be welcomed by the player himself.

Neither club are yet to officially comment on the reports.

Manchester United's Carlos Tevez Keen On Move To Liverpool

According to a report in the British tabloid The Sun, Carlos Tevez would like to join Liverpool at the end of the season.

The Argentina international is currently on loan at Manchester United, where his two-year spell comes to an end at the close of this season.

The Red Devils are thought to have first option to purchase 'El Apache' on a permanent basis, but it seems that they are unwilling to pay the £26-30 million it is claimed his owners are holding out for.

Should United decide they do not want to buy him this summer, the 25-year-old forward will be free to negotiate a deal with any other club.

While it is said that the likes of Spanish giants Real Madrid and Italian outfit Milan are interested in adding the former Boca Juniors and Corinthians star to their squads, the player has revealed he would like to remain in England.

Joining Liverpool would allow Tevez's family to stay in Cheshire, where they currently reside and say they are firmly settled.

Apparently, the Merseyside-based outfit have contacted the former three-time South American Player of the Year's owner, Kia Joorabchian, to notify him of their interest.

United have been staunchly against selling players to Liverpool in the past, and manager Alex Ferguson recently blocked Gabriel Heinze's proposed move to Anfield.

However, the Scot will have little say on whether Tevez can join the Reds, while the striker is apparently unconcerned about what United fans might think of the move as he has always made clear his desire to remain at Old Trafford.

Liverpool FC Striker Kuyt Is Mr Duracell

Rafael Benitez has hailed Dirk Kuyt as Liverpool’s “Mr. Duracell” and believes the Dutchman is enjoying the finest season of his Anfield career.

Kuyt has already equalled his best-ever tally of 14 goals for a campaign despite having been transformed from a striker into an attacking right-winger.

The 28-year-old, who arrived from Feyenoord in August 2006, has long been a favourite of both Benitez and supporters for his tireless non-stop effort no matter where he is selected to play.

And the Anfield manager believes that work ethic and versatility have made Kuyt an integral part of Liverpool’s prolonged championship challenge.

“Mr. Duracell is a good description for him because of the way he plays, he is always running and always on the go,” said Benitez.

“But when we signed him we knew he was this type of player – he had been doing that for years.

“This year maybe he is doing so much better because the team has been doing well too.

“He’s done really well creating things, but also scoring a lot of goals as well.

“Over my career I have had some very good players in terms of the running they do and the difference now is we have a squad with lots of those types.

“But it’s always good when you have someone like Dirk, who has the mentality to realise how important that is for the team.”

Kuyt has appeared in all but four of Liverpool’s 53 games this season with Benitez revealing the Dutchman is often one of the first names on his teamsheet.

“I was talking with one of his former team-mates in Holland and he said that Dirk had actually started as a right-back, before moving forward as a winger with Feyenoord and the national team,” said the Spaniard.

“So we have always known that he can play in a lot of different positions – either wing, as a second striker, up front. And he’s done well in all of them too.

“And because you can use him in so many different ways, you can pretty much guarantee he will be in the starting line-up.”

Kuyt has also provided a number of assists from the right flank, the latest of which created Ryan Babel’s late strike in the 3-0 win at West Ham United on Saturday.

And the Dutchman is refusing to give up on Liverpool’s quest for the Premier League title, despite Manchester United needing only four points from three games to regain the crown.

“The spirit and strength of the squad are really important because we know we have a lot of quality in this team,” said Kuyt.

“I thought it was a great performance against West Ham and it’s always more easy when you score an early goal. We know our target, which is just to win our games and then let’s see what happens.

“It was really nice for Ryan to come off the bench and score a goal. He has had to be patient but I was very happy for him.”

Meanwhile, West Ham’s Mark Noble hopes Steven Gerrard ends his career with a title winners’ medal -– because ‘he sets an example to every midfielder in the country’.

The 21-year-old asked Gerrard for his shirt after Liverpool’s 3-0 victory at Upton Park on Saturday – and also collected Jamie Carragher’s jersey for pal Craig Bellamy.

Noble said: “He’s the best, isn’t he? Let’s put that straight. In my eyes, with the praise he does get, I still don’t think he gets enough. He’s obviously labelled one of the best in Europe but with the goals he scores, how he is for Liverpool, I’d say he is the best.

“He has stayed at his own club all these years. The really big teams are all interested in him but he pledged his future to Liverpool. For his sake, I hope one day he wins the title. For him and for Liverpool.”

And Noble says he is eager to one day get close to Gerrard’s high standards.

“Everyone wants to aspire to being that good,” he said. “He’s got a fantastic brain but he is also an athlete – he’s strong, powerful and quick. He’s got everything. If I can be nearly as good as Stevie Gerrard I’d be pleased.”

Nottingham Forest are in talks with Liverpool over signing Paul Anderson on a permanent basis.

The 20-year-old right-winger spent a successful season on loan at the Coca-Cola Championship outfit despite missing almost half of the season through injury.

Liverpool reserve Jack Hobbs joined Leicester City last month.

Mark Lawrenson: Liverpool FC Ready To Become The Best

When you’re desperate to win the league title after what is about to become a 20-year wait, there’s not much consolation in finishing runners-up.

But if that is the scenario at the end of this season, then Liverpool should take quite a lot of it.

If you are destined to finish second, then the best you can do is make a challenge while you’re doing it. Even if Manchester United get the four points needed to secure the title before Liverpool go to West Brom on Sunday, then we’re still in the middle of May.

And to keep the title race alive that long into the season is something that Liverpool should take great confidence from going into next season.

They are now looking and playing like champions and if that momentum can be bottled then unleashed again in August, it will provide a great platform for another challenge.

But whatever happens in the last couple of weeks of this campaign, at least United now know Liverpool are capable of giving them a challenge.

And that alone signifies a year of great progress.

LFC Academy: Liverpool Lose Out To Sunderland

Liverpool under-18s went down to a 2-1 defeat at Sunderland on Saturday.

With so many players away with the reserves in Holland on Friday, on international duty or recovering from injury Liverpool agreed to play the FA Premier Academy League contest as an under-16s fixture. Coach Hugh McAuley handed over the reigns to his U16s colleague Dave Shannon.

Despite a slow start, Liverpool played well in the second half and were slightly unlucky not to grab a point.

They went behind just a minute before half-time when a shot looped in off full-back John Flanagan.

The defender made amends in the second half when heading home the equaliser from Adam Dawson’s corner.

But with 15 minutes left goalkeeper Chris Oldfield was deceived by a free-kick and allowed it to slip in for the winner.

With only a handful of players with any experience in the U18s side, Shannon was reasonably happy with side’s efforts. He said: “The game was played in really strong winds, blowing from side to side and it made it really difficult for both sides.

“It looked like it might be heading for a draw, until our keeper Chris Oldfield, due in part to the wind, let a free-kick slip through his hands, which was unfortunate because before that he had made some excellent saves.

“It was a scrappy game because of the conditions. We were very poor in the first half. We were under the cosh for the first 15 minutes. We weathered that and Chris made a couple of good saves during that period. We came more into the game and second half was a much better performance. We were disappointed not to come away with the draw, but Sunderland had a few more chances than us.”

He added: “It was a great experience for the lads. Normally they don’t play for points, which was different for them. It is just a shame we didn’t get any. The U16s will be the new scholars coming in next season so it was valuable experience.”

Liverpool complete their Academy League fixtures this week, looking for the four points to guarantee a third-placed finish in the North West section.

McAuley’s side play their final home match of the season against Sheffield United at the Kirkby Academy this afternoon (kick-off 2pm).

Then on Saturday they travel to Bolton Wanderers for their last match before the two-legged FA Youth Cup final with Arsenal.

McAuley said: “Dave (Shannon) was quite pleased with the overall performance at Sunderland, who are a very good side at this level. Obviously we are looking for the points to finish third and it is a shame we couldn’t pick up any. But against Sheffield we will have a stronger team out with mostly the U18s. We will still have a couple of schoolboys playing because Christopher Buchtmann and Lauri Dalla Valle are away on international duty. Tom Ince and Nathan Eccleston are in the squad but won’t start.

“We have a chance to pick up some points and then hopefully we can finish off well against Bolton.”

Liverpool full-back Buchtmann has been playing a key role in Germany’s march to the semi-finals of the UEFA U17s European Championships.

The youngster scored in the German side’s 3-1 win over Turkey in their opening match. He then set up three of Germany’s goals in the 4-0 crushing of England.

Buchtmann is ruled out of the final group match with Holland this evening after picking up a second yellow card against England.

Striker Dalla Valle has been away on international duty with Finland ahead of their participation in next month’s UEFA U21 European Championship.

Key Youth Cup players David Amoo, Steve Irwin, Dean Bouzanis and Daniel Ayala all played a part for the reserves in their 1-0 friendly defeat at Ajax on Friday.

Steven Gerrard Urges Summer Spending At Liverpool

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, who produced another talismanic match-wining performance when he scored twice in yesterday's 3-0 defeat of West Ham United at Upton Park, feels that further reinforcement of the team is necessary in this summer's transfer window, if the Reds are to develop and end their long wait for a league title next season.

With Manchester United beating their local rivals Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford today, Saturday's victory in east London begins to look a little hollow, as the Red Devils moved three points clear of the Merseyside outfit, with a game in hand.

Only two fixtures remain for Gerrard and company, and it looks as though even the indomitable skipper's mind has begun to turn towards next season.

"We've shown this year we've made massive strides and there has been big progression," he told Setanta Sports.

"I think every squad, no matter how successful you are, still needs strengthening and changes.

"I don't think this team needs many changes because the players in the squad are very good. If we can get a couple in and get stronger, of course we want them."

Earlier media reports in England had intimated that Reds manager Rafa Benitez is set to rid himself of eleven players in the summer. No firm targets have yet become apparent as their replacements though.

Gerrard: Torres Partnership Is The Key

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard would welcome two suitable signings this summer to strengthen a squad that he thinks will challenge for next year's title based on his partnership with Fernando Torres.

Gerrard has warned the Premier League that he expects to push Manchester United even closer next season if he and Spain striker Torres stay fit.

They have only started 13 league games together this season but have scored 16 goals between them in those games, with two from Gerrard helping defeat West Ham 3-0 on Saturday.

And Liverpool's captain feels his side are not far away from being the finished article.

"We've shown this year we've made massive strides and there has been big progression," Gerrard said. "I think every squad, no matter how successful you are, still needs strengthening and changes.

"I don't think this team needs many changes because the players in the squad are very good. If we can get a couple in and get stronger, of course we want them."

Liverpool are mathematically still in the title race but United are still favourites, although that could have been a different story if Gerrard and Torres were fit for the entire season.

"The frustrating thing for both of us is that we haven't been on the pitch together far more," Gerrard said.

"Going into next season it's important that we both stay fit to give Liverpool the best chance of being successful because we feel if we are both fit and on top form we'll cause defenders and teams many problems.

"Without sounding big-headed there is a confidence when we are both on the pitch that we can win football matches. When he is on top form I don't think anyone will argue that he is the best striker in the world. To not have him fit is so frustrating, as his team-mate.

"If we are both on the pitch and fit you'll see many more goals as well."

After Ryan Babel wrapped up victory at Upton Park, Gerrard then anticipated a nervous time this week watching United play their games in hand.

Hammers midfielder Mark Noble feels Gerrard deserves a title winners' medal in his career for his setting an example to other players in his position.

Noble, who swapped shirts with Gerrard and also picked up Jamie Carragher's to pass on to former team-mate Craig Bellamy, said: "He's the best, isn't he? Let's put that straight.

"In my eyes, with the praise he does get, I still don't think he gets enough. He's obviously labelled one of the best in Europe but with the goals he scores, how he is for Liverpool, I'd say he is the best.

"He has stayed at his own club all these years. The really big teams are all interested in him but he pledged his future to Liverpool. For his sake, I hope one day he wins the title. For him and for Liverpool."

For Noble, he hopes to eventually get close to the standards set by Gerrard.

"Everyone wants to aspire to being that good," he said. "He's got a fantastic brain but he is also an athlete - he's strong, powerful and quick. He's got everything. If I can be nearly as good as Stevie Gerrard I'd be pleased."

Milan Interested In Dossena

Milan are preparing a bid to bring Andrea Dossena back to Italy, as Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez looks ready to sell him.

The 27-year-old full-back joined the Reds from Udinese last summer, but has failed to hold down a first team place.

Despite a good performance against Manchester United in March, Dossena has found it hard to impress Benitez.

He has made just 13 appearances for Liverpool this season and is said not to figure in the club's long-term plans.

Milan would like to give their existing full-backs, Gianluca Zambrotta and Marek Janukolovski, some healthy competition.

Dossena has seven Italy caps and is versatile enough to help out across the defence and midfield.

He is likely to cost £8m, as Liverpool look to recoup as much of the £10m they spent on him last summer.

Several other teams in Italy and England are believed to be interested in signing Dossena, who started his career with Hellas Verona.

Benitez Forced To Watch As Title Slips Beyond Liverpool

Given his invariably animated demeanour on the touchline, it is to be assumed that Rafa Benitez is not a natural spectator. Yet that is the role he is being forced to assume this week for four and a half hours as Manchester United seek the points that will deprive Benitez's club of another League title.

Yesterday afternoon was the first, disappointing installment and all who love Liverpool must go through it again twice more before the players can ease their frustration at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday; by which time United's players could have the medals hanging round their necks.

Benitez has to make defiant noises. He is hoping that there may be a surprise on Wednesday at Wigan, though nothing in the latter's recent form suggests it. What seems far more likely, and has done for some time, is that he will have to make do with justified satisfaction at the best of his five League campaigns. It will almost certainly involve finishing runners-up for the first time since 2002, with the club's highest points total since 1988, and possibly as few as two defeats.

There was never any danger of suffering a third at Upton Park from the moment that Steven Gerrard made a classic run through the parting waters of the West Ham defence to open the scoring after 76 seconds. Liverpool's 4-2-3-1 formation now fits them as comfortably as a favourite old pair of shoes, even when, as on Saturday, Xabi Alonso is unavailable to sit snugly alongside Javier Mascherano as the holding midfielder. After Gerrard found the target again before half-time, Ryan Babel's late goal meant they have set a club record by scoring three or more times in six successive games.

"I'm really pleased because we are scoring goals as well as keeping clean sheets," Benitez said. "That means we have the balance. It's good for this year and the future and means we're going in the right direction. We have better players with a winning mentality and they're still improving.

"We will keep training normally and be ready if United make a mistake. It will be difficult, but it's the Premier League and all teams can win."

West Ham cannot, at least against the big four. Despite being in serious contention for a European place, they have now lost at home to United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal without scoring a goal. Carlton Cole and Dean Ashton may briefly have been in promising tandem at the start of the season for successive 4-1 victories under Alan Curbishley, but the continental pairing of David di Michele just behind Diego Tristan holds no such menace.

Di Michele embarrassed himself by attempting to win a penalty for falling over his own feet and was rightly booked by referee Alan Wiley, whose only mistake was not giving a free-kick for a foul by the otherwise immaculate Mascherano before Liverpool broke to win a penalty for their second goal. How successive West Ham managers failed to integrate Mascherano into a side threatened by relegation is one of the great football mysteries.

"The difference between teams like us and Liverpool is still big but we're getting there," Curbishley's successor Gianfranco Zola said. "When we'll get there I don't know but I'm sure we're going to. Trust me." The financially troubled owner-chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson obviously does, awarding Zola and his assistant Steve Clarke new four-year contracts. Unfortunately they now need some money to spend, far more than the insatiable Benitez.

United Striker Tevez Opens The Door To Man City And Liverpool

A stunning Carlos Tevez goal edged Manchester United closer to the Premier League title at Old Trafford yesterday.

But the Argentinian star now looks set to open talks about a move to Manchester City or Liverpool.

Tevez showed his frustration at United’s failure to offer him a permanent contact by running towards the directors’ box with his hands to his ears after his sensational strike completed his team’s 2-0 victory over City in the Manchester derby.

The gesture appeared to mock the United board’s silence over a long-term deal and came on a day Tevez had underlined his intent to leave United in Sunday newspaper interviews.

It is understood his advisers will today begin the search for a new club in earnest.

United would have to pay £32million to keep him beyond the loan deal which ends this summer.

Sportsmail can reveal interest from City and Liverpool is genuine and that contact has been made with Tevez’s representatives.

Tevez is also interested in a move to Spain — with Real Madrid heading the queue — but Sir Alex Ferguson said: ‘Nothing has changed. He is a Manchester United player.’

Gerrard Left Frustrated

Steven Gerrard admits Liverpool's title challenge could have been different if himself and Fernando Torres had avoided injury.

The pair have both missed a chunk of games after picking up a series of knocks throughout the season.

Gerrard and Torres started only their 12th game Premier League together in Saturday's 3-0 win over West Ham and the pair combined to devastating effect with the opening goal in the opening minutes at Upton Park.

Reds skipper Gerrard admits he has been left frustrated that the deadly duo have not been able to play together more often.

"The frustrating thing for both of us is that we haven't been on the pitch together far more," said Gerrard.

"Going into next season it's important that we both stay fit to give Liverpool the best chance of being successful because we feel if we are both fit and on top form we'll cause defenders and teams many problems.

"Without sounding big-headed there is a confidence when we are both on the pitch that we can win football matches. When he is on top form I don't think anyone will argue that he is the best striker in the world. To not have him fit is so frustrating, as his team-mate.

"If we are both on the pitch and fit you'll see many more goals as well."

Gerrard also believes Reds boss Rafa Benitez needs to strengthen his squad in the summer if they are to challenge for the title on a consistent basis.

"We've shown this year we've made massive strides and there has been big progression," added Gerrard. "I think every squad, no matter how successful you are, still needs strengthening and changes.

"I don't think this team needs many changes because the players in the squad are very good. If we can get a couple in and get stronger, of course we want them."

Match Report: West Ham United 0 - 3 Liverpool

Steven Gerrard scored twice against West Ham to send Liverpool top of the Premier League and keep alive their slim title hopes.

With Manchester United playing on Sunday, Rafael Benitez's men overtook them on goal difference - but time has almost run out and they only have two matches left.

United have four games and may not need them all to secure the title, although the efforts of Gerrard has at least stretched them well into May.

The 28-year-old's goals at Upton Park took his tally to 23 for the season, with Ryan Babel adding a late third to seal the win.

Liverpool's hopes this season have been built on the firepower of Fernando Torres and Gerrard - and the pair combined after 76 seconds for the opener.

Torres, back fit after a hamstring problem ruled him out of the win over Newcastle, received the ball in midfield but was given the time to turn and pick his pass, threading ball through to Gerrard beyond the Hammers defence.

The hosts were claiming offside but James Tomkins had played Gerrard on, with the England midfielder taking the ball around Robert Green and finishing into an empty net.

The early opener stunned the hosts, who kicked off knowing Fulham had won and Tottenham picked up a point earlier in the day in the race for the Europa League next season.

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola believes four more points will see them secure seventh place - which will get them into Europe if UEFA grant them a club licence - and they had their moments after the setback of Gerrard's opener.

As they attempted to find a way back into the game, Diego Tristan flicked a header at goal from Mark Noble's free-kick that required Jose Reina to save.

They got a little closer just before the half-hour mark when Noble earned a free-kick on the left and swung the set-piece into the danger area. Radoslav Kovac got in front of Reina to meet the ball but his header flew over the crossbar.

Their progress was undone when Luis Boa Morte suffered a nightmare 30 seconds which resulted in conceding a penalty just before the break.

He was furious that no free-kick was given when Javier Mascherano brought him down, then chased back to own penalty area and hauled down Torres when Yossi Benayoun scooped the ball through.

Green saved Gerrard's spot-kick but the rebound fell to the Liverpool captain to tap home.

David di Michele should have pulled a goal back when he seized on a mistake by Jamie Carragher. He raced through and got his feet tangled up as he tried to take the ball around Reina.

It was a shocking miss and referee Alan Wiley rubbed salt in the wound by booking the Italian for diving.

Boa Morte was trying to atone for own his first-half error after the restart but one powerful run was ended by Fabio Aurelio, earning the full-back a caution.

Liverpool threatened to score a third, with Benayoun volleying over from Dirk Kuyt's cross and Torres looping a header just over the crossbar.

The Hammers defence looked under pressure but Matthew Upson was exposed in a different way when he received a bloody nose - the centre-back had to strip down to his underwear on the sidelines to change his kit.

Upson was among the players racing back when Liverpool broke on the hour mark, with the hosts saved by Green rushing out to block Kuyt's effort.

Benayoun then exchanged passes with Torres before shaving Green's post with a drive.

There were ironic cheers when Di Michele was taken off for Freddie Sears, as there were when Tristan put the ball in the net after clearly being offside.

The visitors were able to keep out any genuine efforts and added a third through Babel with five minutes remaining.

Kuyt crossed for his fellow Dutchman, Green saved the initial header but the rebound was tapped home.

Gerrard Looking To Man City For Helping Hand

Steven Gerrard wants Manchester City to help Liverpool's bid to snatch the Premier League title by beating Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Gerrard scored twice in a 3-0 victory at West Ham United on Saturday which took Liverpool back to the top of the table on goal difference, at least until second-placed United play City.

"United have got a tough game," the England midfielder told Setanta Sports.

"City have just come into a bit of form and derby matches are never easy so we wait and hope City can do us a favour."

Liverpool and United have 80 points, with the Anfield team possessing a goal difference of plus-46 against the Old Trafford club's plus-40.

However, Liverpool only have two matches remaining and United have four.

Gerrard, with a personal-best 23 goals this season, said: "Our aim is to win our remaining games.

"We are happy with the result today and happy with the clean sheet and that puts more pressure on United.

"If they go and win their games, fair play to them they deserve it. But we have to keep the pressure on."

Gerrard put Liverpool ahead early and made it 2-0 after 38 minutes, forcing the rebound over the line after Robert Green saved his penalty.

"I don't like blaming other people for my errors but (team mate) Jamie Carragher said to me this morning 'you are due a penalty miss aren't you?'.

"He's getting the blame, he jinxed me," joked Gerrard.

Ryan Babel also struck as Liverpool chalked up their ninth win in 10 league games.

United, though, are well placed to land a third successive title and equal Liverpool's all-time record of 18 championships.

Rafa Benitez £64m Spree

Rafa Benitez will have a £64million war chest to battle Manchester United.

And top of the Liverpool boss' summer agenda is to finally tie up an £8m deal to bring Gareth Barry to Anfield when the season ends.

He will then off-load up to 11 squad players to cover the Barry deal and to generate more funds to compete in the transfer market.

With Xabi Alonso earmarked for an £18m switch to Manchester City, it leaves the way open for Benitez to keep his promise to Barry.

The Aston Villa and England star will tell his current manager Martin O'Neill to honour his pledge to sell him to Liverpool before the end of this month.

Barry has told friends he is determined to move to Merseyside after Villa's failure to qualify for the Champions League.

When a deal collapsed last season, Benitez assured Barry that he would be back for him - and he is keeping his promise. And Benitez wants Barry signed quickly to avoid the wrangles of last summer.

Barry has just a year left on his current deal and also feels Villa owe him the chance to move on after he committed to a final season in the Midlands.

Villa boss O'Neill has already conceded he is powerless to stop Barry leaving this time - although the fee could yet prove a sticking point in talks.

Having already been promised his annual £20m from the club's owners, Benitez thinks he could get another £44m in player sales.

As well as the £18m he expects from Alonso's exit, Rafa has sold Jack Hobbs to Leicester for around £1m, while others certain to go are Ryan Babel, Andrea Dossena plus on-loan duo Andriy Voronin and Sebastian Leto.

Benitez also believes he will get more cash by slashing the wage bill, with big earner Jermaine Pennant set to quit Merseyside for Valencia on a Bosman.

Keeper Charles Itandje is also being forced out of the club for disciplinary reasons, while Swiss defender Philipp Degen has been a disastrous signing.

Albert Riera is also vulnerable as Benitez is considering a £12m swoop for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing.

Meanwhile, Sami Hyypia will wait to see if the title race goes to the wire before deciding whether to accept a Liverpool testimonial. The 6ft 4in Finnish defender has agreed a summer move to Bayer Leverkusen after 10 years at Anfield.

If Manchester United have wrapped up the league by the time Spurs visit on May 24, Hyypia will likely to be honorary skipper for the day. If the race goes all the way, he may have a send-off next season.

Liverpool Have Done Their Job - Rafa Benitez

Liverpool overcame West Ham today with a 3-0 away win at Upton Park and secured the top spot, for the time being at least, and effectively ended any hopes that the Hammers may have had of a Europa League spot.

Rafa Benitez shared his thoughts on the preceedings, insisting that his side have done their job as well as they can and now must play the waiting game as Manchester United's games in hand loom large.

"The first goal was very important for us," began the Spaniard.

"To play organised, counter-attacking football was good because when they were going forward, we had more space.

"We are very pleased. The position we are in is great. We know we've done our job, all we can do now is wait."

Rafa was quizzed on the strength of Manchester United, and if he thought that their upcoming clash with Man City would be enough to cause a hiccup in the Sir Alex Ferguson's camp.

"I think it will be a difficult game. A derby is always hard. Hopefully we'll still be top of the league after this weekend," replied the 49-year-old Spaniard.

And when asked if second place would still be a good testament of Liverpool's efforts this year, the Reds boss said, "We are fighting for first position. Ask me in a few weeks whether finishing second was okay. First is better and that's what we're heading for."

If Gerrard Thinks We Can Win, We Can - Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun

Yossi Benayoun, a great performer of late for title-chasers Liverpool, spoke to the press after his side's comfortable win over Gianfranco Zola's West Ham United.

The win sees the Reds pitch up at the head of the table for the moment, as Manchester United wait to play their two games in hand over the title-chasing Anfield outfit.

With Liverpool now narrowly ahead on goal difference, Yossi shared his thoughts on the proceedings.

"It was important to win," began the forward, speaking with Setanta Sports.

"It puts the pressure on Manchester United ahead of their game tomorrow. Hopefully they will slip up and we'll be closer to them.

"I think it was a good performance. Of course we scored the first goal quickly, so that filled everyone with confidence.

"From then on it was easy for us. We took our chances and we played well as a team."

Ahead of Manchester United's derby clash against Manchester City, Benayoun spoke for the entire Liverpool squad by saying that he hopes United experience a hiccup in their campaign.

"We know it will be difficult. They [Manchester United] still have their games in hand and they are a very strong side," continued the Israeli.

"We will try our best to win the rest of our games like we have been doing in the past and hopefully they will slip up. If they don't, they deserve to be the champions, but hopefully we're in with a chance.

"We know that we've done our best - that's the most important thing.

"Manchester derbies are always difficult. City have a lot of quality players in attack, so hopefully they will win.

"But, everyone knows that Man United are the favourites, not many teams can stop them."

Reiterating the woes of Liverpool fans the world over, Yossi explained why the Premier League gradually fell into the hands of United.

"We lost too many games between January and February. That gave United the chance to get their confidence back and they went top of the league," he admitted.

"If we do finish second, we'll learn from this season and use it to our advantage next season."

Forever the loyalist, Yossi was quizzed on whether the earlier comments made by Steven Gerrard should be taken seriously when he stated that this Liverpool team will win a Premier League title.

"Yes, of course. One hundred per cent. If Stevie said it, then it'll happen. We're all behind him and we all think like that. Hopefully it will happen soon."

Jamie Carragher Jinxed Me - Liverpool Skipper Steven Gerrard

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard found himself chasing a hat-trick today at Upton Park as he netted twice for the Reds with Ryan Babel putting the game to bed with a late third.

Gerrard sported a never-say-die attitude as he addressed the press post-match, making it known that Liverpool will fight until the bitter end.

"We've got to keep going," began the skipper.

"We've got to do our job, and that's to win all of our remaining games.

"We're happy with the result. Happy with the clean sheet, and hopefully the pressure's on United now. If they win their games, then fair play, they deserve it, but we have to keep the pressure on.

"When you come to places like West Ham - teams that play well and have a good manager - it's important that you start well. That's what we done.

"Looking at the whole game, I think we deserved the win."

A rare occurrence was seen today as Gerrard failed to score from the penalty spot, but he managed to put away the resulting rebound that came from Robert Green's save.

"I don't like blaming other people for my errors, but Jamie Carragher said to me this morning 'You're due a penalty miss, aren't ya?', so he's getting the blame, he jinxed me!" laughed the captain.

Liverpool's number 8 also went on to hail the sense of brotherhood and drive felt in the Liverpool squad.

"[The win] shows we're a good team. It shows we've got a good togetherness and that we've got a winning mentality," Gerrard went on.

"We've got good players and we deserve to be top of the league at the moment."

Manchester United have two games in hand over Liverpool, with both teams tied at the top and 'Pool narrowly ahead on goal difference. However, Gerrard, along with the rest of the Liverpool squad, will be hoping that the Manchester derby will cause a hiccup for United.

"They've got a tough game. Man City have come into a bit of form and derby matches are never easy," continued Gerrard.

"We wait and we hope that Man City can do us a favour, but the important thing is that we do our job."

Thinking productively, Gerrard first rued missed opportunities before turning on a more optimistic tone when speaking of the club's future.

"It would be nice [if we still had the upper hand in the league], but we only have ourselves to blame for not winning football matches that we should have won," he said.

"We've drawn too many games at home this season and it's been frustrating, but you still have to give us credit. We've done so well to be in the title race.

"In a club like Liverpool it's important to win trophies, and second place doesn't bring anything - but it does show progression.

"We learn from this season, fix what we did wrong this season and get it right next season."