BENITEZ HAILS BREAKTHROUGH VICTORY
Rafa Benitez has hailed Liverpool's defeat of Manchester United as being worth far more than three points and a critical psychological breakthrough in their quest to win the title for the first time in 20 years.
Victory represented Benitez's first head-to-head triumph over Sir Alex Ferguson in the league and caused the normally reticent Spaniard to proclaim a landmark achievement.
"Normally I say a win is only three points but we have gained even more in terms of belief," Benitez boasted. "It gives us great confidence for the rest of the season. It sends out a message that we were able to take on the champions and beat them without Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres. People may not realise how good some of our other players are - but they should now.
"As a manager I have to keep calm. The fans say you can do this and that, but you have to analyse the potential of the team with your staff. Will it be enough to be at the top until the end of the season? You never know. At least we've shown that we can beat United now. With the players we've signed this year that's positive, but we have to keep calm. It's too early."
Nonetheless, having failed to win a single match against Chelsea, Manchester United or Arsenal in the Premier League last term, Pool's deserved 2-1 win was an essential breakthrough.
"If you lose this game then it is more or less six points lost," Benitez acknowledged. "In this case it's positive for us and gives us confidence for when we play against the top sides."
Not until October 26, when they travel to Stamford Bridge, will Liverpool face another Big Four rival. However, the importance of such clashes is set to be demonstrated again next weekend when Liverpool host Stoke City 24 hours before Manchester United face Chelsea in the knowledge that defeat would leave the champions nine points adrift of the top of the table.