Benitez: Gerrard creates fear factor in opposition

LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez believes Steven Gerrard strikes fear into opponents when they see his name on the team sheet.

The England midfielder's all-action display inspired his side to victory over Arsenal on Sunday and Benitez wants the win to kick-start their season.

The 24-year-old set up the opener for Xabi Alonso before Neil Mellor snatched the points with a splendid injury-time winner.

Arsene Wenger recently suggested Chelsea could step up their interest in the midfielder when the transfer window reopens, but Gerrard showed no signs of being disrupted by the Arsenal manager's claims.

"We want the top four but we are aiming higher than that," said Gerrard, who stayed at the club this summer after being linked with Chelsea.

Benitez, who barely flinched at Mellor's spectacular winner, is desperate to keep his skipper at the club. He admitted to not sleeping properly because of the mounting pressure as Liverpool boss, but must surely be reassured by Gerrard's return to fitness.

"This could be the turning point," Benitez said. "We are talking of being in the top four, that is our aim, and when we win games against teams like Arsenal then you know that you can do it.

"It gives us confidence and belief that we can achieve what we are aiming for. We have many players out injured at the moment but we can still produce a performance of this quality. I am very pleased with them all."

Benitez tried to explain his lack of outward emotion as Mellor's drive hit the net at the Kop end, adding: "My wife keeps saying to me, why do you show no emotion on the line?

"Maybe I should show more. But when we got the winner I was on the line thinking about changing players, that is why you did not see me celebrating. I was still trying to change players after the goal but my coaches told me the game was over, finished. It was great for everyone, not just the Liverpool supporters but for everyone watching, it was a great game."

With Djibril Cisse, Milan Baros and Luis Garcia missing, Benitez assembled a makeshift team and adapted his tactics to take on the champions.

The former Valencia boss' five-month reign at Anfield has been blighted by injuries to his key players but Gerrard's return has raised expectations.

For Mellor, his career path could now change with his flash of brilliance. Always prolific in youth and reserve football, the homegrown striker has struggled to establish himself in the Premiership. The 22-year-old could have been at Sheffield United had Liverpool not been depleted so badly.

"I went into it like any ordinary game," Mellor said. "The lads and the manager have been supportive of me and I came up with the goods in the last minute, which was nice. It is like a dream for me and I'll remember this moment for a long time."