Benitez the new host of the late, late show

RAFAEL BENITEZ’S antipathy towards Alex Ferguson knows no bounds, but the Liverpool manager will feel no shame in his team pilfering one of Manchester United’s most feared traits in their pursuit of the Premier League title.

United might have maintained their reputation for plundering late winning goals at Old Trafford yesterday, a point which is sure to have raised a scowl from Benitez, but the Spaniard can draw solace from the fact that Ferguson’s team now share the habit with Liverpool.

Yossi Benayoun’s strike, which ripped beyond the flailing grasp of the previously unbeatable Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, arrived two minutes into added time to move the Merseysiders, temporarily at least, to the league summit.