Benitez the new host of the late, late show
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.
Goals in stoppage time have arrived hand-in-hand with United’s successes under Ferguson, but this is the seventh time this term Liverpool have found the net at such a stage and manager Rafael Benitez is aware of the significance.
“We have more confidence in these situations now than we have had before,” he said. “I am pleased, I prefer to be at the top than chasing. It’s different, and you have to win almost every game now.”
Benayoun’s goal is the most important of the season so far, and even more so in light of United’s dramatic victory yesterday, but it is merely the latest in a long line of crucial winners that have allowed Liverpool to move into this position.
Since the start of 2009, Fernando Torres netted in added time at Portsmouth in a 3-2 win, and the Spaniard also notched a brace in the final minutes of a 2-0 success over Chelsea. There were other significant late strikes in the first half of the season and Benitez must ensure his men retain their new-found indefatigability for their final seven matches of the campaign.
Winning back the league crown after a 19-year gap has assumed monumental significance for Liverpool and their fans, who had to be asked to leave Craven Cottage by safety officers after they stayed behind for 30 minutes after the final whistle to celebrate this remarkable win, although there is also the small matter of Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final with Chelsea to focus their attention.
“We’re pleased with this momentum that we’ve built and we know we have to do well in both competitions,” Benitez added. “It’s important that we can now challenge and we will have to see if we can stay in there until the end.
“You make your own luck by working hard. We work hard, so hopefully we’ll have more luck. The key for us at this stage now is to be consistent.”
Four consecutive league wins is evidence that this side can produce results on a regular basis. This is the first time since October that Benitez’s side have been capable of such form, and that confidence will carry them into Wednesday’s all-English battle on the European stage.
At Craven Cottage Fernando Torres acted as a lone striker, with support coming from Gerrard, Andrea Dossena and Dirk Kuyt.
The system worked well, particularly in the first half, when Liverpool struck the woodwork four times.
First it was Dossena, flicking a header onto Schwarzer’s crossbar, before the excellent Xabi Alonso hit the same spot of the frame with a long-range drive. Torres then found the inside of the post with a neat side-footed effort, before Dossena again headed against the bar as he attempted to convert a Gerrard cross.
Fulham offered little in terms of attacking threat, but as Liverpool struggled to make any breakthrough, it seemed as though the hosts would hold on for a point.
But with the clock running down, Ryan Babel switched the ball into the feet of Gerrard, a Brede Hangeland tackle diverted it to the path of Benayoun, and the substitute swiftly drove home.
There is every chance the Israeli will now come into Benitez’s plans for a starting role this week at Anfield.
“He’s a special player,” said midfielder Gerrard. “He pops up with important goals.
“He hasn’t played every game this season and I think he’s getting close to double figures, so it just goes to show how important squads are and how important squad players are.”
This result is damaging to Fulham, who had harboured hopes of qualifying for next season’s Europa League, although their manager Roy Hodgson was in philosophical mood.
“I think the fact we are disappointed to lose to Liverpool shows how far we have come,” said manager Roy Hodgson. “It’s a shame that rather than celebrating a draw against these world stars, we got nothing.
“To have beaten Manchester United and Arsenal, and drawn with Chelsea and Liverpool in our home games would have been a remarkable achievement. We were close, but didn’t quite make it. But when you have players like Benayoun and Babel on the bench, that can obviously make a difference.”
By winning in this corner of west London, Liverpool have already topped their rivals. In seven weeks time they must hope they are saying the same again, as they lift the Premier League trophy.
“It was the sweetest moment when that goal arrived in the last minute,” said Benayoun. “We are all very happy, and now we must hope United lose points. We will make sure we keep going until the end.”
REFEREE: Steve Bennett (Kent) 6: There were no major decisions to make and he tried to keep his cards in his pocket. Still has not shown a red card this term.
MATCH RATING: *** Just as it looked as though Fulham had managed to frustrate their visitors, Benayoun struck gold. The title race is on.
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