Reds transformed by the power of three

RAFAEL BENITEZ could not stifle a smile, even if it came through gritted teeth. The Liverpool manager had just been asked for the umpteenth time whether he still felt his team could win the Premier League title. “We hope so – if Manchester United make a mistake, we have to be there,’’ he said, a touch wearily.

Benitez has to say such things, of course, but even a man who manufactured the most unlikely Champions League success of recent times is beginning to realise that there will be no ‘Miracle on Merseyside’ this season.

The irony for Benitez is that his side are currently playing with the swagger of champions. Their opponents, even supposedly obdurate ones such as West Ham, are being swatted aside with ease and points and goals are being racked up three at a time.