Benitez still bullish at Reds’ title prospects

RAFAEL BENITEZ last night insisted Liverpool are not out of the title race after suffering their third defeat of the season and predicted all of the Premier League’s so-called ‘big four’ will lose more games this year than in previous campaigns.

Liverpool’s 2-0 reverse against leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge is a huge blow to their championship hopes, coming as it did after Manchester United dropped two points against Sunderland 24 hours earlier.

But Benitez, whose team have also lost to Tottenham and Aston Villa this season, was in combative mood in the aftermath, aggressively denying his team have already blown what was supposed to be their best ever chance of winning a Premier League title.