Houllier hails 'massive win'

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier hailed today’s FA Cup victory against Manchester City as “a massive win”.

Houllier’s side may be struggling in the league but have a taste for knock-out competitions.

They moved into the fourth round thanks to a 47th-minute penalty converted by midfielder Danny Murphy.

And the win means Liverpool are in still in with a chance of trophy treble as they are also involved in the Worthington Cup and the UEFA Cup.

Houllier said: “It was a massive win for us and I am very proud of the attitude of the players.

“Our club has a tradition of success and of winning trophies. This is an important day.

“We had a plan and we didn’t give City too many chances. We showed a lot of solidity and strength.

“This is the second time we have gone to a Premiership club in the cup and won. Don’t forget we beat Aston Villa in the Worthington Cup.

“We have a lot of young players in our squad and some of them are new to England. It takes time for them to settle.”

City striker Nicolas Anelka, who had a spell on loan at Anfield last season, was left frustrated.

Houllier said: “We didn’t have a plan to stop Anelka in particular. We looked at the whole team.”

The match-winning penalty was awarded by referee Uriah Rennie after Marc-Vivien Foe appeared to handle a cross from Vladimir Smicer.

City manager Kevin Keegan said “technically it probably was a penalty”.

However Keegan added: “It was a horrible way to end a cup tie, although we never got going.

“I never talk about Uriah Rennie except to say I don’t like him as a referee - never have, never will, end of story.

“He is a law until himself. Ask his agent if you can have an interview with Mr Rennie.”