Benitez unhappy with Palace's physical approach

Angry Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez dropped a strong hint that he believed Crystal Palace had used over-physical tactics to beat his team 1-0 at Selhurst Park.

Palace moved out of the bottom three in the Premiership thanks to a 35th-minute goal from Andrew Johnson – his 20th of the season – as Benitez’s side fell further behind Merseyside rivals Everton in the race for the final Champions League qualifying spot.

But ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Chelsea Benitez was unhappy with Palace’s approach.

“We wanted to win the game but sometimes it is not possible to play football,” said Benitez.

“Football is football and is similar everywhere but I have not seen many games like this in other countries.

“Watch the match on television and analyse the game. Look at the three challenges on Milan Baros and judge for yourselves.”

Czech Republic striker Baros was forced to hobble off shortly before half-time following some rough treatment from the Palace defenders and Benitez does not yet know whether he will be available for the Chelsea match.

The result leaves Liverpool four points behind Everton – who drew 1-1 with Birmingham earlier in the day and have a match in hand – and Benitez knows his side have a tough task to make it into the top four.

“We now have three more games and we need to focus on those,” he continued.

“I think we will need three victories if we are to qualify for the Champions League.

“I thought we controlled the game in the first half but when we conceded the goal it was difficult.

“We were forced to play higher up the field and leave spaces at the back and Palace are a good team on the counter-attack.”

Liverpool missed the influence of Spaniard Xabi Alonso, whom Benitez claimed was injured, in midfield but the Anfield manager believes Alonso and compatriot Luis Garcia will be fit to face Chelsea.

Palace assistant boss Kit Symons dismissed suggestions the Eagles had played on the edge of the rules in order to gain victory.

“Look at the bookings count,” he said. “Five of their players were booked, and only two of ours.

“Liverpool are an excellent side. Their form in Europe this season shows that, so we needed to work very hard to nullify their threat.

“And apart from an excellent save by Gabor Kiraly from Steven Gerrard towards the end, we made life difficult for them and they didn’t create many chances.”

Palace are now a point clear of West Brom – who have a match in hand – and two above Southampton, who face local rivals Portsmouth tomorrow.

Iain Dowie’s men have a home match against Saints on May 7, sandwiched between trips to Newcastle and Charlton, whom they face on the final day of the Premiership campaign.

Symons added: “[The fight for survival] will be about which team can hold its nerve, and which team is willing to play football when the going is tough.

“There will be some really hostile atmospheres to face between now and the end of the season, but I’m convinced we can churn out the results.”