You'll Never Walk Alone

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is welcoming the pressures involved in taking his team to Tottenham as leaders of the Barclays Premier League.

But he believes former Tottenham skipper Robbie Keane, now in Liverpool's ranks, has no reason to feel any extra burden as he prepares to return to the club he left for £20million in the summer.

Keane can expect a hot welcome from Tottenham fans who saw their idol defect to the club he supported as a boy.

Benitez insists he "enjoys the pressures of managing a team at the top of the table" and he also hopes that Keane is treated with respect by the Spurs supporters.

He compared Keane's return to Peter Crouch's arrival at Anfield in a Portsmouth shirt on Wednesday, just months after his move to Fratton Park.

Benitez said: "Peter came back to Liverpool this week and was given a great reception. He will always be a good player and he has the respect of our fans.

"I do not believe that Robbie has anything to prove, he has great quality. Hopefully Spurs fans will acknowledge this and what he did for them, and that he is now with another team.

"Keane is available after his slight (groin) injury, he wants to play every game anyway, but yes, this one is very important to him.

"He would like to see the Spurs fans and say 'hello' again. He was a key player for them for some years, a fantastic professional and gave 100% all the time.

"But I think their fans will appreciate what Robbie gave them when he was there."

But Benitez wants more from Keane, who has scored just twice in 16 matches at Liverpool.

He said: "Robbie is a very good player and is working hard, but we know he can play better and score more goals because he has that potential.

"Robbie has experience and is trying to do his job. He is not under pressure because he knows the team is winning, and his contribution to those victories has been very, very good.

"He is happy with that. People talk about his price but it does not worry him on the pitch, you do not think about that, only about how to do things well.

"We can see in every training session how hard Robbie works, and he is the same in games. He is doing well but he can improve."

Liverpool, who will probably again be without Fernando Torres, have been top since Sunday's win at Chelsea, while Tottenham are still bottom despite a dramatic change of fortune under new boss Harry Redknapp.

Rather than being among the chasing teams, Benitez said: "I prefer to be top. It is better for us because we can approach games with more confidence than when you are playing to catch-up at the top.

"If you make a mistake then, it can become very difficult because the gap gets bigger. When you are top there is some leeway. You know that you do have a cushion of some points to do that.

"My view on the season so far is that we are in a very good position, we are glad to be there, but there is still a long way to go.

"We are happy, we are doing well, but we must keep concentration because this is a very long race.

"The pressure does not bother me, it is better to be top than trying to catch-up.

"But we do still have plenty of room for improvement. We need to be more accurate up front and in defence a little more composed.

"We all know we can do it better, we are not bad, but we can be much better."

Benitez is also well aware of the Redknapp factor, given the impact the former Portsmouth boss has made since the sacking of Juande Ramos.

He said: "I was surprised that Juande has gone, I said that he had good players when he was under pressure.

"Before he was sacked I felt that Spurs would finish a lot higher in the table, and I still have that view.

"When you fire a manager, for me it is never a good decision. For me it is always bad, it is important to keep calm and give managers time, because experience tells you that things are better when you do that.

"Now Spurs have had two games under Harry Redknapp and they have done well, the players have something different to concentrate on.

"When you change a manager, like you saw at Arsenal when Spurs drew 4-4, it can make an immediate difference, they were suddenly much better.

"But the key will be just how they are doing in two or three months' time.

"They did well at Arsenal, maybe a couple of their goals were a bit lucky, but they still count and it was a good result for them."

Benitez added: "As for us we must keep the momentum, we have confidence and we are creating chances and not conceding too many.

"It is important to keep the players doing things just as they are doing now.

"What pleases me is that we have been without three of our top players for maybe half the games we have played. Javier Mascherano, Torres and Martin Skrtel have all missed several games each but we are still unbeaten and now top.

"That shows the quality we have in the squad now, it has improved at Liverpool."

Liverpool maintained their three-point lead over Chelsea at the top of the Premier League as a blunder by Papa Bouba Diop marred Tony Adams's first match as Portsmouth manager.

The visitors were hanging on to a goalless draw at Anfield on Wednesday when Diop handled in the box 14 minutes from time to give away a penalty.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard beat former Reds keeper David James from the spot as Rafael Benitez's men backed up their win away to Chelsea.

The Blues, having surrendered their 86-game unbeaten league run at their Stamford Bridge home, kept the pressure on with a 3-0 win away to surprise package Hull City.

Arsenal leapfrogged Hull into third place but only on goal difference after an extraordinary 4-4 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby at the Emirates Stadium.

The result left Spurs, who'd beaten Bolton in new manager Harry Redknapp's first game in charge, still at the bottom of the table. Stoke City, however, climbed out of the bottom three with a 1-0 win at home to Sunderland.

Fulham also pulled clear of danger with a 2-0 win over Wigan, the visitors dropping into the relegation zone. Elsewhere Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as champions Manchester United beat West Ham 2-0 at Old Trafford.

Aston Villa stayed in the top five by coming from behind to beat Blackburn Rovers 3-2.

In other matches, Middlesbrough beat Manchester City 2-0 while Everton left it until the last minute before seeing off fellow strugglers Bolton 1-0.

Tottenham took a 13th minute lead in spectacular fashion when, from fully 40 yards out, England midfielder David Bentley flicked the ball up and lobbed a swerving volley over the head of Manuel Almunia.

However the Gunners equalised in the 37th minute when Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes was beaten to the ball from a corner by the head of former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre.

William Gallas, Arsenal's other France centre-half, made it 2-1 for the home side a minute after the break he headed in Robin van Persie's free-kick.

Van Persie's precise long pass released Samir Nasri who in turn lobbed Gomes before striker Emmanuel Adebayor bundled the ball home.

Spurs striker Darren Bent scored in the 67th minute following an Almunia error but barely 60 seconds later Arsenal's two-goal lead was restored by Dutch striker van Persie after Adebayor seized on a loose pass from Spurs defender Alan Hutton.

But another defensive error saw Spurs's Jermaine Jenas storm forward before curling a shot past Almunia in the 89th minute. And there was still time for Aaron Lennon to give the visitors a share of the spoils.

United needed just 14 minutes to take the lead against the Hammers with a goal made in Portugal after Ronaldo got on the end of a pass from Nani.

Superb individual skill from the winger then saw Ronaldo make it 2-0 in the 30th minute.

Frank Lampard gave Chelsea a third minute lead with a sublime left-footed chip over Hull keeper Boaz Myhill for the 99th league goal of the England midfielder's career.

Myhill denied Chelsea a second when he tipped over a Nicolas Anelka shot. But the France forward did make it 2-0 five minutes after half-time when he capitalised on hesitation between Myhill and his defenders.

Florent Malouda put the result at the KC Stadium beyond all doubt with a third goal 15 minutes from time. Blackburn went ahead on the half hour when Stephen Warnock beat former Rovers keeper Brad Friedel.

But Villa levelled on the stroke of half-time through full-back Luke Young. And the hosts took the lead when Gareth Barry finished from a few yards out, the midfielder's third goal in as many games.

Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor made it 3-1 before Australia international Brett Emerton pulled a goal back for Rovers.

Middlesbrough, who saw goalkeeper Ross Turnbull make several saves to keep the game at 0-0, went ahead through Afonso Alves's 53rd minute penalty after defender David Wheater was brought down in the City box by Daniel Sturridge.

Gary O'Neil sealed Boro's success with a last minute goal. Stoke, fresh from a Robinho-inspired 3-0 defeat against Manchester City, saw striker Ricardo Fuller score got on the end of a delivery from long-throw specialist Rory Delap.

Fulham striker Andy Johnson struck from close range in the 11th minute for his 100th league goal to put the hosts ahead at Craven Cottage.

Johnson then made it 2-0 on the hour when he latched on to Jimmy Bullard's clever free-kick and scored from a tight angle.

Everton were heading for a goalless draw away to Bolton until Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini scored his second goal in as many games.

Xabi Alonso's early goal gave Liverpool a 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to send the Reds to the top of the Premier League and end the hosts' impressive unbeaten record at home.

Alonso struck with a deflected shot after just 10 minutes to add weight to a growing argument that claims this Liverpool side are finally capable of ending an 18-year wait for the league title.

As for Chelsea, the defeat was their first of the season - and the first under the stewardship of Luiz Felipe Scloari - putting an end to their incredible home record of 86 games without loss - a run that had endured for four years and eight months.

Victory saw Liverpool take a three-point lead over Chelsea and surprise contenders Hull City at the summit of the Premier League. Chelsea travel to Hull on Wednesday.

Pre-match concern on Merseyside had centred on the absence of the injured Fernando Torres for the trip to west London, but Liverpool had already proved they are capable of beating top class opposition without their star striker this season - just ask Manchester United.

And so it was again at Stamford Bridge as fellow Spaniard Alonso proved to be the difference between the two sides.

The midfielder struck a shot from the edge of the Chelsea penalty area only to see it take enough of a deflection off Jose Bosingwa to leave Petr Cech completely wrong-footed and powerless to react as it bounced over the line.

Alonso struck a post with a free-kick before Ashley Cole wasted a great chance to restore parity on 73 minutes.

With that miss went Chelsea's hopes of getting something from the game as Liverpool battened down the hatches at the back and held on to all three points.

The opening to the match was a cagey affair, with both sides unwilling to show their full pack of cards as they took their time in figuring out the opposition.

The early goal sparked proceedings into life while momentarily rocking Chelsea - and their backline in particular - as Liverpool came forward seeking to hammer home their early advantage.

Twice they went close to doubling the lead, first Alert Riera shooting into the side netting after having robbed Bosingwa of the ball on the left hand side, and then Gerrard forcing Cech into tipping over the bar from his well-struck 25-yarder.

As the opening period wore on, Chelsea settled and eventually began to cause a few problems for the Liverpool defence.

Gerrard was nearly left with egg on his face on 37 minutes when he pulled up expecting a free kick for a foul; there was no whistle and Deco was allowed to break, taking the ball all the way to edge of the Liverpool box. But the Portuguese midfielder was off target, his shot bouncing wide of Jose Reina's upright.

After the break, Alonso left Cech wrong-footed for a second time with a superbly-struck free-kick from 25 yards, only to be denied a brace by the upright.

And when Cole was played in by a neat Frank Lampard nod down with 17 minutes remaining, it looked like Alonso would be left to rue his misfortune.

But it was not to be as Cole conspired to slice his first time effort wide of the mark, and it was the England defender who was left to rue his profligacy as Chelsea - a Deco shot that was deflected behind for a corner aside - struggled to create any further clear cut chances.

Scolari threw on Franco di Santo and Scott Sinclair in an attempt to break down the Liverpool defence but the young duo, like starter Nicolas Anelka, could not find a way through. How they need Didier Drogba back to fitness.

At the other end, substitute Ryan Babel went close to sealing the points as time ran out but his sweet drive flew inches wide of the post. No matter, the damage had already been done.

Liverpool face the toughest test of their season so far at Chelsea on Sunday with manager Rafael Benitez believing they can win without Fernando Torres.

It is testimony to Liverpool's improvement this term that the Spaniard can approach a daunting game at Stamford Bridge with such confidence.

It is a clash between the only two Premier League clubs still unbeaten this term, and already seen as a critical showdown in the race for the Premier League title as Liverpool go in search of their first top-flight crown since 1990.

In that time Liverpool have also only won once at Stamford Bridge, such has been their consistent fall from the lofty heights of 18 league title crowns in an illustrious past.

To get anywhere near ending their long run without domestic glory, Liverpool know they must start beating Chelsea, and the rest of the big four.

And Benitez is not even daunted by Chelsea's four-year, 86-match unbeaten home league record.

With Torres ruled out with a hamstring injury, the Anfield boss said: "Everyone knows Torres is a key player for us, he scores and we win games. But we have won plenty of games without him, and we have enough confidence in our squad to do so again.

"Without him it will be a different style of play, but we know we can manage.

"But we will have to step up a gear. If you want to have a chance in the future of achieving, if you want to keep players at this level (of performance), we need to beat this sort of team.

"We have the mentality to win this one, maybe after so long unbeaten at home for Chelsea in the league, it is time."

He added: "We are at the top of the table with Chelsea having not played our best yet. We are playing well but we can improve.

"And we do not have Torres, but I believe we have the firepower to beat Chelsea. We have been playing well and have good confidence.

"We have enough quality in the squad. We may have been more worried without Torres in the past, but we have improved, we have new players with a very good mentality.

"We have enough to beat a very good team, and that is Chelsea. It is too early to talk of titles, but we have the confidence to beat anyone.

"If we win it will be perfect and if we do not lose that too will be positive.

"Our idea is to stay unbeaten. But we are intent on winning. Every season we are improving, though. We could go top, which would be a good problem for me then having to keep expectations down.

"The key is to be ready. To have the team focused. Before the game to talk a lot is not good, afterwards maybe we will have to keep our people calm!

"Everyone is talking about us as a title challenger. Of course, Chelsea too.

"But we know there is a long way to go. The right message is to be humble and careful."

Benitez has declared skipper Steven Gerrard and midfielder Xabi Alonso both fit after minor injuries that forced their substitutions in the Champions League draw against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

There is a little more uncertainty about striker Robbie Keane, with a groin strain, and Benitez will make a late decision on the Irishman.

And he goes to Stamford Bridge without the added pressures caused by the now infamous war of words with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese coach dominated Benitez in league matches, while Liverpool achieved notable victories in the FA Cup and Champions League.

Now, it seems, Benitez senses a more cordial welcome in west London. He would not go as far as to say Chelsea were better under Luiz Felipe Scolari, but he got very close.

He said: "With Avram Grant the team was at the same level as with (Jose) Mourinho, but maybe more offensive.

"And that is now the same with Scolari. He is improving the team and the squad, so it will be just as difficult. But we are playing against the team, not the manager.

"But maybe Chelsea are now more offensive. That just makes it more difficult because they have such good players.

"Chelsea are a very good team. I would not want to say better than under Mourinho because I do not want to start any war of words, but it is clear that they are more offensive.

"They have a more offensive mentality, a very good team with a good attacking policy.

"This game may be more open than previous ones between the clubs. Clearly they have a stronger attacking mentality. They will go forward, they score goals, and we will have a much more attacking match.

"They have quality all around. They have full-backs who go forward, good wide men and attacking players, they are a very good side. They do not have too many weaknesses, but if we can win it will be a real boost."

Player to watch:
Steven Gerrard

Gerrard will try to do everything on the pitch, as usual - can he help the Reds usurp leaders Chelsea in the battle of the top two?

Injured players:
F. Torres 
P. Degen 
M. Skrtel

LIVERPOOL, England (AFP) – Dirk Kuyt hit an 85th-minute winner as Liverpool snatched a late victory for the second successive game in a five-goal thriller against 10-man Wigan at Anfield on Saturday.

Rafa Benitez's men were trailing 2-1 with 10 minutes remaining when Spanish midfielder Albert Riera equalised from 20 yards.
Then five minutes later Kuyt connected with Jermaine Pennant's 85th-minute cross to earn his side a 3-2 win and keep Liverpool level on points with Chelsea at the Premier League summit.

In an action-packed encounter, Egyptian striker Amr Zaki scored twice to give Wigan a surprise 2-1 half-time lead.

But Wigan's hopes of producing a shock victory vanished when Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia was dismissed in the 75th minute after a two-footed tackle earned him a second yellow card of the afternoon.

Benitez had expressed his concerns on the eve of the game about the fatigue factor after having 16 players away on international duty in the build-up to Wigan's visit.
Javier Mascherano had only returned on Friday night after representing Argentina while Liverpool were denied the services of Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel due to injuries picked up playing for their respective countries.

The Liverpool manager recalled Pennant for his first Premier League start of the season, while Kuyt linked up with Robbie Keane in attack in the absence of Torres.
Yet the hosts looked a shadow of the team which had started the season unbeaten in 12 games.

There was no sign of the slick passing which had taken Benitez's side to joint top of the table
while Liverpool's usually hard-to-beat defence was at fault for both of Wigan's goals.
Zaki's first will no doubt make it onto the next 'Football's Greatest Blunders' DVD after a horrendous 29th-minute error by Daniel Agger gifted the forward his sixth Premier League goal since arriving on a season-long loan from Zamalek.

Agger, who was only playing because Martin Skrtel was injured, lost possession on the edge of his own area and Zaki picked his spot in front of The Kop.
The lead lasted eight minutes before Agger made amends by teeing-up Kuyt to equalise from 10 yards after the defender had played a one-two with Albert Riera to carve open the Wigan defence.

An ambitious effort by Kuyt from outside the area almost gave Liverpool a 44th-minute lead, but his effort crashed against the bar. In a thrilling end to the half, Wigan responded by storming forward to stun the hosts a second time.

If Zaki had been gifted his first goal, then his second proved what a truly gifted finisher the powerful 25-year-old is, as he volleyed Valencia's cross past Reina from a tight angle.
A livid Benitez wondered why his defence allowed Valencia to cross, but it was a delightful goal and even earned applause from Liverpool fans who appreciated the quality of Zaki's finish.
Liverpool had come back from 2-0 down in their previous match at Manchester City to win 3-2, and they were going to have to score twice in the second half if they were to extend their winning run to five games.

Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland, formerly of Liverpool, produced a fine block to deny Kuyt in the 58th minute but it took the dismissal of Valencia to get the hosts back into the game.
Riera fired through a sea of legs to equalise from 20 yards before Kuyt sealed a dramatic win from inside the area, Kirkland unable to keep out the Dutchman's effort.

Source - YAHOO!