Steven Gerrard

GERRARD: ANOTHER GREAT THREE POINTS 一月 31, 2007

GERRARD: ANOTHER GREAT THREE POINTS
30 January 2007

－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－

Steven Gerrard was delighted to see Liverpool claim another three Premiership points with victory over West Ham as the Reds closed the gap further on the top two.

Liverpool are now just two points behind Chelsea and eight behind leaders Manchester United after second half strikes from Dirt Kuyt and Peter Crouch gave Rafael Benitez’s side another away-day success.

The top two have a chance to restore their advantage when they play on Wednesday night, but Gerrard is pleased the Reds have played their part in maintaining their winning streak.

“It’s a great three points for us,” he said. “It means the run has continued and now we need to keep it going until the end of the season.

“It was a bit nervy when they scored at the end. We were 2-0 up but couldn’t get the third goal and we were inviting them onto us. The boys did well though and this is a good win.”

The game was won in the second period when all the goals were scored, but one of the highlights of a low key first half was an unfortunate stumble by the Liverpool boss on the touchline as he tried to control the ball.

“The boss is always telling the back four to stay on their feet,” joked Gerrard. “So maybe he’ll have to let them off the next time they don’t!”

RAFA HAPPY FOR BIRTHDAY BOY 一月 31, 2007

RAFA HAPPY FOR BIRTHDAY BOY
31 January 2007

－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－

Rafa Benitez has declared delight at the quality of Peter Crouch‘s strike against West Ham – but admitted he had no idea it was a birthday goal for the England international.

Liverpool’s second saw Crouch drive the ball home from 20 yards following a sublime piece of build-up play involving Xabi Alonso, Steven Gerrard, Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise.

“We scored two great goals from good play. I think the second goal was really good, we gained the ball deep, worked forward, played between the lines and Crouch’s finish was really good,” said Benitez.

“I didn’t know it was his birthday. With it being only one day away from the transfer window closing, I have my focus on other things!”

Despite being blown away by the second goal, the Liverpool boss believes it was Dirk Kuyt’s opener which had most affect on the game.

“Kuyt’s goal was the difference, the fact we scored first,” he said. “It gave us more confidence and West Ham then needed to score, and it was only when they scored their goal that we became a little nervous. But the timing of our first goal was great for us.”

Meanwhile, Benitez claims his players are loving every minute of their football right now.

“The fact we are closer can help with the motivation of the players,” he said. “Before we won against Chelsea, people were talking about us not beating top sides.

“Now we have won a good game against a top side, we were better than them and we have continued winning. We have enough quality for at least being closer. If our players play well we have a very good team.”