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Rafael Benitez expects more ups and downs in Liverpool's chase for fourth
Manager cautious despite 2-0 win over Bolton...
30 Jan 2010 19:15:00
By Steven Saunders
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez says he believes there will be many twists and turns in the remainder of the season for all the sides attempting to crack the top four and claim a Champions League place.
Benitez's men moved to within a point of fourth-placed Tottenham following a 2-0 win over Bolton at Anfield, combined with Spurs' 1-1 draw at Birmingham City.
The Spaniard is keen for his side to retain their focus, though, citing the 0-0 draw with Wolves last midweek as symptomatic of the type of rollercoaster of results that awaits Liverpool, Spurs, Manchester City and Aston Villa in their pursuit of fourth place.
"I think it’s important to know that each week will be different," Benitez told Sky Sports.
"Last week we drew against Wolves and everybody was saying ‘oh, you have missed an opportunity’ but now we have won. So we will see how it turns out.
"It was another clean sheet, it was really positive. And hopefully it will be better for the confidence and for the next game against Everton. We have to win games and this is one of them."
Dirk Kuyt struck in the first half to put Liverpool ahead, but it was a fortunate deflection of a Emiliano Insua shot by Bolton's Kevin Davies that contributed the second midway through the second period.
Benitez felt his side were more than worthy of their win, though.
He added: "First half they had a couple of chances but in the second half we had more control and chances.
"In football you have to take your chances. In the second half we were pushing and created much pressure, which was a big difference.
"[David] Ngog had a very, very good chance. Afterwards we were a bit lucky but overall in the second half I would say we had three or four chances and it could have been even better."
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Benitez's men moved to within a point of fourth-placed Tottenham following a 2-0 win over Bolton at Anfield, combined with Spurs' 1-1 draw at Birmingham City.
The Spaniard is keen for his side to retain their focus, though, citing the 0-0 draw with Wolves last midweek as symptomatic of the type of rollercoaster of results that awaits Liverpool, Spurs, Manchester City and Aston Villa in their pursuit of fourth place.
"I think it’s important to know that each week will be different," Benitez told Sky Sports.
"Last week we drew against Wolves and everybody was saying ‘oh, you have missed an opportunity’ but now we have won. So we will see how it turns out.
"It was another clean sheet, it was really positive. And hopefully it will be better for the confidence and for the next game against Everton. We have to win games and this is one of them."
Dirk Kuyt struck in the first half to put Liverpool ahead, but it was a fortunate deflection of a Emiliano Insua shot by Bolton's Kevin Davies that contributed the second midway through the second period.
Benitez felt his side were more than worthy of their win, though.
He added: "First half they had a couple of chances but in the second half we had more control and chances.
"In football you have to take your chances. In the second half we were pushing and created much pressure, which was a big difference.
"[David] Ngog had a very, very good chance. Afterwards we were a bit lucky but overall in the second half I would say we had three or four chances and it could have been even better."
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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