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Benitez: Liverpool Deserved Victory
Rafa Benitez insisted Liverpool deserved to beat West Ham based on the number of chances they created. They failed to convert any in a 0-0 draw - but that doesn't mean Rafa wants to bring Michael Owen back to Anfield.
Dec 1, 2008 6:22:29 PM
On a frustrating Monday night for Liverpool, manager Rafael Benitez
claimed his team deserved more from their home game against West Ham
than the single point that took them clear at the top.
The goalless draw was Liverpool's third at home in the Premier League this season, and meant the Reds missed he chance to put three points between themselves and Chelsea, who were beaten at home by Arsenal on Sunday.
Although Liverpool had 20 shots during the match, West Ham defended well, with the likes of Matthew Upson, James Collins, and goalkeeper Robert Green keeping out their best efforts.
So, like Stoke and Fulham before them, the Hammers left Anfield with honors even.
Afterward, Benitez told Liverpool's official website: "We clearly deserved to win. From the beginning to the end we tried to win and that's why they had one or two counter-attacks in the second half.
"The team played much better than before and some players did too.
"People can be disappointed and we are too, but we are one point clear at the top.
"We didn't play well against Fulham but in this game we had plenty of possession, passed and moved the ball, and had chances.
"If you play badly, don't have chances and the other team is in control, you can be worried - but we were much better.
"The crowd can be disappointed because they've seen a draw at home but if they see the newspapers tomorrow they will see we are top.
"We have one more point than Chelsea now and if we can go to Blackburn and win we'll still be top."
Asked if Liverpool are lacking confidence in front of goal, Benitez responded: "Maybe some players are but it's just a case of us trying to keep creating chances - then I'm sure we'll start taking them."
He was also asked whether he would planned to sign another striker in January - with rumors circulating that Newcastle's ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid striker could be on the Spaniard's radar.
He replied: "Clearly, I can guarantee that we are not going for Michael Owen."
--Mark Hinton, Goal.com
The goalless draw was Liverpool's third at home in the Premier League this season, and meant the Reds missed he chance to put three points between themselves and Chelsea, who were beaten at home by Arsenal on Sunday.
Although Liverpool had 20 shots during the match, West Ham defended well, with the likes of Matthew Upson, James Collins, and goalkeeper Robert Green keeping out their best efforts.
So, like Stoke and Fulham before them, the Hammers left Anfield with honors even.
Afterward, Benitez told Liverpool's official website: "We clearly deserved to win. From the beginning to the end we tried to win and that's why they had one or two counter-attacks in the second half.
"The team played much better than before and some players did too.
"People can be disappointed and we are too, but we are one point clear at the top.
"We didn't play well against Fulham but in this game we had plenty of possession, passed and moved the ball, and had chances.
"If you play badly, don't have chances and the other team is in control, you can be worried - but we were much better.
"The crowd can be disappointed because they've seen a draw at home but if they see the newspapers tomorrow they will see we are top.
"We have one more point than Chelsea now and if we can go to Blackburn and win we'll still be top."
Asked if Liverpool are lacking confidence in front of goal, Benitez responded: "Maybe some players are but it's just a case of us trying to keep creating chances - then I'm sure we'll start taking them."
He was also asked whether he would planned to sign another striker in January - with rumors circulating that Newcastle's ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid striker could be on the Spaniard's radar.
He replied: "Clearly, I can guarantee that we are not going for Michael Owen."
--Mark Hinton, Goal.com
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