Top News
Benitez seeking a winning streak
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-18 11:17
 |
Large Medium Small |
LIVERPOOL: Rafael Benitez has challenged his Liverpool players to use victory over Wigan as a springboard for a winning run that will catapult the club into the Premier League's top four.
Fernando Torres marked his 100th appearance for the Reds with the decisive goal as Benitez's side defeated Wigan 2-1 on Wednesday to move up to sixth spot in the table.
Liverpool remain five points behind Aston Villa who lie fourth, the minimum target Benitez has set his players.
And Benitez wants his players to use their first victory in four games to spark a winning run after a stuttering season which has seen the club fail to advance past the group stages of the Champions League.
"It was an important win for us," said a relieved Benitez. "We had chances to score some more goals but the three points were the key. We needed to get the three points, relax and get ready for the next game against Portsmouth.
"The main thing for us is to win games in a row. If we beat Portsmouth then we can talk about the possibility of three games in a row."
Substitute Torres marked his century of appearances since joining from Atletico Madrid in July 2007 with his 61st goal for the club.Liverpool were leading 1-0 thanks to David Ngog's goal before Torres came on and doubled the lead. Charles N'Zogbia reduced the deficit in stoppage time as Liverpool put their fans through more anxious moments on a night when the club paid tribute to legendary manager Bill Shankly.
It has been 50 years since Shankly took charge and led the club to bigger and greater things during his 15 years in charge.
AFP
