Steven Gerrard strikes to settle the nerves - but Rafa's not happy

Dec 27 2007 by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post

RAFAEL BENITEZ again bemoaned his side’s failure to kill games off as they stumbled to three points at Pride Park yesterday.

Liverpool were a minute away from a surprise slump at bottom club Derby County before Steven Gerrard forced in a last-minute winner.

Fernando Torres had earlier scored his 15th goal of the season after 12 minutes as Benitez’s side looked set to stroll to a victory that takes them two points clear of Manchester City into fourth place.

But Jay McEveley’s 67th-minute equaliser, that would have taken Derby to just eight points for the campaign, threatened to punish Liverpool for another frustrating performance in which they failed to capitalise on their superiority. And Benitez revealed his concern at the nerves he feels crept into his players’ performances as they stumbled towards the three points.

“In the first half we were really good and controlling the game,” said Benitez.“But we couldn’t score the second goal.

“We had possession, we created some chances but we’re not finishing the game or killing the game. And I’m not sure why.

“But the second half was more difficult for us and when they got the free-kick for the goal we looked nervous and conceded.

“They were more compact by that time and were working really hard. We were giving the ball away too much and the pitch was not the best either but we still needed to create more.”

Manchester City will overtake Liverpool in fourth tonight if they beat Blackburn Rovers but Benitez’s men will still have a game in hand.

But the fact that Liverpool remain nine points off leaders Manchester United after the Boxing Day programme, means anything less than three points at Derby would have been disastrous to hopes of resurrecting a title challenge.

So getting any sort of victory was satisfying for the manager in the final analysis.

Benitez added: “People forget some games this season where we played really well and couldn’t win.

“So in three months time all that will matter today is that we got the three points despite the performance.

“The win is the only thing they will talk about, like they talk about only drawing with Birmingham and Chelsea when we should have won.

“And we lost to Manchester United last week when I thought we were much better than them.”

After yesterday’s strikes, Torres and Gerrard now have 27 goals between them this season and Benitez added: “They must be top players because of the matches they win for us.

“We have lots of good players who have made a difference for us in games this season, but this is why you need your top players.”

Benitez lost Alvaro Arbeloa with flu ahead of the trip to Derby County, while Sami Hyypia limped off with an ankle injury during the game.

Both are now facing a race against time to make Sunday’s trip to Manchester City but Jack Hobbs is in contention while Daniel Agger could return after his metatarsal break.

“Sami had a problem with his ankle and we will need to see how it is. I will need to talk to the doctor,” added Benitez.

Derby manager Paul Jewell was pleased with the way his side competed.

Jewell said: “There’s not much justice in the game, particularly after battling so hard in the second half.”