LIVERPOOL NEWS 21 OCT 2007
Rafa Benitez dedicated the dramatic derby win over Everton to the supporters by declaring: "This was for you."
The Spaniard believes the victory – clinched with a stoppage time penalty from Dirk Kuyt – was thoroughly deserved.
"That was for all our fans," said Benitez. "Our supporters are always fantastic and I dedicate this win to them.
"We thought we deserved to win the game. Our two penalties were both very clear.
"We had a lot of chances during the game but didn't take them. We kept going and got the win."
A bizarre own goal from Sami Hyypia gave the Blues a half-time lead, but two second-half spot kicks from Kuyt - both of which resulted in sendings-off - put Liverpool back to winning ways.
The winner came after Steven Gerrard was substituted for Brazilian Lucas Leiva – a decision which may have raised one or two eyebrows.
Benitez explained: "We weren't keeping the ball very well and were in too much of a hurry sometimes with our final pass.
"I put Lucas on because he is a very good player who can pass the ball well for us.
"In the end, Lucas helped us win the game by having the shot that led to our winning penalty." |