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Benitez not giving up on the title

Manchester City's Richard Dunne, front left, clears the ball off the line after Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt, rear right, had a header saved by City goalkeeper Joe Hart during their English Premier League match at the City of Manchester Stadium in Manchester, England, on Sunday. PHOTO: AFP

Rafael Benitez refused to abandon hope of guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title this season after a goalless draw away to Manchester City on Sunday left the Merseysiders 10 points behind leaders Arsenal.

A tense game at Eastlands resulted in Liverpool remaining one point clear of Sven-Goran Eriksson's City in fourth place in the table.

In a match devoid of clear-cut chances, Liverpool almost snatched victory when Dirk Kuyt saw an 86th minute header brilliantly saved by keeper Joe Hart before it was cleared off the line by defender Richard Dunne.

But even though his team start the year well adrift of Arsene Wenger's in-form Arsenal, Liverpool manager Benitez insisted that the title remains a realistic goal for his team.

"Three games ago, people were saying it was impossible for us, but two games later we were much closer to them," Benitez said. "We are ten points behind Arsenal, but with a game in hand and we know that we can win a lot of games. If we keep doing the right things, we will see what happens in a few months."

"This was a frustrating game, but I cannot say anything to the players because they worked hard and created a lot of chances," he said. "Seventeen attempts at Manchester City, who have a fantastic home record, is very good. But we are disappointed with the result because I believe that we did enough to win."

City remain in contention to claim fourth place and pull off a remarkable qualification for the Champions League. Their point was earned by inspirational captain Dunne, who performed brilliantly at the heart of the defense and Eriksson admitted that the Irishman was in sensational form.

"Dunne was extremely good, he was everywhere," Eriksson said. "I don't know if it was his best performance, but he is a very good player, our captain, and he showed everybody else the way. I wouldn't want to swap Richard and Micah Richards for any defensive partnership."

"I cannot be disappointed at drawing with Liverpool. We stood up to them well, but I still think they are the favorites for fourth," he said. "It is a big target for our club, but even being fifth is good because it means we are close to them."

Liverpool's injury crisis saw them field Spanish full-back Alvaro Arbeloa at center-half alongside Jamie Carragher, a move which summed up their defensive frailties and lack of options to cover for the absences of Sami Hyypia and Daniel Agger.

And with the transfer window open today, Benitez indicated he was keen to strengthen his squad this month.

"We are working and trying to find some solutions. We are close to some players, but to get them to point of putting pen to paper is very difficult," he said. "We can sign the right players at the right price, though. For now and in the future, that isn't a problem."

Also see: Gunners on top going into 2008
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