sport

BENITEZ HAILS REDS FIGHTBACK

Kuyt celebrates his last-gasp winner.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez praised his side for the "fantastic" character that enabled them to stretch their unbeaten run to 12 matches.

Dirk Kuyt capped a rousing fightback against 10-man Manchester City by scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner at Eastlands.

The Holland striker, guilty of a shocking miss in the first half, smashed the ball home at the back post to secure a 3-2 win with his first Premier League goal since November.

Benitez said: "Our character and determination shone through in the second half. It was fantastic."

City were left stunned by the Reds fightback after taking a two-goal lead in the first half through Stephen Ireland and Javier Garrido.

Fernando Torres dragged Liverpool back into the game with his second brace in successive league games before Kuyt pounced to complete the comeback.

"We were made to pay for two mistakes but we went on to show a good mentality to win the game," said Benitez.

"The belief of the players was the key to our success.

"I just told the team at half-time that we just needed one goal to get back in the game.

"Physically were are in good condition as well and the players are ready for every game."

Benitez acknowledged the key contribution from Torres who is hitting top form.

"We all know how important Torres is for us," said the Liverpool boss. "He is always a threat for defenders.

"He can score goals and he also gives space to his team-mates. He is a great boy with an excellent mentality."

Torres sparked the Reds fightback by pulling a goal back before Pablo Zabaleta was sent off for the home side by referee Peter Walton following a challenge on Xabi Alonso.

Liverpool gained the momentum and Torres and Kuyt completed the turnaround to leave the Reds level on points with Chelsea who top the Premier League on goal difference.

The only downside for Benitez is that central defender Martin Skrtel needs a scan on his injured knee after being carried off in the second half.

City manager Mark Hughes had no complaints about Zabaleta's sending off after watching TV replays.

He said: "I have seen it in slow motion and he makes contact with the player's standing leg. Pablo has cleared the ball and the man as well. I can see why the referee has given it.

"That made it difficult for us as it is hard enough with 11 men against the top four teams, never mind being a man down."

Hughes added: "I thought we were excellent in the first half and took the game to Liverpool. We caused them a lot of problems.

"The disappointing thing from our point of view is we let them back into the game so early in the second half.

"Then, after the sending off, we just tried to get through the game only for Liverpool to get the win when maybe we should have had something to show for our efforts."

(reopens) Benitez admits he fears the worst regarding Skrtel's knee injury.

"We have to wait for the scan but we think it could be serious," said the Liverpool boss.

"When a player like Martin is on the ground you know it's serious so we will keep our fingers crossed that it won't be too bad."