Rafa: We can win title

RAFA BENITEZ says Liverpool’s win at Chelsea proves they are title contenders.

The Reds boss said: “We have the quality and the mentality to fight against the top sides and anyone else.

To win at Stamford Bridge was a really difficult thing to do and it sends a massive message to the other teams of what we can do and tells our fans what we are about.

“We can go to any stadium and win games.

“Today, against a very good team, a very offensive team, we showed we were thinking about winning.

“The players know what to do and it was difficult for the opposition to create chances.

“Chelsea had some chances but their final pass was not the best on occasions.”

Xabi Alonso’s deflected 10th-minute strike was enough to send Liverpool three points clear at the top. It also put an end to Chelsea’s 86-match unbeaten home record in the league — a run that began in February 2004.

Benitez, chasing the Reds’ first title in 19 years, added: “To come here with the mentality, showing the character the players showed, it was a big boost for the rest of the season.

“We have belief, we have quality, we showed coming from behind in the other games that we had character.”

Liverpool, who have also seen off Manchester United this season, will look to keep up their charge against Portsmouth at Anfield on Wednesday.

The Spaniard said: “We must start thinking about Portsmouth, we know we need to get three points against them if we want to keep with this mentality and momentum.

“After all, we were criticised for beating Manchester United and then drawing with Stoke so we have to be different now.

“Clearly, if you want to stay at the top of the table for a long time you have to beat almost everyone because Chelsea, United and Arsenal will be behind you.”