Mark Platt 06 November 2005 Rafael Benitez has praised the impact of his substitutes in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday. With the Reds seemingly heading for a frustrating goalless Benitez made three inspired changes that helped turn the game in Liverpool's favour.
Peter Crouch, Bolo Zenden and Harry Kewell were all thrown into the fray as the boss shuffled his pack in an attempt to break the deadlock.
It ultimately paid off, with all of them playing a part in the eventual success, and Benitez was an understandably happy man afterwards.
"The three players that came on in the second half - Crouch, Zenden and Kewell - gave something to us," he said.
LUCKY f***Sand probably should have been on balance, but well played United. Nobody could fault them for effort. The thing which impressed me most once again...
"Crouch kept the ball for us, caused them a lot of problems and won the penalty. Zenden kept his position wide on the left and got some good crosses into the box for us. Kewell worked hard, ran well at defenders and held the ball up.
"Each of them contributed and I was pleased with the impact they made. It's good to have players of this quality at our disposal and proves how much the strength in depth of the squad has improved."
Jay -- LIVERPOOL FC - KINGS OF EUROPE MANCHE$TER BUCCANEERS & BLUEpooE - KINGS OF COMEDY
