Two points lost admits Benitez
Aug 15 2005
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
THERE was enough quality about Liverpool's performance to satisfy Rafa Benitez at Middlesbrough, but he admitted it was more a case of 'two points lost'.
The Reds carved out numerous chances, particularly during a dominant second half display.
After so many poor away days last season, Benitez was encouraged by what he witnessed at The Riverside Stadium.
He saw enough to convince him there will be a radical improvement on the club's Premiership travels in the months ahead.
"We have lost a couple of points today but all I can say is that the team did a good job and already I can see that we are going to be better away from home than last season," said Benitez..
"When you defend well, restrict the opposition to hardly any chances and have opportunities to score then you have to be pleased."
Benitez employed a 4-1-4-1 formation in the North East which, at first, looked more cautious than offensive.
However, there was far more purpose about Liverpool's play in the second half when, even before the 74th minute dismissal of Ugo Ehiogu, the visitors looked like the only side capable of scoring.
"In the second half we pushed forward more and wanted to attack them. Steven Gerrard scored seven goals in pre-season, but Saturday just wasn't his day," said Benitez..
"He had four opportunities to score, two or three of them very clear.
"But overall I am pleased with the performance. One of the things we spoke about was keeping a clean sheet and we managed that. All we needed was a goal but I'm not too disappointed because I know we played well. "Now we need to look forward to the next away game and make sure we do the same things again."
Liverpool will be hoping to turn an acceptable start into an excellent one by winning their first home game against Sunderland next weekend.
Until then, Benitez will be waiting anxiously for his players to report back from international duty.
Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard joined the England party travelling to Copenhagen today, while Fernando Morientes, Luis Garcia, Pepe Reina and Xabi Alonso are in the Spain squad for a friendly with Uruguay.
