‘˜Title race still open’ says Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez says any one of a number of teams could still claim the Premier League title this season, ruling out claims that it is now a two-horse race between current league leaders Manchester United and second place Liverpool.

With 13 games of the season left to play, United lead the way by two points and a game in hand from the Reds, who have 54 points. Third place Aston Villa have 51 points, with Chelsea on 49.

The Reds are in their best position to win the title in many years and Benitez knows that it’s not just Manchester United’s results that they must better from here ‘˜til May.

“Aston Villa are in a good position also,” he said. “I think it’s too soon to say it’s a two horse race. We have to keep going and then maybe at the end it could be down to two teams.

“I’m not surprised Villa are doing well because they have good players. They are working really hard and are in a good position, and that makes motivation for each game easier.

“The important thing is we are still in a fantastic position. The character of the players at Portsmouth was very good and the way we came back showed we have the right mentality. We have done that so many times this season.

“We have more confidence now because we are winning. If we keep winning it will be easier to keep our focus and keep going to the end.”

Liverpool’s next game is at home to Manchester City a week on Saturday (February 22nd).