Americans offer ray of hope to belligerent Liverpool boss Benitez

Senior Anfield sources were swift yesterday to deny reports that Tom Hicks and George Gillett have responded to the manager's latest outburst against them - following his side's win at St James' Park - by deciding to axe him.

Relations between Benitez and his paymasters are more strained than ever, but reports that the situation is beyond repair were described as "jumping the gun" and "definitely not true".

The Americans feel the ball is in Benitez's court and how the Spaniard responds to the current crisis could determine how much longer he stays in charge.

Hicks and Gillett are calling for a period of calm after the turbulence of recent days. They made it clear they see no reason to bring forward their planned meeting with Benitez on December 16 - the day champions Manchester United visit Anfield - and confirmed those plans in an official statement last night.

It read: "Despite speculation in today's newspapers, there is nothing new to say. We've had a good win and have some very important games coming up, starting with Porto on Wednesday, followed by Bolton and Reading, before Marseille and Manchester United in a few weeks.

"Both of us, together with chief executive Rick Parry, plan to meet with Rafa when we come over mid-December to make decisions on the team's requirements at that time."

Hicks and Gillett have not put a block on further transfer funds, as suggested, and may yet sanction at least some of Benitez's spending plans for the January window.

But with the owners unhappy at their manager's behaviour, speculation is mounting that Jose Mourinho could be next in line.

There has been no approach to the former Chelsea manager, though, and he could not take over until next summer at the earliest under the terms of his departure from Stamford Bridge.

Benitez allowed his frustration to spill over at a bizarre press briefing on Thursday when his demeanour was seen by many as a petty response to a claim by Hicks and Gillett that he was taking on too great a workload.

When Hicks suggested he might be better off concentrating on playing matters, Benitez reacted by answering almost every question with a pointed: "As always, I am focusing on training and coaching the team."

In what was viewed as more petulant gesturing, he appeared on the touchline on Saturday in a tracksuit, having worn collar and tie for every previous Liverpool game.

While the result may have strengthened Benitez's hand, there is a certain irony in that he and rival boss Sam Allardyce - with whom he has clashed verbally before - now have much in common.

Both have hungry fans to feed and are coming to terms with demanding new owners from the business world, fresh to football and looking for a return after investing fortunes.

Benitez, who can see the benefit of spending £17million on Javier Mascherano, said: "Mr Hicks wants the best for the club - me too. I've been here three years and I know football in Europe and the passion for the club.

"They don't understand the transfer market. We need to talk to agents and sign these free players now. If we don't, we will lose them. Hopefully, it will be resolved because we all want the best for the club and its fantastic supporters."

Newcastle fans might as well start booing as they take their seats, so regular has the habit become.

The disaffection started with chants of "there's only one James Milner" and intensified when the substitute replaced Charles N'Zogbia rather than Alan Smith, whose man-of-the-match award was greeted with boos and hysterical laughter.

When the tune changed to "you don't know what you're doing" it was aimed not at the sponsors, but at Allardyce.

The manager said: "You're not popular when you're not doing well. If people don't like me, it's up to them. It doesn't bother me."

Those close to owner Mike Ashley insist Allardyce is not under threat, but he did not hire the manager and has funded considerable spending.

Allardyce said: "It's not good, is it? But we've only just come together and I never said it would be easy."

In 10 years, Shay Given has played behind 44 defenders costing more than £60m. The latest shambolic back line, admittedly patched up and bewildered by the original three-man tactics, could be damaged forever.

The Newcastle keeper said: "That was a lesson about the expectation levels. That was not good enough. The hustle, bustle and pace is matched by nothing in the world. They have to speed up."

Home fans also jeered Steven Gerrard, as if he needed motivation after his abysmal England display. Predictably, he destroyed Newcastle, scoring with a breathtaking 30-yard strike before weaving through midfield with embarrassing ease for 80 relentless minutes.

Dirk Kuyt squirmed a goal from a corner and Ryan Babel scored a lovely third, but Fernando Torres missed five excellent chances.

NEWCASTLE (3-5-2): Given 8; Beye 3, Rozehnal 4, Jose Enrique 1 (Carr 78min); Geremi 4, Butt 6, Emre 5 (Barton 51, 5), Smith 4, N'Zogbia 4 (Milner 59, 5); Viduka 4, Martins 3. Booked: Butt, Beye, Smith.

LIVERPOOL (4-1-3-2): Reina 6; Finnan 6, Hyypia 7, Carragher 7, Arbeloa 6; Lucas 5; Sissoko 6, Gerrard 8, Kewell 6 (Babel 58, 7); Kuyt 7 (Riise 76), Torres 7. Booked: Sissoko.

Man of the match: Steven Gerrard. Referee: Alan Wiley.