Alonso confident of sustained challenge

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Chelsea lead the Reds on goal difference at the top of the league and Alonso was keen to stress the importance of keeping pace with the leaders over the next month, having found themselves out of the running by this point in previous campaigns.

"It`s important for us to be at the top," he said. "We know that in previous seasons we have been so many points behind the teams at the top of the table and being there is good."

He added: "But now we have to carry on in the same way as we have until now.

"We respect all the opponents but we are confident. We`re playing as a team, scoring goals, we`re playing well in defence and that`s the way you have to play to win games."

Liverpool, whose goal difference is currently 12 worse than Chelsea, had chances to improve their own record but missed a number of opportunities.

However, Alonso was unconcerned that, adding: "We could have scored more. It could have been three or maybe four goals but for us the points are the most important thing.

"We knew at 1-0 they would keep pushing us. But the second goal killed them off really and now we`re pleased to get all three points and now we have to continue."

Manager Rafael Benitez echoed his compatriot's comments, saying the win had made up for a disappointing display in the 4-2 Carling Cup defeat at Tottenham in midweek.

"We had two or three chances in the first half, so as you know it`s always important to get the second goal," he told Sky Sports. "We`re a little disappointed (not to have scored more) but the second goal was crucial and it could have been three or four at the end."