Benitez frustrated by 'small' rivals

It may have been the bitter frustration at probably seeing a runners-up spot disappear but when Rafael Benitez described Everton as a "small team", he uttered a remark that will haunt him all his days as Liverpool manager.

Benitez, frustrated by what he perceived as negative tactics from the Blues, first said it in a TV interview and then repeated it in the media conference.

Given the opportunity to explain, he said: "After a game when a team comes to Anfield and plays a top side like that, looking for a draw, what else can you call them?"

Everton, who beat Liverpool 3-0 with a display of pace and skill at Goodison Park in September, made it four points out of six against their nearest neighbours with a performance this time of tenacity, bravery and sheer hard graft.

Those lost four points could well end Liverpool's dreams of catching Chelsea and taking the runners-up spot, but it is Benitez's perceived put-down of the men from across Stanley Park that will live longer in the memory than this match.

Benitez said: "Playing against a small team it is not always easy when they have nine men behind the ball. One team wanted to win, while one team came not to lose. We controlled the game and had all the possession, and they had one chance from our mistake. After that we controlled everything."

The Spaniard's grasp of English may not provide him with the subtlety needed in such circumstances, but Everton and their fans will be offended by the "small team" remark.

Benitez admitted to being very disappointed with the result, saying: "We had possession, passing, three strikers and Jermaine Pennant and John Arne Riise wide to provide crosses. We were doing a lot of things right and were attacking all the time."

Confronted with Benitez's "small team" jibe, Moyes hit back, saying: "I would like to have come to Anfield and put on a bigger show, but there is a £100m gap between the clubs.

"It is a massive gulf in the amount of money they have spent on their squad and us on ours. We are looking to bridge that gap, but we have taken four points from them this season, so we must be doing something right."