Steven Gerrard's injury time strike gave them a fortunate three points - not that Benitez was complaining.

"It was a fantastic ending, it was important to win in this way, with the passion and the commitment of the players - I think it is much better," Benitez told Sky Sports.

"Clearly last season we were drawing games like this and two games we haven't played really well but we have won and have got six points.

"It is important for us to keep winning and then we can talk about football and not other things."

Benitez was quick to hail Gerrard - who played through the pain barrier.

"That one (goal) could be really important and I am pleased for him," he said.

"We knew he had some problems because he has been injured for ten days and he is not 100 per cent fit but he has that quality and can score goals like that."