Liverpool moved to within point of Tottenham after defeating the team from North London 2-0 at Anfield. Dirk Kuyt settled the nerves with an early strike and could have made the victory more comfortable had the Dutchman not missed an easy chance and Albert Riera not hit the woodwork with a second half header.
As it was the three points were only assured in the last minute when Kuyt converted a twice taken penalty.
Spurs were disappointing on the night although boss Harry Redknapp can point to a Jermain Defoe strike that was contentiously ruled out by referee Howard Webb, leaving him still without a managerial win at Anfield in 13 visits.
The Kop ended singing the name of manager Rafa Benitez as some of the pressure lifted on the Spaniard with victory over one of their closest rivals for a top four place.
