Liverpool retained their one point lead in the Premier league with a 3-1 win away to Blackburn, all the goals coming in the second half.

Strikes from Xabi Alonso, Yossi Benayoun and Steven Gerrard gave them all three points.

It was just the result Liverpool needed after successive goalless draws against Fulham and West Ham.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez said: "We have shown we can manage the pressure. When you have a game like this, you know you might have problems.

"But we were more clinical than other days and that is important with the Christmas programme coming up.

"We are in a very good position so it is vital we play with confidence and that the players pass the ball well.

"We had plenty of possession in the first half and although we did not create many chances, Yossi could have scored.

"Then after we made the breakthrough, we created more space and had more options.

"It is important the strikers get goals and I am pleased when the midfielders do so as well. It does not matter to me who scores."