Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez refused to talk up former club Liverpool's title chances after beating Manchester City.

The Spaniard will always be a fan favourite on the red half of Merseyside after leading Liverpool to their fifth European Cup in 2005.

But Benitez was not in the mood for celebrating for his former club, in public at least, instead focusing on Newcastle when asked about what the victory meant for Liverpool.

"It would not be fair on Manchester City," he said in his post-match press conference. “Obviously I am close to Liverpool Football Club, but at the moment, I am really pleased because Newcastle United won, that is the main thing.

"If it's good for them, fine, but I don't want to disrespect the Manchester City fans or the club."