Gerrard got injured he'll be out for about 3 weeks...Torres and Alonso might not play against Portsmuth. Liverpool is 2 points behind Man United who have a game in hand
NEWS STORY RAFA: SPIRIT IS KEY TO TOP SPOT Jimmy Rice at Fratton Park 07 February 2009 Rafa Benitez hailed his team's mental strength after a late 3-2 win over Portsmouth - but admitted Liverpool could not afford many more close calls. Fernando Torres sealed the points in injury-time after Pompey twice took the lead.
Anything other than a win would have left Liverpool trailing Manchester United, who have two games in hand.
Instead, the Reds now lead by a point as Alex Ferguson's side prepare to face West Ham on Sunday.
Even so, Benitez knows there is now little room for error as the title race reaches its business end.
"I had confidence because the team was showing great character - they decided to win," said the boss, after goals from Fabio Aurelio, Dirk Kuyt and Torres secured victory.
"The team's mentality is very good and confidence is high, and these things will be very important for the rest of the season.
"We knew it could be difficult to stay at the top for a long time but we are there. If we are in this position in the last month, we'll be able to fight for the title.
"Every win is crucial. We have to win almost every game. We have won and we're trying to put pressure on them (United), but they also have experience and they know that they also have to win almost every game."
Liverpool went into the match with Torres, Xabi Alonso and Kuyt on the bench following the energy-sapping Cup defeat to Everton on Wednesday.
In came David Ngog and Ryan Babel, while Aurelio was selected in central midfield.
Benitez denied it was a gamble.
"Torres, Kuyt and Alonso were really tired," he said. "We had to play extra-time with 10 men in a Cup replay, and then come here two days later. They were so tired. I talked with the medical and technical staff and made the decision.
"It is not a gamble when you know they are tired. If you ask the players, all of them will say they are fit, but you have to decide based on all the information."
The boss added: "From the first minute we were playing really well, passing the ball and controlling the game.
"It was really disappointing to make a mistake to concede the goal, and after that another mistake. But we deserved to win because we worked hard and played well."
Torres, Albert Riera, Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa now head to Spain ahead of next week's friendly with England in Seville.
Benitez is hoping they all return fully fit.
He added: "We have five players going away with Spain. It will be interesting because there will be more players from the Premier League than Spain.
"We have talked to the coach and fitness coach of Spain and they know the situation. But they have to play."
