REDS SHOW TRUE GRIT AGAINST POMPEY

AFTER the heroics against Chelsea on Sunday, it was important and perhaps just as difficult to take the tree points against a Portsmouth side under new reigns in Tony Adams.

Just as many predicted, it was a tight game, with Portsmouth clearly going for a 0-0 scoreline, with the decision to leave Defoe on the bench. But when the game is tight, you need your big players, your game winners, in this case we needed captain fantastic to keep us ahead of the chasing pack at the Premier League summit.

Gerrard delivered what Portsmouth had coming the entire match by drilling home a penalty after a comical superman handball from Papa Bouba Diop. Ther where no arguments for the awarding of the penalty as any protests would have been as embarrasing as the handball itself given the nature of it.

Stevie G slotted past James, who dove the right way, but couldn't get his hand to it, and with 15 minutes remaining, Liverpool soaked up the last of the Pompey attacks to take what was a very important three points.

The tricky games for Liverpool don't stop, as a trip to Spurs at the weekend (live on Setanta - 17:30) will provide yet another audition for Benitez and his men for the role of Champions. With the North Londoners fresh off a big result against rivals Arsenal, the confidence will be high especially under new manager Harry Redknapp.

Although the exertions midweekd against the Gunners could prove vital as Benitez proved his rotation policy by changing four players form the win against Chelsea. Mascherano, Agger, Keane and Riera were all rested and are all sure to start against Spurs, so don't be surprised if those are the players to prove the difference.

Oh, and if that Torres lad makes an appearance im sure it won't do us any harm.

YNWA....