Rafa Benitez Defends His Liverpool Transfer Record

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has defended his record in the transfer market during his time at Anfield.

He told The Times: "At a time when we didn't have endless economic resources, I think that we made good signings in general. We should be talking about players like Reina, Agger, Mascherano, Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia, Torres, Babel, Lucas Leiva, Skrtel and also Arbeloa, Sissoko, Fabio Aurelio, Kuyt. These are players who have brought a lot to the team. And in certain cases � for example, Sissoko and Bellamy � the club gained financially.

"We have signed 28 players in four years for the first team. Considering that the number of changes we had to make when I arrived and the fact that without much money we have to take more risks, I don't think this is a disproportionate number."

Benitez also compared his spending with Liverpool's nearest rivals.

"Chelsea had spent £120 million previously and an additional £240 million to win the league in the 2004-05 season. Manchester United have spent £200 million in recent years. This year on Carlos Tevez, Owen Hargreaves, Anderson and Nani, that cost them more than £70 million. Tottenham have spent £100 million in the last two seasons alone. And Arsenal have spent more or less the same amount as we have on young players with potential.<> "In my four years at Liverpool we have spent £150 million and we have gained somewhere in the region of £70 million. Looking at those numbers, there's a difference of £20 million per season, yet we have won four [trophies] and played seven finals. When all things are considered, that's not a bad return. I think that we're on the right path."

Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool

Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
The two sides known to churn out tactical low-scoring affairs whenever they meet, disappointed yet again, producing a rather uninspired draw at Stamford Bridge.

The result really helps neither side, as Chelsea blow away a chance to close in on second placed Manchester United, while Liverpool now find themselves further adrift of a Champions League place.

Rafa's Reds were the better team, and saw more of the ball than the hosts, but chances were hard to come by for either side - and they hardly flattered themselves by giving the ball away easily in what was largely a midfield scrap.

Peter Crouch had Liverpool's best chance of the game when he was picked out by a cross from the right in the first half, but headed straight at Petr Cech despite being under no pressure.

Michael Ballack almost snatched a 75th minute winner for Chelsea when a smart lob from John Obi Mikel - back from Ghana - found him in the box, but he opened his body a little too much and volleyed inches wide at the far post.

Lucas Leiva had an 81st minute chance, but Juliano Belletti just about did enough to force his header wide from just seven yards out. Dirk Kuyt and Claudio Pizarro also had late attempts, but the game was destined to end goalless.

In the end, both sides were forced to settle for a point, with the scoreline a very fair reflection of a game that failed to live up to its billing.

Chelsea are five adrift of Arsenal, but could be eight off the pace if Arsenal win tomorrow. Meanwhile, Liverpool are fifth, three points off local rivals Everton, but with a game in hand.