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Rodgers: "We showed great character"
Liverpool 3-2 Tottenham: Reds put down marker - Rodgers
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says his side's 3-2 win over Tottenham has proven they can challenge the Premier League's top teams.
The Reds had not beaten any of their rivals currently in the top eight this season until beating Spurs at Anfield.
"All season people have spoken about us not beating anyone from the top 10, then it was the top eight and top six and top four," said Rodgers.
"The game against Spurs was a stringent test and they came through it."
Liverpool had failed to beat Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton or West Brom prior to the win against Spurs.
Match facts
- Luis Suarez has now scored nine goals in the Premier League in 2013 - two more than any other player.
- The Reds have won three games in a row (all competitions) for the first time this season.
"We know where we want to be eventually but this is another marker for us in terms of our growth," added Rodgers.
Liverpool took the lead against Spurs through Luis Suarez's 22nd Premier League goal of the season only to fall behind to two Jan Vertonghen efforts.
But Stewart Downing and a Steven Gerrard penalty completed the Reds' comeback to secure three successive league wins for the Merseysiders for the first time since May 2011.
"It was very important win for us," said Rodgers, whose side moved above rivals Everton into sixth.
"We are on a great run at the moment and we knew this was going to be a severe test of our qualities and character against a team in great form.
"For us to get three points and show the character was fantastic and I am delighted for the players because they worked ever so hard.
"You can see the mentality in the group. I thought we had to show different characteristics than what we have had to do in recent weeks.
"We've been comfortable in a lot of the games and been able to control them but against a top side we came through.
Liverpool are seven points off a top-four slot and potential qualification for the Champions League, although Rodgers refused to get carried away.
"I am not thinking of that [qualification for Europe]. We'll just keep collecting points and see where it takes us."
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Comment number 574.
_chris12th March 2013 - 23:30
For those bickering over who's a top 4 side and who isn't, I'd personally say that neither Liverpool or Spurs are in that group. City, Utd, Chelsea, and Arsenal are the best 4 sides in the league - Spurs are closing the gap on Arsenal and Chelsea but they aren't there yet, while Liverpool are clinging desperately to the coat-tails of those other 5 with Everton breathing down their necks.
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Comment number 573.
justice96ynwa12th March 2013 - 20:14
571.Kendoddsdadsdog
Yup we do as well as stats mean nothing the score is all that matters but bring honest I knew those who say this when we play well and dont win would flip flop their opinions now that has reversed
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Comment number 572.
darryl12th March 2013 - 19:40
I think that Brendan is getting carried away with this win. Spurs were the better team and should have been out of sight but they hit the post. Liverpool were then gifted two goals. Rodgers is going in the right direction but their squad is limited and Gerrard is getting older so he will have to be replaced at some point. Too many indifferent players for whom they paid too much.
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Comment number 571.
Kendoddsdadsdog12th March 2013 - 18:43
Aren't we told time and time again that not playing well but getting the result is the making of a championship winning team?
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Comment number 570.
Cowardly Lion12th March 2013 - 15:50
If I was Brendan Rogers, I'd make something of the victory on Sunday, however it was achieved, wouldn't you in his place?
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Comments 5 of 574