Rafa's verdict on City stalemate

Rafael Benitez admitted he had mixed emotions following Liverpool's goalless draw with Manchester City at Eastlands on Sunday.

While the boss was frustrated his side couldn't get a winning goal, the return to action of Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun has given the squad a major boost.

"It was frustrating we couldn't get the winning goal and it was a match where both sides didn't create any clear chances," Benitez told his post-match press conference.

"I thought we had more possession than City but we were let down by the final pass in the final third of the field. That could have been the difference.

"It was a difficult game, as we thought it would be, and we have to keep going now until the end of the season.

"We could have had a penalty when Yossi felt he was tripped in the area but it wasn't to be.

"I was really pleased to have Fernando and Yossi back and that is a big positive to take from today.

"They have been really important players for us in the past and hopefully they can be really important in the future too. Both of them can make a difference in games."

Benitez made the decision to bring Torres back into his squad after Friday's training session at Melwood.

The boss added: "Fernando trained on Friday and he was really good. We also had a problem with David Ngog who twisted his ankle, so we decided to put Fernando on the bench as he is a player that can make a difference.

"Watching him in the training session he was really good and sharp, and that is a positive for me to take from today."

Asked whether he felt the Eastlands draw was a result that suited Liverpool more than City, Benitez responded: "You also have to think about Tottenham and Aston Villa so the race for fourth place is between four teams. It's important we try and get three points from every game we play now and then we'll see what happens.

"I have to think about the positives to take from today. We were strong and we had players coming back that will improve the squad."

Meanwhile, City boss Roberto Mancini said: "I think the draw was the correct result. Liverpool are a very good side. We didn't create many chances, and they didn't either."