Martin Skrtel injury takes shine off Liverpool FC fightback

It was the third time in seven league games this season that Liverpool had fought back from going behind to triumph.

And Benitez said: "I am really pleased. We made two mistakes for their goals, but the positive thing was the reaction of the players.

"We showed character, and the key for me was the self-belief of the players that we could still win. We kept on pushing and the determination of the players was fantastic. At half-time we spoke about trying to score one goal that would get us back into the game. We began the second half with a changed attitude and everything was different.

"We showed the character we have and the belief the players have at the moment. It's better for me if we don't concede two goals but at least it shows we can win every game."

Benitez added: "Physically we are in good condition, so credit must go to the fitness coach. But credit also to the mentality and belief of some key players that was contagious to the rest of the team.

"We've shown we can beat anyone. We knew this would be a difficult game and it was even more difficult after the first half. But the belief of the players was key."

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City were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half with the score at 2-1 when Pablo Zabaleta was dismissed for a two-footed tackle on Xabi Alonso.

And Liverpool had to play the final moments a man down after Skrtel suffered what appeared to be a serious injury when twisting his right knee while attempting to clear from City substitute Ched Evans.

The Slovakia international needed oxygen before leaving the field on the stretcher, although he was able to leave the stadium without the aid of crutches afterwards.

Skrtel will have a scan on the injury today, and Benitez said: "I was so disappointed because of Martin's injury. He has twisted his knee and we'll have to wait for scan, but it seems serious. It's bad news.

"When a player like him is on the ground then you know it is bad. Fingers crossed it won't be too bad.

"For the sending off, I think it is a clear red. There's no doubt about it. But at that moment we were controlling the game so I don't think the red card changed the game, although it always helps."

After a slow start to the campaign, Torres has now netted four in his last two league games and could have had a hat-trick but for a late miss.

And Benitez added: "We know how important Torres is for us, he's always a threat for the defenders. He can score goals and can give space to his team-mates.

"He showed again that he has a fantastic mentality. And for the late chance, he told me that he thought he was arriving a bit late to it but actually had more time than he realised."