West Ham boss impressed with Reds

Alan Pardew has said, after our 2-0 victory, that we our the best team they have faced this season:

"Liverpool are the best team we have played this season," he said. "Steven Gerrard wanted to make a statement coming back into the team, and the manager took a gamble playing him on the right and it worked out well for him. Steven Gerrard looked like what he is - one of the best midfielders in the world. "I expected there to be a reaction from Liverpool. The first goal gave them a lift and they then showed more imagination in their play, but before that they were looking a bit staid."

He has also praised Rafa's playing style saying we are strong both in defence and attack:

"He (Benitez) is paid not to listen to the fans on the phone-ins or even his board, he wants to win and he was just intent on hurting us with his tactics and it worked. "When I assess people we are playing against, I am not concerned by what people say about them, I just look at their records. And Rafael's record is outstanding. "Everyone has their own philosophy about the game, and Liverpool now are a strong team who are good defensively, want to play a good passing game and build up a crescendo to getting a goal. "That is how Rafael wants his teams to play, and that is what Liverpool do well."

It's always enjoyable to receive praise from our opponents. Long may it continue.

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