'Westerveld kept us in game'

Gerard Houllier saw Liverpool record their third straight win over Manchester United and their third success in as many visits to the Millennium Stadium yesterday, but still believes that United will be more confident than his team about winning the Premiership.

Houllier said: "At the moment I'm a little bit worried because you mention that the team that wins the Charity Shield doesn't win the title – I'm sure Alex Ferguson is a lot more confident than I am."

The Frenchman felt his side deserved their 2-0 half-time advantage, but conceded that United had looked the more dangerous side in the second period. "It was a fantastic game of football, very entertaining – a great game. We probably played better than they did in the first half but in the second half they were better than us. They put pressure on us – you've got to give them credit."

Houllier singled out Sander Westerveld for special praise, claiming he kept Liverpool in the game as United launched their second-half onslaught.

"He had some very important saves, some great saves, which kept the advantage for us."

The Dutch goalkeeper, who crowned an impressive display with a superb save to deny Roy Keane's powerful first-half header, said: "It doesn't say too much about the season. It's a great result, but it does not say anything whatsoever about the Championship."

The United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his players had been "slow to the ball" in the first half. "In fairness to them, in the second half they passed the ball quicker and it made a difference," he said.

Gary McAllister was quick to praise the Liverpool fans for their support during the match. He said: "The atmosphere here is brilliant. I think it's a great stadium, we've been here three times and it's a lucky place for us."