A late Steven Gerrard penalty proved enough to seal all three points for Rafa's men on a night when they maintained their three point lead at the summit of England's elite division.In the wake of Sunday's high-octane win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Benitez made four changes to his starting eleven for the Pompey clash, a rotating of personnel that had little effect on Liverpool's stunning start to the season.Not surprisingly, a delighted Benitez was quick to fire a warning to the Anfield club's title rivals. "This wins sends a message to the players and everyone that we can change it and still win," declared the Spaniard."After the victory over Chelsea, winning tonight was always going to be the main thing."We want to stay at the top for a long time."
Often criticised for tinkering with his starting eleven on a far too regular basis, Benitez also admitted that given Liverpool's search for glory on several fronts, he would not be altering his managerial ways.