Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has hit out at stories claiming that the club are set to succumb to the pressure of life at the top of the table. The Reds slumped to a late 1-1 draw with city rivals Everton at Anfield as Tim Cahill bagged an 86th minute goal.

There have been certain media sources claiming that Liverpool have 'bottled it', after Everton's late equaliser.

Benitez was quick to defend his team, though: ''The players believe they can challenge for the title. You are not suffering from pressure after leading until three minutes from time.

''It is not pressure to be level on points with Manchester United in January.

''We are disappointed with how we defended against that late free-kick, and disappointed with giving a free-kick away at that stage so close to our box. It could have been avoided.''