Rafa return boosts Reds

The Reds boss has stayed away from Melwood for the last week or so and missed the trip to the Emirates last week as he recovers from a couple of minor operations. However, he was back at Anfield for yesterday's game and his return gave the team a boost.

"Throughout his illness he's been in total control. It's the measure of the man that in spite of his pain, he had total control of everything that was going on," said Sammy Lee.

"He's put a great team in place to implement his plan. So if he's not there, we still have a plan. But it was nice to have him back in today."