[lfc-news] Riise promises a fight to the finish - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 21 April 2005
Riise promises a fight to the finish
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

JOHN ARNE Riise remains upbeat about Liverpool's chances of catching
Everton, regardless of the ongoing three-point gap between the
Merseyside giants.

The Reds hoped to reduce the deficit after securing an impressive 2-1
win over Portsmouth last night.

But the result at Goodison Park means Rafa Benitez's side have it all to
do in their last four fixtures.

Riise insists their rivals' form won't demoralise the Liverpool players
as they keep scrapping for every point.

"We know first and foremost we have to win all our own games.

There's no point us worrying about what Everton are doing," said Riise.

"Obviously we were hoping they'd slip up last night, but the fact they
didn't shows they're a good side and it's going to go to the very last
game of the season if we're going to catch them.

"I think the last day will decide it. By beating Manchester United,
they're three points above us and they can end it if they win their game
in hand.

"If they do that, there's nothing we can do about it. In the meantime,
we know we've simply got to win every match. There's no chance of us
giving up.

"The main thing is we've come down here and shown the commitment and
quality we need. We never stopped attacking or sat on the lead. We kept
on going forward, looking for more goals."

Riise created Liverpool's two goals at Fratton Park, but he's in no
doubt who's made the difference to the standard of the team's football
in recent weeks.

"We're keeping the ball much better than we did without Xabi Alonso,"
said Riise. "He has the ability to get the ball and switch play so
quickly. Since he's come back in, he's been brilliant. I love playing
with him because he sees the pass immediately and will ping it to you.
It's a pleasure to play with someone like that."

Steven Gerrard was rested last night to preserve his groin problem ahead
of the trips to Crystal Palace and Chelsea.

Luis Garcia was also subbed as a precaution after feeling a tight groin
at half time, but hopes to be fit for the weekend.

Liverpool are using Southampton's training facilities today and tomorrow
before heading to London.

THE RUN-IN

LIVERPOOL:
Saturday: Crystal Palace AWAY;
April 30: Middlesbrough HOME;
May 8: Arsenal AWAY;
May 15: Aston Villa HOME

EVERTON:
Saturday (12.30pm): Birmingham City HOME;
April 30: Fulham AWAY;
May 7: Newcastle HOME;
May 11: Arsenal AWAY;
May 15: Bolton AWAY

BOLTON:
Saturday: Aston Villa AWAY;
April 30: Chelsea HOME;
May 7: Portsmouth AWAY;
May 15: Everton HOME

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