The month saw Liverpool pick up maximum Barclays Premier League points and end Chelsea's 86-match unbeaten home league record.

Liverpool began the month by overturning a two-goal half time deficit away at Manchester City to record a last-gasp victory. Trailing again going into the last ten minutes of their home match with Wigan Athletic, goals from Albert Riera and Dirk Kuyt saw them edge the encounter 3-2.

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Liverpool's title chances were handed a boost with victory at Stamford Bridge, as Xabi Alonso's first-half effort proved enough to claim all three points and leave Chelsea tasting their first Barclays Premier League home defeat in over four years. The Reds ended the month with another win as a late Steven Gerrard penalty proved enough to see off the challenge of Portsmouth at Anfield.

The award is Rafael Benitez's fourth, his last coming in January 2007. Only six managers have won the prize on more occasions, including Sir Alex Ferguson with 21 and Arsene Wenger's 10. Benitez is the only Spaniard to have won the prize.

The decision was made by the Barclays Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.

Fact File

  • Benitez was born on 16th April, 1960, in Madrid, Spain.
  • He joined Liverpool in June 2004, replacing Gerard Houllier.
  • In his first season at the club Benitez won the Champions League. He also secured the Super Cup in August 2005 and followed this by winning the FA Cup in 2006.
  • Benitez's three previous Barclays Manager of the Month awards came in November 2006, December 2006 and January 2007.
  • Benitez worked on the coaching staff at Real Madrid from the age of 26 after injury cut short his playing career, and followed this with management spells at Real Valladolid and Osasuna. He was promoted with Extremadura and then Tenerife before joining Valencia in 2001. At the Mestalla Stadium, Benitez won La Liga twice and the UEFA Cup.
  • Since taking over at Liverpool, Benitez's managerial record in the Barclays Premier League reads: Played 162, Won 91, Drawn 37, Lost 34 (up to 31st October).
  • Liverpool's start this season - eight wins and two draws from the first ten matches - is the best ever by a team in the Barclays Premier League.