Ravanelli: Owen has look of a champion

It was not the most auspicious of performances from either Michael Owen or Liverpool, but the jewel in England's attacking crown scored again to give the Merseysiders a 1-0 win at Derby County which increased their lead at the Premiership summit to three points.

Fabrizio Ravanelli believes they might as well send the championship trophy to Anfield now. The Derby striker said: 'It is vital for any team who expect to win a title to scrape points when the opposition is better on the day. I can see it in Liverpool, especially with Michael Owen. 'Every time Michael touches the ball he seems sure he is going to score. He will become better still because he is performing with such self belief and it makes you feel invincible as a striker.' It was a eulogy delivered with heartfelt sincerity by a man who appreciates what confidence means to a football predator - because his own is in tatters.

Owen had one chance at Pride Park after Martin Poom spilled a long-range shot by Patrik Berger and he unerringly swept the loose ball into the back of the net. Ravanelli, for the second game in a row, fluffed a penaltyand cost his team a deserved point. After seeing Jerzy Dudek save his 86th-minute effort, Ravanelli said: 'I will never take another penalty for Derby. My head is so confused but Michael is just the opposite.You understand?'