Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes his side are finding their form at a "crucial" point in the season after they ignored boardroom turmoil to regain fourth place in the Barclays Premier League.

The Reds moved above rivals Everton on Wednesday night with a 4-0 win over West Ham - Fernando Torres hit his second successive home hat-trick with Steven Gerrard also scoring - leaving Benitez able to manage a smile at last after a match.

Benitez said: "It is good that we are running into form at a crucial time of the season. We are playing well as a team, working as a team, that is the difference in our play now."