Liverpool’s hopes of securing a top four finish were severely dented last night, as the Reds fell to defeat against relegation-battlers Wigan in a feisty affair at the DW Stadium. Rafael Benitez knew his side would rocket up to fourth spot if they could take three valuable points from the Lancashire side, though this was not to be.
A crowd of just over 17000 witnessed a shock result, with struggling Wigan deserving to win the game. In fact, the Latics were perhaps unlucky not to score a couple more on a night where several Liverpool players inexplicably gave the ball away in dangerous areas of the field.
As has been the case for the last six months, Italian maestro Alberto Aquilani started on the bench, whilst the Reds saw key trio Gerrard, Torres and Mascherano in the starting line-up, though the latter played in an unfamiliar right-back role. Seeing these important players in the team together, most notably Torres, should have given Liverpool a boost, but the Reds strung up a below-par performance in this crucial fixture.
However, Benitez’s men did start somewhat brightly and carved out a golden opportunity to take the lead. January free-signing Maxi Rodriguez comfortably headed a ball down to the Spaniard Torres, only for his volley to smack against the post. Unfortunately, that would be the closest Liverpool would come to a goal on the night, as Wigan upped their game from that point on.
Frenchman Charles N’Zogbia caused the Reds huge problems and was a constant threat for the home side throughout the game, as he continuously got the better of Argentinean youngster Emiliano Insua. Insua ended up with a yellow card for his troubles, as did a whole host of other Liverpool players, a sign that Wigan were troubling the Anfield side.
Skipper Steven Gerrard was surprisingly poor, as he constantly gave the ball away, though he was not the only culprit. In fact, it was the hardworking Dirk Kuyt whose mistake led to first and only goal of the game. Kuyt gave the ball away in a dangerous position which Boyce took advantage of, feeding a nice cross into Hugo Rodallega. The striker has wowed Wigan fans earlier in the season with his skill and finishing ability and this was on show again as he put the ball past Pepe Reina.
Former Atletico Madrid teammates Maxi and Torres combined well on two occasions to create a couple of chances. Torres put a header over the bar before the interval, as well as hitting a shot over the goal after the break too. Glen Johnson came off the bench in place of the disappointing Lucas, as Rafa aimed to add a bit of spice down the right flank. But the defenders presence could was not felt straight away, as Kyrgiakos had to deal awkwardly to head the ball away from underneath the crossbar in yet another moment of pressure from Wigan.
N’Zogbia and Scharner failed to tuck home even more chances for the home side and would have paid for it had Torres managed to stick his volley away late on in the second half. Insua hit a decent cross towards Dirk Kuyt, who managed to head the ball towards the Spaniard, only for him to volley the ball wide yet again. That miss ended any real hope of Liverpool getting back into the game and the final whistle eventually confirmed the Reds ninth defeat of the Premier League campaign, compared to only two in the whole of last season.
Rafael Benitez was understandably angry after the match and could not explain why Liverpool struggled so badly against a team who themselves were fighting for their Premier League lives. The result leaves Liverpool in an unfavourable position to finish in the top four, with Man City, Tottenham and Aston Villa all enjoying games in hand over the Reds. Villa are only three points behind Rafa’s men, but have a staggering three games in hand to leapfrog the Anfield side. Benitez must remind his players that they have no room for mistakes anymore, if they are to enjoy Champions League status again next season.
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