Howard puts end to Liverpool cup dream in shock defeat
Rafa Benitez's Liverpool woes deepen
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Saturday, 16, Feb 2008 08:01
The Anfield fans were stunned to see Brian Howard put them out of the competition with a strike from 20 yards, only seconds after Barnsley looked to have been very unlucky not to be awarded a penalty kick.
The Barnsley goalkeeper Luke Steele had an outstanding match, defying Peter Crouch, Yosi Benayoun and Leiva Lucas with a series of top class saves to keep his club in the tie.
Rafa Benitez is likely to face the wrath of the Liverpool fans after leaving Steven Gerrard on the bench until the 75th minute, the result being a further marker of the potential downsides of his much-maligned squad rotation policy.
Many of the Liverpool fans have stood up for their Spanish manager despite a recent lengthy run of disappointing results that has left them out of touch with the leaders of the Premier League, perhaps distracted by their greater unhappiness at the club’s American owners.
It may well be, however, that this defeat could see a change in attitude of those on the Kop.
Dirk Kuyt had looked to have put his recent bad form behind him when he broke the deadlock at Anfield with his first goal in 14 games, after receiving a pass from Ryan Babel in the middle of the box.
Yet supporters of both clubs could hardly believe their eyes as defender Stephen Foster headed an equaliser in the 57th minute.
Liverpool looked to be heading for a replay in Yorkshire, which in itself would have been disappointing given their opposition are currently sitting mid-table in the Championship.
But Howard’s goal meant that Liverpool’s season may have suddenly changed from one of frustration and disappointment to one marked by genuine shock and anger among the Merseyside faithful.