Wigan punish lacklustre Reds
Benitez paid the price for only starting with one striker
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Wednesday, 02, Jan 2008 10:50
Liverpool have dropped out of the top four after being held to a 1-1 draw with Wigan at Anfield.
The Reds were left to rue a series of missed opportunities when Titus Bramble struck for the visitors with ten minutes remaining, leaving Liverpool without enough time to respond.
Rafael Benitez's much-changed side perhaps showed the influence of a busy festive schedule. But their attacking intent was arguably affected most by a formation that placed Torres up front by himself.
The Reds enjoyed the majority of the possession in the first half but failed to convert that pressure into goalscoring opportunities.
Javier Mascherano came closest for the home side with a low drive that forced former Reds goalkeeper Chris Kirkland into a good save.
Liverpool put their poor first half behind them and claimed the lead early in the second period when Fernando Torres completed a flowing move.
Steven Gerrard released Steve Finnan up the right hand side. The full-back broke into the Wigan box and slid a perfect cross across the penalty area for the Spaniard to tap home.
Later in the half Gerrard twice threatened Kirkland's goal but the goalkeeper was equal to the shots of the England midfielder.
First he beat away a fierce drive and when Gerrard pounced on the rebound he was back to his feet quickly enough to gather the follow up.
Wigan then levelled via an unlikely source. A poor defensive header from Gerrard fell to Bramble who smashed the ball past Reina from just outside the penalty box.
The Reds threw on Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt in a desperate attempt to salvage three points from the game but their efforts proved to be too little, too late.
Benitez's side are now 12 points behind Arsenal with a game in hand.
The draw also means they slip out of the top four as Manchester City's win against Newcastle United puts them one point in front of the Reds.