VIEW FROM THE STANDS: Rafa Benitez tactics pay off again

Oct 1 2007 by Larry Moran, Liverpool Daily Post

A PLEASING result in the end but Liverpool again seemed to make heavy weather of it. To be fair though, Wigan played well.

They took the game to us from the first whistle and seemed to want to take on the responsibility of achieving a result in front of their own supporters.

Liverpool’s travelling support was again, massive and vocal, although it did tail off during the first half as the game settled to something of a sparring contest. Plenty of possession for both sides but few chances. What chances we had fell to Torres but he was unlucky with one run through the middle and then could have done better with an overhead kick when Gerrard was screaming for the ball.

The second half was brighter, the introduction of Benayoun heralding a period of siege on the Wigan goal. A great through ball from Pennant to Benayoun and the Israeli twisted and turned the defenders before slotting home the only goal of the game.

It nearly went sour though as Wigan had a chance in injury time that should have made it 1-1. Had they done so, no doubt the ‘rotation’ debate would be ringing about Rafa’s ears – again. Let’s look at this more closely though. Only Arbeloa has started every game this season, yet we are unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions, have won away from home five times and had two 4-0 or better home wins.

If that’s rotation – give me some more please Mr Benitez.