HAVING made giant strides forward in recent weeks, Liverpool stumbled at the DW Stadium last night.

After the euphoria of Sunday’s triumph over Chelsea this was a serious reality check.

A point extended Liverpool’s unbeaten run to six games in all competitions but there was little to celebrate on a desperately frustrating evening.

It was the same side who humbled the champions three days earlier but Roy Hodgson’s men were barely recognisable as they served up a disjointed and lacklustre display.

Having taken the lead courtesy of Fernando Torres’ clinical strike, Liverpool failed to build on that perfect start and contributed to their own downfall.

Hugo Rodallega deservedly equalised for Wigan early in the second half and only some heroic defending kept Liverpool on level terms.

Steven Gerrard almost won it late on with a fierce strike which bounced back off the woodwork but in truth anything more than a point would have greatly flattered the visitors.

Fatigue undoubtedly played a part after the exertions against Chelsea but this contest also graphically underlined the lack of depth in Hodgson’s squad and the need for new owner John W Henry to put his hand in his pocket.

With Glen Johnson, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Joe Cole, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio all deemed unfit for selection, the manager then lost Raul Meireles to sickness at the break.

It meant as Liverpool chased victory late on they did so with rookies Jonjo Shelvey and Nathan Eccleston on the flanks.

Hodgson’s anger as he barked orders from the touchline was clear. No-one has shipped more goals or scored less in the Premier League this season than Wigan and he knew this was a glorious opportunity spurned.