Woeful Reds lose to Wigan

Liverpool's dire League form continued yesterday, plummeting to a new low with a 2-1 defeat at home to 19th placed Wigan Athletic. The Reds' criminal lack of cutting edge proved fatal again as, although Suarez equalised after Maloney's spot kick had given the Latics the lead, Wigan skipper Gary Caldwell scored an impressive winner in front of a stunned Kop and Dalglish's side failed to muster a response, leaving Ali Al-Habsi relatively untested and angry home supporters disgruntled at yet another League campaign petering out into nothing before the conclusion of the season.

With the Reds' original target of a fourth place finish already seemingly out of reach following a midweek humbling at QPR, under-fire boss Kenny Dalglish placed his faith in Liverpool's youth, handing John Flanagan a start at right back and putting Raheem Sterling and Nathan Eccleston on the bench. Meanwhile, Pepe Reina made his 250th League appearance for Liverpool and his 350th game in all competitions for the Merseysiders.

Jose Enrique, who was culpable for the third goal conceded against QPR on Wednesday, was again at fault 11 minutes after the kick-off, as Victor Moses won possession from the former Newcastle player far too easily, before bursting threateningly into the box. Thankfully, the excellence of his teammate compensated for Enrique's error, as Skrtel produced a magnificent block to deny Moses just as the number 11 was about to pull the trigger.

Liverpool's start to the match was flat, lacking tempo and emphasis, especially in attack. The best chance of the first period went the home side's way, though, as Downing and Suarez played a brilliant one-two to open up the visitors' defence on 25 minutes. The former's shot then flew across the face of goal, heading inches wide of the far post.

Only moments later, referee Lee Mason rightly awarded Wigan a penalty after Skrtel's high boot on Moses had impeded the Englishman.

It was a silly challenge from the Slovakian, however, he has been excellent so far this season and remained one of our best performers yesterday, so it would be harsh to overly chastise him. Shaun Maloney was forced to wait a considerable amount of time before taking the spot kick because Moses was receiving medical treatment. It was worth the wait for Wigan fans, though, as his well-struck penalty left Reina with no chance.

That opener sparked Liverpool into life a little, and it was the usual suspects who attempted to equalise before the break. Five minutes prior to the interval, Suarez's curled effort from distance required a flying stop from Omani keeper Ali Al-Habsi. Gerrard's shot on the stroke of half time bounced into the ground and was then palmed away from danger by Al-Habsi.

Fortunately, that slight improvement at the end of the first period carried over into the start of the second half, as Suarez and Gerrard combined to devastating effect. The pair played a one-two to slice open the Latics' defence, before the number seven struck a low first time effort into the back of the Anfield Road net.

Suarez thought he'd given Liverpool the lead six minutes later, as he nudged Skrtel's header over the line and wheeled away in celebration.

Frustratingly, Lee Mason managed to spot Suarez's sneaky handball and correctly disallowed the goal, as well as flashing a yellow card in the Uruguayan’s direction.

It was all set up for Liverpool to dominate the rest of the second half, peppering the Wigan goal with shots and eventually clinch a late winner and claim all three points. Unfortunately, Wigan hadn't read the script, and instead regained the lead just after the hour mark. Gary Caldwell found himself in the Reds' box and, remaining cool under huge pressure, side-footed the sliding Carroll before finishing past Reina. It was a well-taken goal from Wigan's number five, however the hosts' shoddy defending was simply unacceptable.

A major response was required but never materialised. With five minutes remaining Raheem Sterling made his senior debut for the club, replacing Dirk Kuyt. Sterling received press attention before the match as he and his mother apparently threatened to move back to London if he wasn't given more first team opportunities.

Dalglish shouldn't give in to pressure like that from youngsters. They should only reach the first team on merit. However, when Sterling did come on he made an impact, injecting an element of pace and urgency into the side for but a brief moment, before referee Lee Mason blew the final whistle and ended any of the Reds' faint hopes of earning a point from the contest or Champions League qualification from the campaign.

This was Wigan's first ever win at Anfield and they deserve credit for playing very well, sticking to their attractive style of play yet unusually combining it with resistance and solidity at the back, which should help them to stay in the Premier League if they replicate that form in the final few fixtures.

For Liverpool, that defeat meant the Anfield side have only won five out of their 15 home games this season, which is their lowest return since 1953. It was embarrassing stuff and form befitting of Hodgson's miserable reign, not Dalglish's resurgent rule. The League season is now effectively a write-off and energies must be focused on winning the FA Cup, while youth should be given a chance in the remaining Premier League matches.

Crucially, the Reds must halt this run of poor form immediately; starting with a trip to Newcastle United next Sunday.

YNWA