“Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez suffered a disastrous trip to Portsmouth after Javier Mascherano was dismissed during a miserable defeat at Fratton Park. Pompey’s victory, with the goals coming from Nadir Belhadj and Frederic Piquionne, will ignite hope of survival in the Premier League. However, Liverpool’s chances of finishing in the top four are uncertain – they missed a chance to record back-to-back league wins for the first time since September.” (ESPN)

Portsmouth glimpse hope as win over Liverpool piles pressure on Benítez
“Just when Rafael Benítez most needed a break from scrutiny, his team hit rock-bottom away to the club bottom of the league. Benítez’s prediction last week that his side would finish in the top four come the end of this season is looking ever more out of touch with reality. The body language of the team lacked optimism as Liverpool’s big-name stars reluctantly dragged themselves about the icy pitch for much of the game, thrashing about in frustration when things did not go their way.” (Guardian)

Benitez joins opposition over ‘unfair’ scheduling
“Rafael Benitez became the latest manager to voice displeasure at fixture scheduling yesterday, complaining that Liverpool should not be facing Avram Grant’s Portsmouth away in a lunchtime kick-off in the depths of winter having played on Wednesday night.” (Independent)