Source: Liverpool_Echo
Comment: Liverpool FC need to go for jugular
Liverpool need to go for jugular[LNB]THEY say fortune favours the brave and at Old Trafford yesterday Liverpool simply weren't brave enough.[LNB]It was easy to point an accusing finger at referee Howard Webb for his part in a painful defeat which delivered a shattering blow to the Reds' hopes of Champions League qualification.[LNB]The erratic official got just about everything wrong, including, crucially, the penalty he awarded when Javier Mascherano fouled Antonio Valencia just outside the box.[LNB]It enabled Manchester United to grab a foothold in the game they scarcely merited following Fernando Torres' early header.[LNB]Webb gave so many decisions United's way that it was something of a surprise that he gave Liverpool the kick-off after Ji-Sung Park scored what ultimately turned out to be the winner.[LNB]Chuck in the fact that Gary Neville got away with a stray boot in Maxi Rodriguez's head and Darren Fletcher escaped with a talking to after lashing out at Dirk Kuyt, then it was no shock that England's World Cup whistle-blower was the target of Rafa Benitez's post-match ire.[LNB]But the key reasons for this defeat lie much closer to home.[LNB]A year ago Liverpool went to Old Trafford and played United off the park en route to their biggest victory on enemy territory for 73 years.[LNB]This time they were overly cautious - more concerned with stifling the title contenders than bossing the game.[LNB]The selection of Rodriguez in place of the resurgent Ryan Babel underlined Benitez's defensive mindset.[LNB]At the heart of it was surely his desire to ensure there was some protection on the left for vulnerable full-back Emiliano Insua. It didn't pay off.[LNB]Rodriguez was on the periphery throughout and ageing United right-back Gary Neville's glaring lack of pace was never exposed.
