Liverpool can't defend performance in defeat to Reading, says Jason McAteer

14 January 2010 10:55
Reading needed a late penalty to level the tie but went on to secure a deserved 2-1 victory with a Shane Long goal in extra time. [LNB]The result increases the pressure on Benitez with his side already out of the Champions League and seventh in the Premier League. [LNB] Related ArticlesRafa Benitez: we have to carry onLong: Reading deserved victoryLiverpool 1 Reading 2Liverpool close in on £100mRafa must deal in this fact - his career is on the lineLiverpool seal Maxi Rodriguez dealMcAteer said: ''Sometimes you just can't defend that kind of performance. It was poor. [LNB]''Liverpool just didn't really create anything and to be fair the better team won on the night.'' [LNB]Liverpool were weakened by the absences of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres for the majority of the game after the key pair were both forced off with injury. [LNB]McAteer now has serious concerns for the team should their talismanic captain and main striker face time out. [LNB]''They are the two players who can create something out of absolutely nothing, they can produce a bit of magic," he said. [LNB]''You just look around the team and when those two are not there, who is going to create that bit of magic? Where is that bit of leadership and quality?' [LNB]''They seem really vulnerable all the time. The back four are very fragile. [LNB]''Teams are coming, and even when they're going 1-0 down, they know they are going to get a chance to score and possibly go on to win the game.'' [LNB]

Source: Telegraph