Source: Liverpool_Echo
Liverpool FC manager Rafael Benitez sees red over Javier Mascherano's sending off at Portsmouth
RAFA BENITEZ claimed Javier Mascherano's sending off was the turning point as Liverpool slumped to defeat in the Premier League for the seventh time this season.[LNB]Mascherano picked up his second red card of the campaign and could now face a four-match ban after referee Lee Mason adjudged his tackle on Portsmouth's Tal Ben Haim to be serious foul play.[LNB]The last time Mason officiated a Liverpool game, he sent both Jamie Carragher and Philipp Degen off at Fulham and another erratic display at Fratton Park, led a clearly irritated Benitez to claim he was 'almost perfect' on several occasions.[LNB]But while Mason was poor and Mascherano's dismissal left them at a numerical disadvantage, there was no disguising Liverpool were wretched in losing 2-0 to the league's bottom team and Benitez accepted his side need to improve.[LNB]'When we lose it's always disappointing,' said Benitez. 'But the first half we had plenty of possession and we were controlling the game. Then we conceded a goal after making a mistake and after the sending off changed the game.[LNB]'I was sure in the first half passing and controlling we were not afraid until we made a mistake and everything changed with the second half. The second half with 10 players, you have to go forward, you have to attack but you leave the spaces.[LNB]'They were working very hard so credit to them they were playing well. We had some chances like Agger in the first half or a great save of the keeper in the second half, then maybe things would have changed.[LNB]'But it's more difficult for the team with 10 players that is losing and away. It could have changed the game if we had scored. Our job is to prepare for the next game, try to get three points (against Wolves on Boxing Day) and see what happens after that.'
