Source: Telegraph
Liverpool suffering from confidence crisis, says Rafael Benitez
Dirk Kuyt had given Liverpool a deserved early lead at Anfield which should have been doubled when William Gallas brought Steven Gerrard down in the area, but a spot kick was not awarded and this Benitez felt was the turning point of the match. [LNB]"It would have been so much different had we been awarded that penalty (when Gallas tripped Gerrard)," he said. "It does not matter whether the ball has gone away from the player, it is still a penalty if you foul him and bring him down. [LNB] Related ArticlesThe Daily Bung: Wenger dusts off Le HairdryerLiverpool fans resigned to defeatAlan Hansen: Liverpool take wrong turn on the road to nowhereLiverpool 1 Arsenal 2Arsenal's weekend to rememberWin Liverpool v Wigan tickets"These decisions can make a massive difference. We paid for not making the most of our first-half dominance. It is hard to explain after we were on top of them so much. [LNB]"(Fernando) Torres had a great chance, we were denied a clear penalty when Gerrard was brought down and then everything changes when we give away an own goal at the beginning of the second period. [LNB]"Everything changed. Our confidence was low, we were conceding possession and they were controlling the game all the time."[LNB]The defeat, Liverpool's sixth in the league this season, leaves the Merseyside club seventh in the table and level on points with promotion side Birmingham. [LNB]Struggling to find a way to lift his squad's spirits, Benitez added: "It was difficult to explain after we were playing so well. But the players have suffered so many problems this season, it is hard to keep their heads up when they suffer yet another one like the own goal. [LNB]"But we have to bounce back, we must show character and play against Wigan on Wednesday the way we did in the first half against Arsenal." [LNB]One man convinced Liverpool are capable of getting their season back on track is Arsene Wenger. [LNB]The Frenchman believes that with restored confidence and certain players returning from injury, Benitez's side will challenge for a top four finish. [LNB]"Liverpool are a good side and when they find their confidence they can beat anyone in the league," he said. "They have Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard back, Alberto Aquilani will get fitter and many teams will drop points at Anfield. [LNB]"They played in the first half with an impressive level of performance." [LNB]
