Match Report: Portsmouth 2 - 3 LiverpooL

Fernando Torres came off the bench to score an injury-time winner against Portsmouth and send Liverpool to the top of the Premier League.

Torres only came on with 15 minutes to go and by that time his side were chasing victory after David Nugent's opener had been cancelled out by Fabio Aurelio.

The Spain striker then set up Dirk Kuyt before heading home in stoppage-time.

It proved to be a masterstroke for Rafael Benitez to leave Torres on the bench - but it was the closest of calls.

Torres was tired towards the end of the midweek FA Cup defeat to Everton and has international duty this week when Spain face England - but he was still fit enough to be among the substitutes at Fratton Park.

His cameo has put the psychological pressure on Manchester United as Liverpool overtake Sir Alex Ferguson's men at the summit before their match at West Ham this weekend.

The spotlight was inevitably on Benitez for his brave move.

He offloaded Robbie Keane back to Tottenham, then saw talisman Steven Gerrard injured with a hamstring strain - so resting a matchwinner like Torres for 75 minutes was a huge gamble.

Keane would have been almost certain to have played against Pompey if he was still at the club, but instead French youngster David Ngog endured a miserable first league start.

Torres was not the only change, with Benitez radically altering his team and leaving the likes of Albert Riera, Xabi Alonso and Kuyt on the bench.

He also started with three centre-backs and at first the formation looked shaky when Nugent and Peter Crouch got a couple of shots away.

But Pompey were still struggling for confidence as they looked to end a run of failing to win a league game since November - and even a second string Liverpool were bound to create chances.

Pompey goalkeeper David James, equalling Gary Speed's Premier League record of 535 appearances, was left stranded when Liverpool put their first purposeful move together.

Alvaro Arbeloa's cross from the right found Yossi Benayoun unmarked in the penalty area but his finish went into the side-netting after James had slipped.

James would have had no chance either when Aurelio's free-kick curled just wide of the upright. The Brazilian was off target again in the 17th minute when Ngog's cross found its way behind the Pompey defence.

Javier Mascherano is not known for his goalscoring but he had James at full stretch when he was given room 30 yards from goal, with the Pompey stopper diverting the effort for a corner.

Ngog's evening came to an end before the hour mark, with Kuyt brought on for the visitors - and it nearly brought an instant reward.

Benayoun breezed past Hreidarsson and Sylvain Distin before laying the ball off to Kuyt. The substitute crossed to leave an open goal for Ryan Babel from three yards out - but the winger somehow managed to nutmeg himself as he finished.

Nugent made Liverpool pay with his 62nd-minute opener. Crouch had held the ball up before playing a reverse ball to his strike partner, who slotted his finish calmly past Reina.

It was a sweet strike for the Evertonian, who taunted Liverpool fans in the first half about their FA Cup defeat this week.

Liverpool's way back into the match came after an awful backpass from Crouch.

James had to handle to stop Kuyt from finishing, with Webb alert to the offence. Alonso, on as a substitute, tapped the ball for Aurelio to smash into the bottom corner.

Kuyt had the ball in the net but was harshly given offside after racing onto Aurelio's throughball.

Torres came on for the last quarter of an hour for Babel, but Pompey were ahead again with 12 minutes remaining.

Nadir Belhadj swung over a free-kick after Glen Johnson was fouled, with Hreidarsson losing his marker and heading past a wrongfooted Reina.

Kuyt levelled in the 85th minute after Torres crossed from the right and the Dutchman finished into James' near post.

Then came the final twist, with Torres' powerful header from Benayoun's cross finding a way past James.

Benitez Happy With Strength In Depth

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists his squad have the strength to win the Barclays Premier League despite needing a late cameo from Fernando Torres to earn a 3-2 victory at Portsmouth.

Torres, Xabi Alonso and Dirk Kuyt were on the bench at Fratton Park and all three were required as Benitez's men twice can from behind to secure three points and overtake Manchester United at the top.

Benitez said: "The strength of the squad is good, you can see from the players that played. Hopefully we can be there. I think we have enough quality. We knew it would be very difficult to stay top for a long time but we are still there and we want to be contenders to the end."

Benitez explained how his three substitutes needed to rest.

"Torres, Kuyt and Alonso were really tired," he said.

"We had played 10 men and extra time against Everton this week so we were talking with the medical staff about our selection. It is not a gamble when you know they were tired.

"I had confidence. We showed great desire to win and they showed character and mentality."

Alonso had a hand in Fabio Aurelio's goal to cancel out David Nugent's opener for the hosts, then Kuyt equalised again after Hermann Hreidarsson had put Pompey back in front. Torres then struck in stoppage time with a header from Yossi Benayoun's cross.

Pompey have not won a league game since November but manager Tony Adams said: "At the moment everyone tells me they want me to do the job so I'll get on with it."

He added: "It's hard to take when you come out of that game with nothing. We made mistakes but on the positive side there were a lot of good performances."

Liverpool's Stars Were Too Tired To Start At Portsmouth - Rafa Benitez

The pundits, the punters and quite probably the players themselves were utterly befuddled upon reading the Liverpool team-sheet for their clash with Portsmouth.

As if it wasn't strange enough that Rafael Benitez used what looked like a 3-6-1 formation, he also opted leave Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera and Dirk Kuyt out of the starting XI.

That, combined with Steven Gerrard's absence through injury and the recent sale of Robbie Keane, left Reds fans fuming as their side twice conceded the lead to relegation-threatened Pompey.

It was the introduction of goalscorers Kuyt and Torres that sparked the Merseysiders' late comeback, but Benitez has stood by his decision to rest his key men after the draining FA Cup tie against Everton in midweek.

"Torres, Kuyt and Alonso were really tired," he said on Liverpool's official website. "We had to play extra-time with ten men in a Cup replay, and then come here two days later. They were so tired. I talked with the medical and technical staff and made the decision.

"It is not a gamble when you know they are tired. If you ask the players, all of them will say they are fit, but you have to decide based on all the information."

Despite scraping to a 3-2 win in Hampshire thanks to Torres' extra-time header, Liverpool were the better side for much of the game, particularly in the opening half-hour.

Benitez continued, "From the first minute we were playing really well, passing the ball and controlling the game.

"It was really disappointing to make a mistake to concede the goal, and after that another mistake. But we deserved to win because we worked hard and played well."

Rafa's Back For Gareth Barry

Rafa Benitez will test his new powers over Liverpool’s transfer policy by re-igniting his interest in Gareth Barry.

Martin O’Neill recognises his only hope of keeping the England star is guiding Aston Villa into the Champions League.

But if Villa don’t finish in the top four, Benitez intends correcting the grievance he felt last summer when his board refused to splash out £18million.

O’Neill said: “Gareth was true to his word that he would stay in January. If we keep the momentum going, who knows? But if we don’t qualify for Europe, things will be in the balance.

“Having given this season, I don’t think anyone would begrudge him the opportunity to move.”

The Liverpool hierarchy will be powerless to veto a fresh bid after surrendering to Benitez’s latest contract demands.

The four-year deal on the table will ensure Benitez still reports to chief executive Rick Parry on transfers but will be granted more involvement in negotiations to buy, sell and value players.

Daniel Agger Signs New Liverpool Contract

Daniel Agger has finally put pen to paper on a new contract with Liverpool, according to a report in British tabloid The Sun.

The 6ft 2in Denmark international centre-back had been linked with a move to Italian outfit Milan and Spanish side Real Madrid, having lost his place in the starting eleven to Martin Skrtel.

However, it seems that the Reds have fended off interest from their European counterparts, as it is claimed that 24-year-old has signed a new €80,000-a-week (£70,000) contract at Anfield.

As yet, the length of the contract has not been mentioned and the Reds have not confirmed the news on their official website.

Lucas Gets Benitez Backing

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has given under-fire midfielder Lucas Leiva his "100 per cent" backing.

The 22-year-old combative midfielder has endured a miserable time of late after first conceding a late penalty at Wigan, before being sent off for two bookable offences in the Reds' FA Cup exit to local rivals Everton.

The bit-part player has attracted wide distaste amongst Liverpool supporters, but Benitez has moved quickly to defend the Brazil international.

"We will miss him. We have some problems and he is a player who could have been really important for us," said Benitez.

"I can't speak for every single fan, but every member of staff knows he is a very good player and his team-mates know he is a good player.

"Against Wigan, for me, Lucas was the best player on the pitch. Then the other day at Everton he was also playing well and the ref made three mistakes. He gave one foul against him which wasn't, showed one yellow card which was wrong - and then the second yellow could be, but the player went over easily.

"I will support Lucas 100 per cent, always. He is a fantastic player, he is a nice boy and a very good professional. He has quality, he is learning and is improving all the time.

"It is not difficult for me to say that I support him 100 per cent."

Benitez Not Keen On Transfer Curb

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez does not believe football clubs should have their spending power curbed by the game's international bosses.

UEFA president Michel Platini visited London on Thursday and said he believes club should only be able to spend a percentage of their income in order to regulate the amount of money being used in transfer deals.

He pointedly criticised Manchester City's recent attempts to sign AC Milan's Kaka for around £100m and believes he has to move to legislate against such ludicrous sums in the future.

However Benitez disagrees with Platini and insists players will still get large sums of money from other means.

He said: "I don't think [it's a good idea]. You can control wages and salary but you have sponsors and the players have endorsements so I don't think it will be easy to do that."

Exclusive: Win The Title Or Go

Rafa Benitez has to win the Premier League title to save his job after co-owner George Gillett criticised the Liverpool manager.

Gillett let it be known on a rare visit to Merseyside last weekend that he blamed Benitez for Liverpool’s indifferent form.

He told Anfield insiders during his flying visit that he had been dismayed at Benitez’s recent attack on Sir Alex Ferguson – insisting that it had destabilised the club and given Manchester United greater incentive to retain their title. Gillett, who refuses to bow to Benitez’s demands for complete control over transfer policy before agreeing to a new four-year contract, also believes that the Liverpool boss likes to be constantly linked with other big jobs.

It’s one of the reasons, according to Gillett, why last season the club had talks with Jurgen Klinsmann. It was done, he says as a contingency measure in the growing fear that Benitez was going to move on.

Benitez ended up knocking back overtures from Real Madrid – the club closest to his heart – who Liverpool meet later this month in the Champions League.

There is talk once more of Benitez’s name being on a Bernabeu shortlist if former Spurs manager Juande Ramos doesn’t have his contract extended beyond the summer.

Gillett’s warring co-owner Tom Hicks is a Benitez supporter although it’s understood that he has also privately questioned some of his manager’s recent actions.

It was telling that he left Merseyside last week after his own visit to the club without finalising Benitez’s new contract.

And with the expectation having been at fever pitch amongst the red half of Merseyside about Liverpool collecting their first league title since 1990 there is now concern amongst some fans that Liverpool are imploding and that the manager who The Kop have idolised is losing the plot.

Against a potentially hostile background with Gillett’s anger growing with every Premier League point dropped it appears that only the first Liverpool title in 19 years could prevent Benitez being dumped five years after his arrival from Valencia.

Exclusive: Gillett's Rocket For Rafa

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett has re-opened his war with Rafa Benitez.

And he’s blasted the Reds’ boss, who has still not signed a new contract, for the Anfield club’s recent slump.

The American multi-millionaire, who tried last season to recruit Jurgen Klinsmann as a replacement for the Spaniard, launched a bitter attack when talking to the Liverpool supporters’ action group, Spirit of Shankly.

Gillett and fellow owner Tom Hicks, who are barely on speaking terms, were on Merseyside last weekend for the 2-0 win over Chelsea – but sat at opposite ends of the directors’ box.

Yet Gillett agreed to talk to the fans’ organisation after they gatecrashed the Crowne Plaza Hotel where he was staying.

And he didn’t hesitate to pin the blame for the recent slump on Benitez’s controversial outburst against Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Reds have seen a seven-point cushion over Premier League champs Manchester United turn into a two-point deficit before last night’s trip to Portsmouth, with Fergie’s wonders winning all five games since Rafa’s rant.

Liverpool, who were held to three draws in a row by Stoke, Everton and Wigan, have also crashed out of the FA Cup at Goodison Park.

It was a disastrous January and start to February in which they won only two matches out of seven – an FA Cup tie at Preston and last Sunday’s win over Chelsea.

Spirit of Shankly’s Paul Rice said: ‘‘I went to walk away and Gillett came after me, saying, ‘A few weeks ago, we were in first position, then a certain individual from the club attacked another individual from another club, and, since then, we have lost form and slid down the league’.

‘‘I was stunned, and asked if he was blaming Benitez as a result, and in saying that, was he not backing the manager?

‘‘Rather than confirm or deny as I expected, he replied, ‘That's your implication’, before I walked away and back outside to the real world.’’

Match Preview: Portsmouth vs. LiverpooL

Liverpool travel to the southernmost destination in the Premier League this weekend as they take on Portsmouth. The visitors will be aiming keep pace in the title race, while the home side are desperate to dig themselves out of an ever-deepening hole.

Tony Adams' side have plummeted to 16th in the standings, just one point above the drop zone in what is shaping up to be one of the fiercest relegation battles in recent memory. With just six points separating 10th from 20th, the margin between a cozy mid-table finish and playing in the Championship next season is very fine indeed.

However, on current form, a return to the second tier looks more likely for Pompey. They have now gone eight league games without collecting a victory, following last weekend's loss to Fulham, their last win coming against fellow flounderers Blackburn Rovers in November.

Thus, it has been a miserable winter for last season's FA Cup champions, as they were also been forced to sell star duo Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid) and Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur) during the January transfer window. Defeat on Saturday could see them slip into the mire, and who knows what that would mean for Adams' future.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have a few problems of their own. They may be just two points behind leaders Manchester United, but problems with the playing squad and upstairs threaten to derail what has been the club's best Premier League campaign to date.

The big news, of course, is Steven Gerrard's hamstring tear, picked up in the midweek FA Cup loss to Everton, which will see him sidelined for the next three weeks. The fact that Rafael Benitez, having just sent Robbie Keane back to Spurs, now has no recognised deep-lying forward in his senior squad only compounds the problem.

It is as yet uncertain who will step in for the in-form England man; what is clear, though, is that whoever gets the gig will have mighty big boots to fill. Gerrard was instrumental in last Sunday's win over Chelsea, and it will take a big performance - whether collective or individual - to overcome his absence.


FORM GUIDE

Portsmouth

Jan 31 Fulham 3-1 Portsmouth (Premier League)
Jan 27 Portsmouth 0-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)
Jan 24 Portsmouth 0-2 Swansea City (FA Cup)
Jan 18 Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Portsmouth (Premier League)
Jan 13 Bristol City 0-2 Portsmouth (FA Cup)

Liverpool

Feb 04 Everton 1-0 Liverpool (FA Cup)
Feb 01 Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea (Premier League)
Jan 28 Wigan Athletic 1-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Jan 25 Liverpool 1-1 Everton (FA Cup)
Jan 19 Liverpool 1-1 Everton (Premier League)


TEAM NEWS

Portsmouth

The return of captain Sol Campbell should boost the Blues. The veteran stopper missed the loss at Fulham with a thigh problem, but he is back training and should slot straight into the first team. However, his defensive partner, Younes Kaboul, could miss out with an ankle injury picked up at Craven Cottage.

Niko Kranjcar is touch-and-go with a groin strain and will be subjected to a late fitness test. Nadir Belhadj will return from suspension, but Jermaine Pennant - on loan from the Reds - is ineligible. Jamie Ashdown, Papa Bouba Diop, Richard Hughes and Marc Wilson are all out of action.

Greek duo Theofanis Gekas and Angelos Basinas, newly arrived from Bayer Leverkusen and AEK Athens respectively, should make the squad.

Possible XI: James, Campbell, Hreidarsson, Distin, Johnson, Belhadj, Mullins, Davis, Utaka, Nugent, Crouch.

Liverpool

As already discussed, Gerrard is out with a torn hamstring, leaving a gaping hole in Liverpool's attack. Ryan Babel, Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun are the prime candidates to fill the space behind Fernando Torres.

Lucas Leiva is suspended after seeing red at Goodison Park in midweek, meaning Javier Mascherano will be recalled to the first team to play alongside Xabi Alonso in the centre of the pitch.

It is extremely unlikely that Andrea Dossena will retain his place after his abject showing against the Toffees, meaning Fabio Aurelio will almost certainly start at left-back.

Possible XI: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Mascherano, Alonso, Benayoun, Riera, Kuyt, Torres.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Glen Johnson (Portsmouth)

The England defender was repeatedly linked to Anfield last month, but instead he penned a new deal with Pompey. He has established himself as one the best full-backs in the country, and his attacking play down the right flank could cause problems against a defence that is susceptible to good crossing.

Xabi Alonso (Liverpool)

This man will take on extra responsibility in Gerrard's absence, and he has shown in the past that he is up to the task. The Basque midfielder has been one of the Premier League's most impressive performers this term, and his organisational skills will be vital in this testing period for the Reds.

Why Portsmouth Can Get A Draw Against Liverpool

Tony Adams has changed so much from his early playing days to manager that sometimes it’s hard to take him seriously as Portsmouth boss.

Yet Adams takes himself very seriously now. He is also in a very serious situation.

It’s rare that you are given a dream job as a manager and Fratton Park has certainly been no bed of roses for Adams.

But he does have enough quality in his squad to stay up, I think they will stay up.

The biggest fear for Portsmouth is the long-term future of the club.

Adams was a terrific fighter as a player. A hard-living, no-nonsense defender who captained both Arsenal and England wearing his heart on his sleeve.

He is a recovering alcoholic who has reinvented himself as a very rational and very serious character. Sometimes it appears as if he is trying to convince people that he’s a deep thinker as if it’s the right thing to do.

Adams’ managerial career did not work out at Wycombe but, via Holland, he came back as Harry Redknapp’s No.2 before being promoted when his former boss left for Tottenham.

Frankly, they were impossible shoes to fill. Portsmouth had just won the FA Cup, they had reached Europe and Redknapp had brought in internationals and the club had rarely had it so good.

But Redknapp was also clever in choosing his time to leave. He left at the top and, in reality, the only way was down.

The owners have signaled their intent to sell and the star players are already being sold off. As soon as you sell Lassana Diarra and replace him with Hayden Mullins you are making it pretty clear which way the club is heading.

There were others who wanted to bail out as soon as Redknapp left, and Portsmouth certainly miss Jermain Defoe’s goals. But Adams has also been shrewd. He’s managed to keep the majority of the squad together and has made good additions.

Jermaine Pennant was a great piece of business. How he persuaded Liverpool to allow him to go out on loan with his contract up at the end of the season is anyone’s guess, especially when he is a brilliant crosser of the ball.

Together with David James, John Utaka, Peter Crouch, Sol Campbell and Sylvain Distin there is quality there. If you pick apart their performances then you will see that generally they have been good and solid, hard to beat even.

They got thumped at Fulham last week which was the exception and left Adams’ job in danger. He certainly has to pull it round.

But I think he is growing into the job. I was worried at first when, after his first game at Liverpool, he was talking about himself in the third person.

But Adams seems to have found reality and one thing is abundantly clear from their performances - the players are playing for him. I expect them to get a draw against Liverpool and that will be a huge boost for Portsmouth.

Fratton Park is a hard place to go and therefore Adams will get Portsmouth out of danger.

But what worries me far more is the future. I am given to believe the club has 16 players on their books who are out of contract at the end of the season. Glen Johnson, James, Crouch and Campbell could all go in the summer.

Who will replace them? Will there be any money? Sadly for Pompey, even if they get through this season there may be more troubles ahead.

For Liverpool, the big concerns are this season. Sadly, they have gone from being top of the table, riding high to crashing out of the FA Cup and being a rudderless ship again.

Selling Robbie Keane with no obvious replacement made no sense. Crikey, the Keane deal has been in the offing for weeks so to not line someone up is just criminal.

Steven Gerrard is out for three weeks, Fernando Torres is lacking match fitness and sharpness and who is to come in? No one.

Liverpool rely so heavily on Torres and Gerrard that they will have to play in 95 per cent of Liverpool’s remaining games to win anything - and I’m not sure that will happen.

Keane Would Give Medal Away

Robbie Keane says he would give away his Premier League winners' medal if Liverpool go on to claim this year's title.

Keane rejoined Spurs in a £12million deal before the winter transfer window closed following an indifferent six-month spell at Anfield.

The former Leeds marksman qualifies for a winners' medal having played in 16 league matches for the Merseysiders.

The Reds remain in with a good chance of ending their title-drought, but 28-year-old has no thoughts of what silverware he could receive from the club - only how Spurs get on between now and the summer.

"My brother is a Liverpool fan so I'd probably give it to him," he said when asked what he would do with his winners' medal if The Reds claim the Premier League crown.

"The way I look at it is that a medal means something when you are a part of the squad and involved in winning a trophy.

"When you are in and out of the squad and not involved in games, there are times when you don't feel part of it.

"Next month's Carling Cup final means more to me because I'm a Tottenham player now, even though I can't play.

"Liverpool is gone. It's the past. What happens there now is not my problem."

Liverpool FC's Fernando Torres Injury Worry

Rafael Benitez admits he will be keeping his “fingers crossed” over the fitness of Fernando Torres as Liverpool’s season enters a critical five-day period.

The Spain international has yet to rediscover his sharpness after returning from his latest hamstring problem last month.

Despite two goals against Chelsea last Sunday, a listless Torres had been substituted at Wigan Athletic four days earlier and further raised concerns over his physical state with a below-par performance in Wednesday’s FA Cup defeat at Everton.

But the sale of Robbie Keane and the absence of Steven Gerrard (pictured right) mean Benitez is almost compelled to start with Torres in attack at Portsmouth this evening.

Although Liverpool will then not have a game for a fortnight, Benitez’s worries over Torres are heightened by his likely appearance for Spain in their friendly against England next Wednesday.

And Benitez said: “I was talking about Torres before the Chelsea game and saying he’s not sharp enough but he scored two goals although you could see he was not fully fit. He is improving but not fully fit.

“I think he is over his hamstring problems. Maybe three or four weeks ago, he was still a little bit concerned about this, but the work with the physios has been really good.

“He is not sharp enough. It is a risk to play him, and we took him off against Everton because he was just not able to work any more towards the end.

“The first thing is to decide if he will start, and then if he does, to decide how long he will play. There is no point worrying about him playing for Spain next week because we know he will be selected, whatever we say.

“You cannot change things so I’ll just watch the telly and keep my fingers crossed.”

With Gerrard out for up to three weeks, another injury for a patently unfit Torres would be a major blow to Liverpool.

After Torres returned injured from international duty in October, Benitez sought to liaise more closely with the Spanish set-up and in particular fitness coach Javier Minano.

“I was speaking to the fitness coach this morning,” said Benitez. “The Spanish national team are trying to get all the information they can everything about our players.

“We just have to keep them informed so they can take care of them.

“I worked with (Spain coach) Vicente del Bosque for years. The fitness coach for Spain is the one I had in my youth teams at Madrid, so we have a very good communication.

“We are looking to protect Fernando. Not because we don’t have enough strikers, but because we don’t have any other strikers like Fernando. There aren’t too many like him around the world. He’s a very important player for us.”

Liverpool Missed Ricardo Quaresma Opportunity

Former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman has told Setanta Sports that he'd have liked Ricardo Quaresma to move from Inter to Anfield on loan, as opposed to Chelsea's Stamford Bridge.

He said previously that the Reds could cope without crocked Steven Gerrard, but he now appears to be concerned about Robbie Keane's return to Tottenham Hotspur and the lack of creativity in the squad.

Writing in his column, he explained, "It was something of a shock to see Robbie Keane leave Liverpool. The current lack of creative players means that it hurts to watch the Reds right now.

"They may as well have kept Robbie until the end of the season. I don’t think his price would have depreciated between now then.

"Liverpool haven’t brought anybody in. Look at Chelsea with Quaresma on loan until the end of the season. I would have rather Liverpool did that. They’re desperate for a right winger.

"I think it would have been better to bring in a player like that who can change a game. They have right midfielders, but no right winger."

Spurs were the other party interested in Quaresma, but it does seem strange that there wasn't more interest in the talented Portuguese, even just as a gamble.

Mascherano Moves On

Javier Mascherano will return to Liverpool's starting line-up this evening at Portsmouth demanding that the side forget their FA Cup woes and instead build on the impressive victory over Chelsea last weekend.

Liverpool's week has been transformed from one of delight to one of despair, having beaten Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday and then seen their unbeaten 16-match record ended by the extra-time defeat at Everton in the FA Cup fourth round.

Now Liverpool must raise themselves in the wake of Robbie Keane's departure, Steven Gerrard's three-week hamstring injury and Lucas' suspension after being sent off against Everton.

With doubts over whether Fernando Torres will start the match, and Xabi Alonso's ankle problem, boss Rafael Benitez could send out a much-changed side at Portsmouth that may include Fabio Aurelio in a midfield role.

But if Liverpool win at Fratton Park, they will be back on top of the Premier League before current leaders Manchester United play West Ham tomorrow.

Then Liverpool, by virtue of their cup exit, have a two-week break before their next game at home to Manchester City on February 22.

And Mascherano wants Liverpool to take full advantage of an away game against struggling Pompey.

He said: "We have played a lot of games lately but we soon have a two-week break so we need to make sure we concentrate on winning against Portsmouth.

"If we play like we did against Chelsea then we can beat anyone. We have to win at Portsmouth, although we know it will be a difficult game because they can be a good team.

"It is always difficult to play them away from home, because it will be a physical game with a lot of long balls to Peter Crouch.

"But we must counter that and play as well as we did against Chelsea, and then I am sure we will win. We know everyone is disappointed about the game at Everton but we need to remember we are still in a good position in the league and in a few weeks we will play Real Madrid in the Champions League. We've still a lot to play for."

Liverpool's defeat to Everton in midweek brought an end to an unbeaten run which had stretched back to the beginning of November, but Mascherano is confident the Reds will bounce back. The Argentina captain came on as substitute in the cup tie after Lucas had been sent off, and said: "It was very difficult to lose in the way we did at Everton. We played for 40 minutes with a man less and still came within a couple of minutes of going to penalties.

"But we cannot let our heads go down. We have to remember we are in a good position in the league and we want to stay there."

Reds Eye Barca Wonderkid

Liverpool are planning a move to lure Barcelona wonderkid Gerard Deulofeu away from Camp Nou to Anfield.

Deulofeu is regarded as one of the best young prospects in European football and scouts from a host of clubs have been tracking his progress.

Chelsea and Arsenal have both been strongly linked with the 14-year-old, but Liverpool are hoping to steal a march on their rivals by bringing him to Merseyside.

Liverpool scout Paco de Gracia has recommended the youngster to Reds boss Rafa Benitez as they look to pull off a similar coup to that which saw Daniel Pacheco make the move from Barcelona to Anfield.

Reports emanating from Spain claim are now ready to firm up their interest in Deulofeu by making an offer for his services.

Crouch Not Keen On Rafa's Methods

Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch has sympathy with Robbie Keane over his treatment at Liverpool, labelling Rafael Benitez's methods as "frustrating".

Keane was largely a bit-part player in his short stay at Anfield, scoring seven goals in 28 games before securing a move back to Tottenham.

And Crouch, who suffered similar treatment before joining Portsmouth last summer, said he felt for the Republic of Ireland striker.

"There are a few similarities between what has happened with Robbie and my own situation. I feel sorry for him," Crouch told the Sun.

"We all know what a great player Robbie is but he didn't get a fair crack of the whip at Liverpool.

"But that is the way Rafa operates and it can be very frustrating because, when I was there, he never really explained why I was not playing.

"There were times when I thought he didn't fancy me but then he'd start me for two or three games on the spin.

"It got to the stage where I gave up second guessing which games I would be playing and which ones I wouldn't.

"The biggest letdown for me was the Champions League final against AC Milan, when Rafa went with one up front and played Dirk Kuyt, as I was desperate to show what I could do on the big stage.

"The Liverpool fans won't care about what Rafa is like as long as they keep winning and you cannot argue with his record but, at the same time, it can be very frustrating."

Rafa Was A Baffler: Keane Hits Back At Liverpool Boss Benitez

Robbie Keane last night blamed Rafa Benitez for turning his Liverpool dream into a nightmare, insisting he was left 'baffled' by the Spaniard's decision to ignore his talent.

Keane, 28, was sold back to Tottenham on the final day of the transfer window after 190 days at the club he supported as a boy.

Breaking off from preparations for tomorrow's north London derby, Keane revealed he had not even been given an explanation by Benitez as to why he turned his back on him so quickly.

He said: 'I believe that maybe with a different manager, it possibly could have worked out. I never regret anything I have done. It's not a mistake. I went there, it didn't work out for me. For whatever reason, I didn't fit into the way Rafa plays football.

'I was doing everything possible to do well for the team. That was the most important thing. I never had a fall-out with the manager, I was never late for training and I came and trained every day. I worked my socks off, it's as simple as that. You're probably as baffled as I am.'

Having played 19 Barclays Premier League games for Liverpool, Keane would be eligible for a medal should his former team win the title. But Keane conceded a medal would be an empty gesture, adding that he would probably give his away.

Asked whether a medal would mean anything, Keane replied: 'Not really. Not at all. My brother is a Liverpool fan so I'd probably give it to him, although he's a Tottenham fan now.

'If I was there (at Liverpool) and I was out of the squad, it probably wouldn't mean as much to me because, as a player, you want to be a part of it. When you are in and out of the squad and left out of the squad, sometimes you don't feel a part of it.'

Benitez's decision to omit him from the Liverpool squads for the first FA Cup meeting with Everton and the vital Premier League game against Chelsea provided the greatest disappointment for the Ireland striker, while frequently being named on the substitutes bench or being hauled off when handed a start did little to improve his mood.

'I've never been left out of a squad in my career,' said Keane. 'I think I've proven over the years that I'm quite capable of doing a job and scoring goals. No disrespect to anybody at Liverpool and the players that were ahead of me but if you look at my record compared to most of them, I think it's probably a little bit better.

'I believed that I should have been in the squad, and I believe in my ability, that I should be playing more games than I did. The fact is I didn't.'

Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch agreed with Keane's view that Benitez did not feel the need to explain his selection policy to his players.

Crouch said: 'I feel sorry for Robbie Keane. He didn't get a fair crack of the whip under Benitez. Rafa doesn't give a lot away and he's been a very successful manager, but there were times when I used to try and second guess him to work out whether I would be playing.

'I was usually wrong, so in the end I just gave up. The big one for me was the Champions League Final against Milan when he played one up front - Dirk Kuyt - and left me on the bench. I was desperate to get on because you never know if you will ever play in a European final again.'

Keane has now swapped league title hopes and Champions League aspirations for a relegation battle at Spurs.

He has been handed the captain's armband by Harry Redknapp and will lead the team out to face Arsenal at White Hart Lane tomorrow lunchtime.

With his Liverpool career consigned to history, Keane is eagerly anticipating the challenge of ensuring Tottenham's topflight status under Redknapp, a manager with whom he feels he can build a close bond.

'Obviously, Harry has a record of having a great relationship with his players,' beamed Keane. 'I've been speaking to the lads about him and I am really good mates with Jamie Redknapp, so I know Harry through that. He speaks to the players, and when he gets a player in, he certainly gives them an opportunity and that's something I'm relishing.

'You don't become a bad player overnight. I believe in my ability and I believe I could have brought a lot to that Liverpool squad. Maybe it was fate. I move on to the future and I am fully focused on Tottenham. I am back where I think where I belong.'

Liverpool's Sami Hyypia Happy With Champions League Boost

Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia has revealed he could have quit Anfield in the winter transfer window had the club not made it clear he was part of their plans.

Newcastle and Sunderland were both strongly linked with the veteran centre-back, who is out of contract in the summer and is no longer guaranteed first-team football on Merseyside.

However, Reds boss Rafa Benitez has added the Finland international to his squad for the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.

And Hyypia admits the club left him in no doubt regarding their feelings, saying: "There were a lot of rumours, and a few offers as well. Newcastle and Sunderland were both really interested in signing me.

"But Liverpool made it clear that they were not willing to sell me. That was it, although I might have considered another option.

"The club decide these things, Liverpool didn't want to sell me. So I will spend the rest of the season in Liverpool, this is my 10th season and it is a great achievement."

The 35-year-old does, however, confess that he will look at his future at the end of the campaign.

"I will consider my options again in the summer when my current Liverpool contract expires," added Hyypia.

"It is too early to say what will happen then. It is not my style to worry about these things in advance. Now I will concentrate on helping my team to win trophies in a role the manager decides, whether it is on the bench or on the pitch."

Lucas Says Sorry To Liverpool After Seeing Red Against Everton

Lucas Leiva started Liverpool's FA Cup fourth round replay against Everton, but he did not finish it.

The young midfielder was sent off in the second half after picking a second booking, leaving his side a man short as the game ground into added extra-time.

Toffees youngster Dan Gosling grabbed the winner in the 119th minute, thus ending the Reds' hopes of adding another domestic knock-out title to their haul.

And Lucas has apologised for letting down his team-mates, who were already reeling from the early withdrawal of injured skipper Steven Gerrard.

“I was very sad to have left my colleagues. I have learned my lesson from this. The dressing room was very down after the defeat, especially with how we lost the game,” he said, according to The Sun.

The result at Goodison Park not only ended Liverpool's cup run, it also meant they were unable to beat their Merseyside rivals in any of their three encounters over the past few weeks.

But Lucas added, “We may have tasted defeat but from what I have seen in the recent derbies Everton are not better than us. We have more things to concentrate on, like the Champions League.”