Rafa defends team selection

Last updated : 03 January 2008 By Al Campbell
Benitez played Fernando Torres as a lone striker in last night's home game against lowly Wigan. The Reds were then held to a feeble 1-1 draw. After the game the Liverpool boss defended his team selection.

"If you analyse the game, they were playing long balls and trying to win the second ball, whereas we were moving the ball and you could see Pennant, Kewell, Torres and Gerrard involved in all the attacks," said Benitez.

"I am really disappointed because it's another game where we needed a little bit of luck. We had plenty of possession and chances, and you need to take those chances.

"The other team just defended, then got a free kick and won the second ball, and they've got a draw.

"We were trying to play with wingers really wide and Gerrard getting into the box. We wanted to spread the other team. If you play with more strikers but the other team is really deep, maybe it is more difficult. We wanted to create space."