Sublime strike: Nadir Belhadj (second right) is mobbed
by team-mates
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez suffered a disastrous trip
to Portsmouth after Javier Mascherano was dismissed during a
miserable defeat at Fratton Park.
Pompey's victory, with the goals coming from Nadir Belhadj and
Frederic Piquionne, will ignite hope of survival in the Barclays
Premier League.
However, Liverpool chances of finishing in the top four are
uncertain - they missed a chance to record back-to-back league wins
for the first time since September.
It means Avram Grant maintains his unbeaten record against
Benitez after recording two wins and two draws during his time at
Chelsea in the 2008 season.
Back then he ended the Spaniard's Champions League hopes at the
semi-final stage - this time he has dented their chances of even
qualifying for the competition.
Benitez was furious with Lee Mason, who sent two Liverpool
players off during the defeat to Fulham earlier in the season, for
his straight red for Mascherano, who will now miss four games
through suspension.
The defeat also meant there was no celebration to mark Jamie
Carragher's 600th appearance for Liverpool - until Belhadj's strike
he would not have enjoyed an easier 30 minutes in his previous
599.
Benitez was boosted by the return of Fernando Torres after the
Spain striker rested his troublesome groin in the midweek win over
Wigan - but he was limited to half-chances.