RAFAEL BENITEZ is one of European football’s cagiest thinkers.
Often cautious, sometimes circumspect and always pragmatic, on Tuesday he must break with the habits of a lifetime – and trust a couple of wide boys.
Liverpool emerged from a more open Champions League semi-final first leg than had been anticipated with their European dream still intact.
But despite recovering from a wretched first half to control the second period, they struggled to eke out anything resembling a clear goalscoring opportunity.
And they must do that at least twice next week if they are to overcome a first leg deficit, at least without having to resort to the nerve-shredding lottery of a penalty shoot-out.
The last time Chelsea lost a match was three months ago at Anfield, when Benitez employed Jermaine Pennant and John Arne Riise as wingers.
Both were hugely effective.
Pennant was only called on for the final seven minutes last night, far too late to influence the outcome.
It was as if Benitez felt he couldn’t run the risk of giving the winger his head in such a tight tactical battle, but in fairness to the Reds boss, he might not have had much option.
In the words of the song: “You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone.”
And Steve Finnan, so often the unsung hero, was sorely missed at Stamford Bridge. Aside from the attacking options the unsung Irishman offers, if he had been available Liverpool’s line-up might feasibly have looked very different.
Arbeloa would probably have played left back, Riise further forward in left midfield – in a reprise of the formation which troubled Barcelona so badly.
As it was, Arbeloa was asked to play right-back, Riise dropped deeper to fill the full-back role he performs no more than adequately – and Bolo Zenden came in for an inadequate left flank cameo.
On several occasions the Dutchman chiselled out space with clever shimmies or darting runs beyond his marker – but not once did he succeed in delivering a damaging cross.
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