Liverpool's Champions League qualification hopes and Rafa Benitez's Anfield future are in jeopardy after a woeful 1-0 Premier League loss at lowly Wigan Athletic.

The struggling Latics, who have nevertheless already beaten Chelsea at the DW Stadium, bossed the first half, taking the lead through Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega.

An ill-disciplined Reds side featuring Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres struggled to get back into the match and continually wasted chances when they did present themselves.

Liverpool should have taken the lead inside the first ten minutes when a cleared Gerrard corner was headed back into the box by Javier Mascherano, but an out-of-sorts Torres could only blast his volley against the woodwork from an unmarked position at the far post.

Roberto Martinez's side, lifted up to 14th by tonight's win, took the lead on 35 minutes when Dirk Kuyt gifted the ball to Emmerson Boyce, who delivered a sweet cross with the outside of the boot for Rodallega to prod home past Pepe Reina.

There was still time for Torres to miss another good chance before the break, and matters did not improve for the Spaniard after the restart.

One of his shots went out for a throw while on 76 minutes he missed a clear headed chance as Wigan began to tire.

Liverpool failed to capitalise however as their discipline went out the window, with Torres and Gerrard among five players booked.

With Torres' shooting boots still back on Merseyside, Chris Kirkland was barely tested, while Charles N'Zogbia and young Irish midfielder James McCarthy ran the show for the home side.

The defeat leaves Liverpool in sixth place, even outside the Europa League qualification positions, with 48 points from 29 games.

Manchester City (played 27) and Tottenham Hotpsur (played 28) are ahead of them on 49 points, with Aston Villa back in seventh on 45 points, although Martin O'Neill's side have only played 26 games.

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