Liverpool's season went from bad to worse as they lost 1-0 at Sunderland, their fourth defeat of the campaign.
The only goal of the game arrived just five minutes in as Darren Bent lashed the ball home - although Liverpool will be ruing the freak nature of the goal as the ball deflected off a beach ball which had been thrown onto the pitch by the visiting fans.
Whilst the goal was lucky, the win was anything but as Sunderland should have won by more and Bent could have easily had a hat-trick.
Indeed it was not until injury-time that Craig Gordon had a save to make in the Sunderland goal.
The win also lifts Sunderland into seventh, above Liverpool who now find themselves dropping to eighth.
With the injured Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres missing, they were a shadow of the side which pushed Manchester United so close last season as they slipped to their fourth league defeat of the campaign despite a late, late rally.
After their side's heroics at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, when only a late Anton Ferdinand own goal gave the reigning champions a point, the Wearside faithful arrived believing a win over one of the Premier League's traditional powers was a distinct possibility.
And if they needed further confirmation that it could be their day, they had to wait only five minutes.
The only goal of the game arrived just five minutes in as Darren Bent lashed the ball home - although Liverpool will be ruing the freak nature of the goal as the ball deflected off a beach ball which had been thrown onto the pitch by the visiting fans.
Whilst the goal was lucky, the win was anything but as Sunderland should have won by more and Bent could have easily had a hat-trick.
Indeed it was not until injury-time that Craig Gordon had a save to make in the Sunderland goal.
The win also lifts Sunderland into seventh, above Liverpool who now find themselves dropping to eighth.
With the injured Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres missing, they were a shadow of the side which pushed Manchester United so close last season as they slipped to their fourth league defeat of the campaign despite a late, late rally.
After their side's heroics at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, when only a late Anton Ferdinand own goal gave the reigning champions a point, the Wearside faithful arrived believing a win over one of the Premier League's traditional powers was a distinct possibility.
And if they needed further confirmation that it could be their day, they had to wait only five minutes.
MATCH FACTS:
Man of the Match:
Whilst Darren Bent will get the plaudits for his goal, Phil Bardsley was out choice for an outstanding display from start to finish.
Moment of the Match:
The goal which deflected off a beach ball and sent Liverpool crashing to defeat.
Save of the Match:
Craig Gordon's late double save was top-draw and played a crucial part in Sunderland's win.Talking point: What now for Benitez? A truly shocking display, which surely leaves their title dream in tatters for another year.