Ten-man Liverpool hit a new low at Portsmouth

Liverpool’s miserable season hit a new low as Javier Mascherano was sent off in a 2-0 defeat at bottom of the table Portsmouth on Saturday.

Rafa Benitez’s side, who are already out of the Champions League, have won just four of their last 17 matches in all competitions and face a desperate fight to salvage a place in the Premier League’s top four.

The Reds, who are five points adrift of fourth place ahead of Saturday’s later games, fell behind in the 33rd minute when Algeria defender Nadir Belhadj lashed a ferocious shot past Jose Reina from a tight angle for his first goal of the season.

That strike was the 500th in the Premier League this season and Liverpool defender Daniel Agger should have added to that tally, but wasted his side’s best chance when he headed over from close range.

A dismal day for Liverpool got even worse when Argentine midfielder Mascherano was dismissed by referee Lee Mason for an ugly lunge on Tal Ben Haim just before half-time.

French striker Frederic Piquionne piled on the misery for Liverpool boss Benitez, who is certain to face more heavy criticism after this defeat, when he finished off a Kevin-Prince Boateng-inspired move in the 82nd minute.

Portsmouth, celebrating their second win under new manager Avram Grant, move level on points with second bottom West Ham, but remain behind the Hammers on goals scored.