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There is simply no end to Liverpool’s dismal season. Barnsley advanced into the last eight of the FA Cup in dramatic fashion after coming from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 with virtually the last touch of the ball.

A lot of Liverpool fans did not see this coming, even as they expected Rafael Benitez to field his second-stringers with the impending clash against Inter Milan at the back of his mind. In spite of this, a defeat was inconceivable in this mismatch - a seven time FA Cup champions and five time European champions facing off against a mid-table, second-tier team. Barnsley’s only claim to fame was in the FA Cup way back in 1912.

True to form, Benitez left captain Steven Gerrard on the bench and rested Javier Mascherano, Jose Reina and Fernando Torres. French goalkeeper Charles Itandje and stand-in captain Jamie Carragher got a run-out. In the 32nd minute, Liverpool pulled ahead when striker Dirk Kuyt poked in a cross from Ryan Babel. But Barnsley equalized before the hour mark when Stephen Foster headed in a cross from Martin Devaney.

Harry Kewell, replacing Babel, nearly wrapped up the tie for Liverpool when his shot hit the crossbar. The Reds brought on Steven Gerrard for Lucas in the 75th minute, but he was ineffective in providing the penetration through a stubborn Barnsley defense.

To add to Liverpool’s woes, Carragher was booked three minutes from time - a caution which will see him banned against Middlesbrough next week. Worse was to come deep in injury time, when Howard found space on the edge of the box to drill home the winner.

His goal, moments after Barnsley had a penalty appeal turned down, sealed a memorable victory for the Championship side and added more pressure on Benitez. “We are throwing away games because we cannot take our chances and finish matches,” said a frustrated Benitez.

“I’m really disappointed. They scored in the last minute. Sometimes this is football, this is the Cup. The only thing we can do now is prepare for the next game.”

Barnsley boss Simon Davey was delighted by his team’s attitude. He said: “The players have been fantastic. I always felt we were in the game. We kept going right until the end and scored two great goals.”

With the best bet for a trophy dashed, Benitez is living on borrowed time and it is difficult to envisage him staying at Liverpool for another season. This season is already marked by plenty of off-pitch troubles - mounting debts, lack of mutual respect, abortive transfers, worries of club ownerships and managerial changes, etc.

The conflicts doesn’t help the performances on the pitch. Even if the American owners decide to keep Benitez’s service (to prevent a hefty severance payout), it will be to humiliate him further as they are not likely to apportion more cash in the kitty to fund his transfers, unless some players are offloaded. Under such circumstances, I will not be surprised if Benitez decides to move on to another club where he will be better appreciated.

After surviving a scare in the last round by coming back from behind to non-league Havant and Waterlooville, Liverpool should have learned their lesson, that the FA Cup can throw up unpleasant surprises, if you underestimate your opponents.

But I do not blame Benitez as Liverpool enjoy the better of exchanges for long stretches of the game. Sufficient chances were created and it is up to the players to finish them off. Riise, Lucas, Crouch, Harry and Kuyt were guilty of being wasteful in front of goal by firing/heading wide or failing to connect with the crosses.

Another factor for the downfall was the magnificent form of goalkeeper Luke Steele. It was a memorable night for him as he made excellent saves to prevent a humiliating lop-sided result. Considering he has just moved into a new environment (his loan from West Brom was confirmed last week) and to be thrown into the fray against a prestigious opponent in his debut, I have to pay him kudos.

Compared to his steady counterpart, Itandje should be kept away from Liverpool’s goalposts in the near future. He looked anything but comfortable against Barnsley, and against sturdier opponents, especially in the Champions League, that is tantamount to a suicidal act.  Benitez deserves to be lambasted for persevering with Itandje at this critical stage.

At this point of time, Liverpool can only look to the Champions League to revive their flagging morale. After coming back from a near impossible situation to qualify for the next stage, they may just progress from strength to strength. The Inter-Milan match is crucial and the Reds just have to keep their head up and grind out a result.

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