Rafa slams Alonso red

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was hugely disappointed with Xabi Alonso's dismissal.

The Reds appeared to be on top when Alonso was sent from the field of play for a 'foul' on Mathieu Flamini.

The Spanish schemer appeared extremely hard done to, as he slipped on the Highbury turf and slid into Flamini.

Replays appeared to suggest that referee Steve Bennett had not witnessed the incident and it was this which upset Benitez the most.

"It is a big mistake from the referee," Benitez told Sky Sports News.

"He was not watching the play and he decided too quick to show the yellow card - it's a big mistake.

"Maybe he should watch the video and we will have another idea."

Liverpool conceded shortly after Alonso's dismissal and Benitez is in no doubts that the red card changed the game.

"It was clear, we were controlling the game, going forward and creating chances, then to play with ten players is difficult against a good team."

Steven Gerrard's mis-placed backpass gifted Arsenal victory, but Benitez refused to blame his captain.

"It's maybe bad luck because he (Gerrard) could not see the other player (Henry).

"We are all disappointed but the most important thing is the team. It is one mistake, it is not a problem of one player it is the team, we will not talk about individuals."

Liverpool now trail Manchester United by five points and have played a game more than their rivals, but Benitez says they will not give up the chase for second place.

"We play again in three days (against Fulham) and we have a lot more games to play, so we must keep going," added the Spanish tactician.