Initially, the shock of seeing Steven Gerrard being substituted overwhelmed me. I mean, what was Rafa thinking? Now, in hindsight, it seems fortune really does favour the brave. It was the inspired change, bringing on Lucas Leiva, that led to Liverpool's winner at Goodison. Leiva's shot was heading for the top corner, only to be brilliantly saved by Phil Neville, who was sent off for his passable imitation of a goalkeeper. Step up Dirk Kuyt, and even a couple of fingers by the REAL keeper couldn’t keep his spot kick out. So  Liverpool won it in the dying minutes thanks to Kuyt's second goal from the penalty spot. The Neville sending off was also Everton's second red card of the match.

The world’s eyes and, indeed, cameras focused on a clearly enraged Steven Gerrard as he trotted off after being subbed. One could almost hear Gerrard’s thoughts aloud ... “Substitute ME in the Merseyside derby – how dare you Rafa?” Though after the final whistle blew one could see the obvious delight on his face, and I’m sure he understood Rafa’s brilliant decision-making. Now let’s look at the possible reasons for Benitez taking him off at that crucial time.

ONE – Besiktas away on Wednesday. The Reds need their talismanic captain to be fresh, Rafa’s "go word" at present. Rafa took him off shortly after his blasting run that led to the first penalty…why ? One reason is that the Everton players were angry as hell and a few wild tackles were sure to follow, and the last thing Liverpool needed was another injury. Well done, Benitez, your foresight has been duly noted.

‘The one thing supporters should not overlook is that Liverpool are winning away from home more consistently and far earlier than last season. It can only prove that the team are on the up.’


TWO – Keeping Stevie and Co. on their toes. For all his passion, Gerrard is still not firing on all cylinders, and just when he started to influence the game, he was substituted. This can only spur him on to up his game and regain the confidence of the fans. And we all know how Stevie hates being substituted, even more so in the family-splitting Merseyside derby. I can feel the intensity of his performance on Wednesday already!

THREE – Benitez showing NO-ONE is bigger than the club, Not even a superstar like StevieG. This will serve well as a clear message that no one should try to hold the club to ransom, nor be able to slip into a comfort zone allowing for complacency and lacklustre performances. Don’t perform consistently and you will be replaced – sharpish ! That will allow the players to be constantly challenged and thereby keeping performance levels high.

FOUR – Having faith in the whole squad, It means young players get the chance to come in and do a job. This is one that will hearten the likes of Ryan Babel, Jermaine Pennant and, of course, Lucas Leiva – all young bloods hoping to make an impact. Benitez has stated clearly that those players doing well in training will be given the chance to prove themselves on match day. Leiva must be performing enormously well in training to earn a chance under so much pressure – the Brazilian came on and played exceptionally well in his 20 minutes on the pitch at Goodison.

Benitez clearly knows what he is doing and fans should trust in his judgment. Fans like myself, who pull out chunks of hair when Sami Hyypia is on the field, have to bear in mind that the coach can only use what he has at his disposal. The loss of Daniel Agger has shown how valuable a defender he is. Rafa and staff should take credit for unearthing such a gem of a player before others could snap him up. But they need to find a twin to Agger – someone young, creative and solid, so we can give Sami his benefit match and lay him down on the road to retirement. His performance on Saturday was shocking. He never managed to get two inches off the ground and the Reds’ aerial threat problem seems magnified by 10 when one considers that he only managed to win ONE header in 90 odd minutes. Rafa will have to splash the cash on a replacement for Hyypia, all sentiment aside.

The one thing supporters should not overlook is that Liverpool are winning away from home more consistently and far earlier than last season. It can only prove that the team are on the up. Now, Besiktas on Wednesday and Arsenal at the weekend will provide a stern test of Liverpool's resolve. Gerrard will have played 20 minutes less football and be ready for the two matches that could decide the whole season, though we’re only in October.

Liverpool seem to thrive on being in positions of near hopelessness, and that is when they are most dangerous, as Gerrard will most certainly tell you – or just watch the highlight DVDs. They tell it like no other ... “Steven Gerrard , you beauty, what a hit son, WHAT A HIT” – Andy Gray.

More of that please Stevie … it’s Olympiakos all over again. And we all know what happened that night and thereafter, right ?

Was Rafa correct in subbing StevieG? Post a comment below or write your own Sportingo article.