Fans rush to Benitez defense after massive criticism

Liverpool fans have rushed to the defense of former manager Rafa Benitez after he was criticized following Newcastle United’s latest loss.

The Magpies went down 2-1 to Chelsea thanks to an own goal and a dubious penalty decision, but the way in which Benitez set up his side has drawn fire from pundits and other supporters.

Jamie Redknapp and Graeme Souness both had a pop at the Toon boss in the Sky Sports studio, while former Aston Villa gaffer Paul Lambert also reckoned he could do better if he was in charge of the Newcastle side.

Redknapp called the way the Magpies set out to play an embarrassment, while Souness decided that he’d ignore a potential vital factor in determining league position at the end of the season – goal difference – and get beat 3-0 instead of 2-1.

“If you’re a Newcastle player in that dressing room, you’re embarrassed,” said Harry’s son – while former Reds legend Souness added: “I think you’d rather lose 3-0 having a go than lose the way they lost today.”

Meanwhile Lambert, who oversaw his fair share of thrashing while a Premier League manager, reckoned that he wouldn’t ever send a side out to be so defensive.

But several sections of supporters, both Newcastle and Liverpool, aren’t having a bar of the criticism leveled at Benitez and several Liverpool fans have leaped to his defense. Read below to have a look at what they said!

The Magpies had 20% possession but the same number of shots on target as Chelsea, who were fortunate to come away from St. James’ Park with a win.

Eden Hazard hit the back of the net following a lucky penalty call, while DeAndre Yedlin put one in his own goal after Joselu leveled things up for Newcastle.

Despite being less than convincing this season, the Blues have now won their first three games and can only improve. Liverpool shouldn’t take their talk of not being near the title race seriously, as they’re bound to get better as the campaign lengthens.