Wigan 0 Liverpool 1.

Yossi Benayoun has launched a vigorous defence of two Barclays Premier League managers who found themselves in the spotlight for differing reasons last week.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez's often criticised rotation policy was again under the microscope, in particular in relation to £26m Fernando Torres.

He started on the bench for the two recent goalless draws at Portsmouth and at home to Birmingham, leaving Reds fans perplexed.

The Spain international striker then started for the midweek win over Reading in the Carling Cup, and scored a hat-trick.

Torres should have added to his tally at the JJB Stadium as he had three first-half chances after being handed his opportunity from the outset.

In the end, it was substitute Benayoun who settled the game with a fine finish in the 75th minute.

It was his first league goal for the Reds and second in successive matches since his £5m summer move from West Ham where he was a regular.

In contrast, Benayoun has been used sparingly by Benitez as it was only his fifth appearance of the season.

Yet he appreciates the circumstances, and Benitez's philosophy as he said: ''We know there has been a lot of talk about the rotation, but we don't listen to what the press say, we listen to our manager and we respect him.

''We have a lot of players, so we have to be ready to be involved in the rotation - either to sit out or to play - and there is 100 per cent belief in the manager.''

Avram Grant has also faced his fair share of flak in the few days he has been in charge at Chelsea following Jose Mourinho's exit.

The fact he lacks the necessary qualifications to coach in the top flight has not helped his cause, and neither did a goalless draw at home to Fulham.

Yet Benayoun is fervently backing a man he has played under with the Israel national team, adding: ''He is a good manager.

"But I also understand the criticism because a big name in Mourinho went and nobody knows Avram Grant.

''But you have to be patient, give him a couple of months to prove himself, and if it's not good, then you can criticise.

''I know Avram is a big manager, I believe in him and I am sure he will be successful there.

"He likes to play good, attacking football. I am sure Chelsea will play better with him, just give him time.''

Wigan manager Chris Hutchings was left to lament his side's 17th defeat from 17 games against one of the big four since promotion to the top flight in 2005.

They had a perfectly good goal disallowed in the 50th minute when Marcus Bent was onside, while Julius Aghahowa missed a sitter in injury-time.