Hugo Rodallega's eighth Barclays Premier League goal of the season late in the first half ended a run of seven league matches without a victory for the Latics and dented the Reds' top-four hopes.

Asked if he thought it was a fair result, Benitez said on ESPN: "I think so.

"I think we didn't play well, especially in the first half. We didn't show attitude."

Benitez admitted his side gave the ball away too often.

"That is very clear, especially in the first half," he added.

"We're not happy. We have to show more character if we want to be in top four."

Paul Scharner claimed Wigan's win will be a huge confidence boost for the Latics.

"It's a very important three points, it's magnificent to win against Liverpool after a bad run," he said.

"It's massive, I think the confidence will increase now.

"I'm very happy with what my colleagues showed on the pitch today. Hopefully we can stay together."

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was delighted with his team's display. "I think we had everything you can expect from a good performance," he said on ESPN.

"This is one of the days to be very, very proud of Wigan.

"Today the players showed great composure, great understanding. If anything we looked dangerous on the break and with the right decision could have got the second goal

"We need to carry on this standard till the end of the season."

Martinez added: "You saw a group of players who want to play the right way, want to win in the right manner. They have all the attributes needed in a very good football side.

"I'm just delighted for the players."