"We didn't deserve anything in the first half, " conceded Benitez, who, perhaps with Thursday's Europa League match against Lille in mind, broke from his usual approach of defending his team following a poor performance.

BBC: Rafael Benitez hits out at Liverpool side as Wigan win

Long broke the offside trap to race clear down the left and had the presence of mind to pick out his Republic of Ireland compatriot in the middle for a low finish.

BBC: Sport - Football - Watford 1-1 Reading

But ever since 2009, when he broke his left thumb sliding into second base, he's slid with the nagging fear in the back of his mind that he'll hurt his hand again.

WSJ: It's for Sliding, Not Baking