The FA Cup exit at Goodison Park was clearly not helped by the sending off of midfielder Lucas Leiva in the second half, but had the Reds opted for a bolder approach they may have been the ones celebrating a fifth round place today.
Benitez has shuffled his pack against the smaller teams this season but has come unstuck with a succession of dropped points most notably against Wigan and Stoke.
Squad-depth
A lack of squad strength and experience is another key area where Liverpool look likely to struggle, particularly in the striking department.
In contrast to their title rivals star-studded subs benches, the Reds' back-up often features a mish-mash of unknown foreign youngsters.
Benitez's transfer policy is a touch reminiscent of Gerard Houllier's inclination to sign unheralded foreign talent such as Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Anthony Le Tallec.
Of those who may be required for the big games ahead, French youngster David Ngog looks raw to say the least, as does Nabil El Zhar, a Moroccan winger signed from St Etienne. Ryan Babel has shown pace, but little else since moving from Holland.
Unless Benitez can conjure goals from other areas to Gerrard and Torres, their challenge could fade.
Mind games
Sir Alex Ferguson will no doubt be enjoying a smug sense of satisfaction at the Merseysiders recent plight having appeared to have gained the upperhand in the 'mind games' between the pair.
The Spaniard was clearly rattled by the wily Manchester United manager's comments about fixtures earlier this season, choosing to use a press conference to reel off a dossier of 'facts' against United.
Although denied, the timing of his outburst may have brought about a loss of focus among his players.
Boardroom unrest
The ongoing dispute between warring American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett is taking attention away from on-field matters.
The problems were in evidence again this weekend when the owners were pictured sitting poles apart from each other despite being in the same area of the director's box.
Constant rumours about selling the club to overseas investors, the latest being Kuwait's Al-Kharafi family, are having a damaging effect on the club's title challenge.
Unless the internal problems can be put on hold, the club could see a great chance of domestic glory slipping away.
