Reds return in style... With my help!

"What would the LFC file do...?" Brendan wondered.

I don't have many readers to this blog. Around 300 at the last count and fortunately growing. I think it's pretty fair in content. Praise and criticism of the team, manager and players in unequal but fair measure. However, I think there's one important reader. A reader in the shadows. His participation unknown to others. His last name begins with 'R' and his christian name with 'B'.

No, I'm not talking about Boo Radley, the spooky guy from the Harper Lee novel "To Kill a Mocking Bird", or even "British Rail" the never ending story about a rickety old railway in England! I mean Brendan Rodgers of course, the current incumbent of the Manager's seat at Liverpool Football Club. A man who I have claimed on more than one occasion as the man to bring the good times back after the Reds' faltering recent fortunes. This is a claim I will stand by because not only is his team playing attractive football and on a more consistent basis, but also because the club has a manager with real passion and understanding of the club, it's values and the city it represents. Call me nostalgic but those are very similar traits to previous, successful manager who is charged with beginning the most fruitful era in the clubs history. 

This reader of mine, Brendan Rodgers, is clearly reading this blog because he made the very changes that I suggested yesterday. Ask yourselves, seriously. There can only two reasons for his team selection. The first could be that Rodgers woke yesterday morning and thought "Mmmmm... Let's have a look at what 'The LFC File' thinks. Maybe that'll give me a few pointers". And, duly noting my suggestions, and following a pre-match discussion with Colin Pascoe the plan was put in place. He opted to start with a back four, Philippe Coutinho on the left and the welcome return of Glen Johnson at right-back. Okay, I also suggested playing Daniel Sturridge or Luis Suarez wide as part of a front-three. Actually that was just a red-herring because I knew Martin Jol, devoid of any ideas as to how to improve his free-falling Fulham side, would also be reading to get a few "pointers" of his own. Needless to say, this literary dummy sold the poor bugger completely! And so it came to pass (for want of a better expression), The result... A crushing demolition of Jol's side.  

The second reason, one that some may say is slightly more plausible, would be based on what I mentioned earlier about Rodgers' suitability for the post. He has clearly learned from his mistakes and made the changes on the simple basis that, that's what anybody with an ounce of footballing nous would have done. Coupled with the fact that he understands the importance of returning to winning ways following the disappointment at Arsenal last week. Especially against the kind of team Liverpool should be beating easily with all due respect to Martin Jol and Fulham. Personally, I think this reason is boring and couldn't possibly be correct. I prefer the first one. 

I thought the game itself was as you've come to expect from Liverpool this season. Storming out of the blocks to burst into a two or three goal lead and then play more of a containing game in the secon half, once the opposition have realised what's going on and try to do something about it; Although I don't think Fulham made any such realisation yesterday. Jordan Henderson was again his hard-working and reliable self. Even if, again his finishing let him down. His work for the team and passing was spot on. Of course most of the plaudits goes to Suarez for his finishing. However, for me, Steven Gerrard was the stand out performer and God only knows how Rodgers will replace him when he finally hangs his boots up. It's a question worth pondering as much as it is difficult to answer. The return of Coutinho added a bit of urgency and invention that's been missing in recent games. Victor Moses has done ok in that position but he has some catching up to do, in my opinion, before he becomes an automatic option in that role. Martin Skrtel's goal underlined the improvement in his form and showed that the defensive places are currently well contended in the squad. Only a good thing. 

So, all in all a good performance from the Reds and three valuable points to keep them in the hunt. The result between Chelsea and West Brom also done Liverpool a favor and opens up a small gap and at the time of writing, Tottenham are 1-0 down to Newcastle so long may that continue! The key for Liverpool is to build up some confidence over the next few fixtures. The festive season pits them against Manchester City and Chelsea so I think it's vital to keep the momentum for the next few matches. 

A last mention for John Barnes who turned 50 in the week. A total legend for Liverpool and the likes of whom are unlikely if ever to be found in a Liverpool shirt again. Probably the most technically gifted player I've ever had the pleasure of watching. 

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