Liverpool v Tottenham - Match Preview

Today's afternoon kick-off sees Liverpool welcome Tottenham to Anfield for what is, for Brendan

LFC Squad. Could be worse. Could be better too

Rodgers' men, a chance to take pole position in the Premiership. If ever there was a must win game for LFC, then we'll be seeing it come 4pm this today. After yesterday's results, Liverpool have the top spot there for the taking and if the team is going to have any hope of lifting the title this season, then this is the chance to get one hand on it.

The weekend could not have gone any better for Liverpool upto now. Chelsea were done over 1-0 by a hungry Crystal Palace side who are fighting tooth and nail to remain in the top flight. Manchester City faltered at Arsenal in a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. I remain positive. I don't believe Tottenham or Tim Sherwood have what it takes to overturn Liverpool or Brendan Rodgers. Before Tottenham's win over Southampton last week, they hadn't won since the 1-0 home victory over strugglers Cardiff. The fact that all of the games since then and last week have been against what you'd generally call "Quality" opposition (Chelsea, Arsenal and Benfica), it's only natural to conclude that Tottenham struggle against this type of opposition. The type in which one can definitely count Liverpool.

Tactically, it's almost a given that Rodgers will start with the same side that's been doing so well since the turn of the year. The only change I can see is perhaps Raheem Sterling starting in place of Philippe Coutinho but then, that's something I've expected for the last few games and it hasn't come about. Expect the home side to press high up the pitch and pressure the Spurs midfield. Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger will have to be at their combative best and obviously, avoid the individual errors that have cost the team goals in recent weeks. The right tactics though, are only one element of what is required.

I recall the ex-Liverpool winger John Barnes being asked in an interview "What is the secret for Liverpool's success?". Barnes' response was "Well firstly, we have the best players and secondly, the Gaffer just tells us to go out and enjoy ourselves". So for a start, Liverpool don't have the best players. Perhaps the best strikers and one or two midfielders arguably, but in defence certainly not. Thus Barnes' first point is irrelevant for the current team. However, what they can do is to go out tomorrow and enjoy themselves and I'm glad that Rodgers has put that point to the team ahead of tomorrow's match via the Liverpool Echo. 

Nobody knew that the team would be where they are at the beginning of the season. As underdogs for the Premiership - which they undoubtedly are - they shouldn't be feeling the pressure. That's the job of Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal but not Liverpool. They're in the mix and clearly have a chance but I'm not convinced that Liverpool will win the title. Mainly because there's no depth in the squad. All it takes is a 2-match yellow card ban (Steven Gerrard), an injury to Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge or indeed Gerrard, and then the title challenge will likely be as over as Austin Rover. The squad is right now four or five key players - not squad players - short of being genuine title material and Rodgers knows this. 

The bottom line is, Liverpool FC have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The apparent nervousness on Wednesday against Sunderland from both the team and supporters should not be. In reality, we've got to be happy we got this far. Surely that's worth celebrating. And come Monday 12th May, we might be celebrating still further.

Follow me on Twitter: @Mrbengreen

Nine Goal Thriller Keeps Liverpool In The Chase

Suarez and Sturridge - The REAL SAS

Sloppy defending coupled with exquisite finishing was the order of the day as Liverpool and Cardiff City served up a nine goal treat to keep the fans on the edge of their seats and make problems for those with coronary complaints. Two goals a piece for Jordon Mutch and Martin Skrtel, a Luis Suarez hat-trick and a goal each for Daniel Sturridge and Frazier Campbell provided the entertainment in a thrilling match.

As with most a Liverpool fans, I was confident of a win and didn't really expect to see Cardiff register one goal, let alone three. The first from Mutch was equally down to poor defending - yet again from Liverpool, as it was the quality finishing from Mutch. Following a suicide back pass from Joe Allen that allowed Frazier to play the ball into the path of the scorer. The amount of space allowed by the Liverpool defence, and the apparent reluctance to press on the edge of the box was again Liverpool's failing. However less than ten minutes later, Liverpool were level. Jordan Henderson's ball into space for the overlapping Glen Johnson who's centre was tapped in easily by Suarez at the near post. 1-1. 

On 25 minutes Liverpool were again guilty of leaving gaps in the defence large enough fir a No. 36 bus to breach. Campbell done exactly that and latched onto the pass from the impressive Mutch to cut across the visitors' shambolic defence to slide home his sixth Premiership goal of the season and the hosts' second. 2-1. Liverpool responded by trying to get balls in behind the Cardiff defence and thus began to turn the tide of the game. As half time approached one sensed Brendan Rodgers' men would recover and, recover they did as Skrtel poked home to level on 41 minutes from Philippe Coutinho's dangerous ball into the home team's penalty box. 2-2. 

The break gave the visitors a chance to regroup, regain focus and play in a manner more befitting of a team challenging for the league title. Through similar fashion to the equaliser, and again through Skrtel with his second of the game, heading home from Coutinho corner. 2-3. After that, it was the Suarez and Sturridge show. The SAS as they've now come to be known, swept aside the home side with some devastating link-up play between them. As clinical as the formidable, stealth-like unit after which they've been nick-named. And, I'd like to add, far more so than any previous impostors with the same name!

Sturridge picking up the effervescent Johnson's centre and playing an audacious back-heel pass in to the stride of Suarez... 2-4. Following another 15 minutes of continued pressure, the deadly duo struck again. Johnson's 40-yard pass on 75 minutes turned defence into attack and found Suarez moving into the vacant left side flank. His neat control and strength was too much for the marking City defender and as he raced through, Sturridge was on hand to meet his partner's centre and tap in. 2-5.  If there was any doubting the outcome of this encounter, surely it was erased now. The visitors were out of site.

Mutch grabbed what can only be considered a consolation in the 88th minute, heading in Kenwyn Jones headed lay off but by now, the damage was done and there was no way back for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side from here. 3-5. No sooner had the home side clawed back a modicum of respect, the SAS struck again on 90 minutes to close the proceedings in style. A long punt upfield from Skrtel found Suarez again in acres of space on the left flank. As he dribbled toward goal with only the keeper to beat, the following was inevitable. A little shimmy and a drop of the shoulder. 3-6.

There's no doubting that Liverpool made this unnecessarily difficult for themselves in the opening stages. The amount of space afforded to the home side was unforgivable and deserving of being punished twice. Young Jon Flanagan will surely learn from that as both errors came from his eagerness to get forward. There also appears to be a reluctance, on occasion for Liverpool to close opposition players down on the edge of their own box. For what, the good Lord only knows. What we all know though, is that this has to stop if and more likely when, they are facing the quality opposition that will inevitably arrive with playing in the Champions League.

For now, Liverpool remain in the mix and a 19th title is certainly not beyond them. As Brendan Rodgers said after the game when asked if he's "Got to say now you can win the league?", his response was, quite rightly "No, we've got to say we've gotta win the next game, and that's our focus". Never a truer word said. The focus in now on Wednesday night at 8pm when Sunderland come to Anfield. Let's see where we are after that.

Follow me on Twitter: @Mrbengreen

Liverpool set to sign Green in £80m swoop!

Will they, won't they? And who is this Green fella that Brendan Rodgers is going to make such a huge

Nicolas Nkoulou. An option for LFC?

bid for? Only the completely clueless would have failed to realise that I'm referring to a quadragenerian

blogger and life-long LFC fan. My good self! "What a load of Bo@@&cks!" I hear you say. However, this isn't so far off from what I'm seeing out there.

Liverpool find themselves sitting six points clear in fourth place on 56 points, with 11 matches to play, and on current form look set to remain there and claim the last remaining spot for a coveted Champions League berth. Alas, the inevitable has happened. As at today, Brendan Rodgers is looking to sign no other than seven or eight players. "Liverpool set to raid Swansea for...", Liverpool set to battle Zenit for...",  "Liverpool to step up chase for...", "Liverpool boss to mark brilliant move for...", "Tough-tackling star linked with big Liverpool Switch". The list goes on and on. 

Thus, I'm beginning to think I'm going to get a call from my agent telling me the Reds are considering a bid. Let's face it, it can't be any more far-fetched than much of the BS that's being printed right now. What I'm wondering is, where do these stories come from? Is it the players' agents? The press, simply bored? Smoke screens to divert attention from genuine targets? What? I doubt many, if any, of these stories come from Rodgers himself, or Liverpool. My personal belief is that many of these rumours are coming from so-called agents. 

Think about this. You're an agent and you have a young player. Decent. Got potential, but he's no Steven Gerrard. He's trying to get a move to Big club. What would increase interest in him more than knowing that Liverpool FC are interested? That's got to be good for the lad hasn't it? To know that Liverpool were interested in him. And, you've gotta be good if Liverpool are interested. I'm almost certain that 99% of these stories have absolutely no foundation! or basis in fact whatsoever. 

Realistically, Liverpool need a centre-half, a left back and a central midfielder. In terms of attacking options I think they're in good shape. Perhaps if one comes up at a good price, then yes, but the squad has enough options there. As it is, every attacking midfielder is on Liverpool's radar, and I'm sure that if you were the proverbial fly on the wall, you'd see a very different list of names to that being banded about. 

If Rodgers is serious about progress, his list should be defender heavy. Should his team succeed in securing entry to the Champion's League, he can't expect the current motley crew he currently calls a defence, to stand up to the attackers of the Real Madrids, Barcelona's and Paris St. Germains of this world. I know the man likes to play attacking football, but if he thinks he's going to get many barnstorming 4-3's when he's in that company, then he's sorely misguided. 

Liverpool have to dig deep financially and get some real quality in the next transfer window. I don't mean the likes of Ashley Williams, but some serious quality like his teammate, Chico Flores, Marseille's Nicolas Nkoulou or even Newcastle's David Stanton. The last one may be a bit of a surprise but he's been outstanding for the Magpies this campaign. It's time Rodgers realized that his current philosophy is far too Evansian to succeed. Liverpool have a tough test against Southampton tomorrow and there's no better time for the LFC defence to step up and really prove themselves. Shape up, or ship out. 

Follow me on Twitter: Mrbengreen 

Fortunate win keeps Reds in the hunt

A Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde performance this afternoon gave Liverpool another three points to stay in

Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde... You decide.

touch with the Premiership's leading pack. Two goals from each of Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson saw off a spirited Swansea side under the stewardship of their new boss Garry Monk. Whilst Swansea deserve some credit in a thrilling match for the neutrals, Liverpool's defence were akin to a 12th man for Swansea at times. Attacking flair and clinical finishing at one end, and suicidal defending at the other.

If there was any more proof required that Brendan Rodgers needs to beef up his defence in the next transfer window, then this must surely be it. The calamitous displays of Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Kolo Touré make me wonder where the team would be were it not for the current forward line. The words "mediocrity" and "mid-table" come to mind.

Liverpool started brightly enough and were two up after superbly taken goals from Sturridge on three minutes and then Henderson 17 minutes later to put the reds firmly in the driving seat. At this point one would think it should have been game over for Monk's men, but alas, enter the Dr. Jekyll defence. In fairness to Swansea, there were warnings to Liverpool before then with the impressive Jonjo Shelvey and Wilfred Bony, continually being allowed space to run at the home side's defence, without any sign of a challenge until far far too late. Shelvey got the Swans back into the game with a wonderful effort, in every way equal in quality to Henderson's strike a few minutes earlier.

The reaction from the ex-Liverpool midfielder was somewhat muted presumably as a sign of respect to the fans of his old club. Personally, I find this quite lame. If a player scores, especially in the way that Shelvey did, then he has every right to celebrate it in my opinion. Whether it's against his old team or not. Four minutes later the visitors were level due to what can only be described as laughable defending by Liverpool. A clear free kick against Skrtel for needlessly tripping Shelvey with his trailing leg - after a perfectly timed tackle - allowed the game to be brought back to parity. Bony heading in past Simon Mignolet with yet more help from the hapless Skrtel. Much to the annoyance of the home fans. Again, the pendulum swung back when Sturridge bagged his second of the game to restore Liverpool's lead. Again, you'd think Liverpool would get a strangle hold of the game now. Again, this was clearly too much to hope for.

The second half continued in as equally a shambolic manner as the first, as Dr. Jekyll, or Skrtel as he's often called, brought Bony down in the area to prove that you can't continually drag opponents to the ground or take their shirt off and expect to get away with it. Bony stepped up and slotted home to bring the game back to 3-3 with his second of the game. Liverpool were rattled. Not really by Swansea, but by their clear lack of any cohesion. The Mr. Hyde-like midfield and attack worked tirelessly, only for the Dr. Jekyll-like defence to undo the good work.

Rodgers substituted Daniel Agger, who it must be said was not having his happiest of returns to the team, with none other than Kolo Touré. Things could only get worse one thought and the anxiety of the Anfield faithful was felt every time he touched the ball. In fairness to him, he wasn't that bad although he was still bad enough. The introduction of Joe Allen for Raheem Sterling a few minutes earlier gave Liverpool some much needed zip in midfield, and things seemed to take a different slant. The home side started to play as if they actually knew each other and Allen's endeavour down the left was beginning to bear fruit.

Finally with 15 minutes remaining, the very same Joe Allen was involved again as his run down the left and switch to Luis Suarez who's cross saw Henderson pounce on the rebound from his initial shot to restore Liverpool's lead. Gerrard went close late on and hit the post, but other than that, there wasn't much else to shout about. by now Liverpool were looking more assured and saw out the rest of the game in relative ease. Special praise must go to Jon Flanagan who was absolutely immense at right back. He has come on leaps and bounds this season and one has to wonder when Martin Kelly, equally capable will get his chance for a run in the team. Let's face it, he can't do any worse than Glen Johnson, who was "ok" in his first game back but seems to be showing his age from what I can see. Come on Brendan save the club another £12m and give the boy a chance.

Follow me on Twitter: @Mrbengreen

Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal - Match Report

I'm da man!!

In the words of an old commentator "It's becoming a rout...!" And so it came to pass. It did today, with Liverpool giving Arsenal a good hiding at Anfield this afternoon. For the first 20 minutes, Brendan Rodgers' men were simply unplayable as they stormed into a 3-0 lead to leave the Gunners shell-shocked.

Two goals from set pieces by Martin Skrtel in the first and tenth minutes put Liverpool on their way, and from then on the writing was on the wall. The Reds pressed and harried the visitors and allowed them no time to settle. It's fair to say for the first half hour, it looked as if Liverpool would score with every attack as the visitors succumbed to wave after wave of attack. On 16 minutes, industrious play by Jordan Henderson winning the ball from Jack Wilshere to find Luis Suarez in space. The latter's low centre was met gratefully at the far post by the irrepressible and unmarked Raheem Sterling who slotted home to deliver a mountain for Arsene Wenger's men to climb if they were to salvage anything from the game.

Four minutes later, eagle-eyed Philippe Coutinho had the vision to slot an absolute slide-rule pass into the stride of Daniel Sturridge who broke from midfield between the two dozing Arsenal centre backs and notched up his 15th Premier League goal of the season. Poor Wojciech Szczesny could only look on as the ball bulged the back of his net for a fourth time. This was surely game over now for Arsenal. Liverpool's energetic tempo in midfield gave the visitors no hope of getting back into the game. Wilshere's frustration was clear to see as he tangled endlessly with Coutinho and the immense Steven Gerrard, excelling in his new role in front of the back four.

At the start of the second half, Arsenal showed some purpose to their game but it was clear to see from their body language that it was going to be a long, long drive back home to North London. Their heads had not only dropped, but squarely dragged on the lush green Anfield turf. It was against another half hearted Arsenal attack that the final nail into their coffin was dealt. Contrary to my assertion in the LFC File preview earlier, Aly Cissokho turned up for this match and was actually, "...all that". His forward clearance found the effervescent Sterling who controlled the ball neatly before stabbing home his second on the rebound from the on-rushing Szczesny - and effectively seal his man-of-the-match performance,. 

It was all over now. The fat lady didn't even have to open her mouth, let alone sing. The Kop cheered Liverpool's each pass as Wenger's men, bereft of ideas, chased the game to no avail. However, a clumsy challenge from captain Gerrard on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain inside the Red's area gave Mikel Arteta the chance to at least, spare Arsenal the ignominy of a complete whitewash. The penalty was greeted with cheers from both supporters. The Liverpool fans in keeping with their reputation for wit and sportsmanship!

So a good afternoon's work for Rodgers' men and a good result to set them up for their stay in London next week with away games at Fulham and, what will surely be a tasty FA Cup Fifth Round tie at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, following this result. The Reds have shown their promise today and I wouldn't even say this was their best performance of the season so far. The drubbings of Tottenham and Everton can't be overlooked either although given Arsenal's place at the top of the league one could argue as such. 

What I'd like to see though, is less of the kind of sloppy play that undone the side against West Bromwich Albion last week. As the teamtalk in Football Manager goes... "Why can't you play like this every week?"

Follow me on Twitter: @ Mrbengreen

Nothing will do for me...

LFC needs a bit of bite in defence!

I was sitting in the airport last night and thinking about a chat I had earlier in the day with my colleague, a fellow Liverpool supporter. "I'm hoping for a good win against the Villans this weekend, mate...!" I said with the confidence of a man who's team is in the hunt at the top of the league. "Well..." He replies with caution, "There are no easy games these days my friend, and everybody can beat everybody...".

Now as cliche'd as that may sound, the lad has a point and it got me thinking. Aston Villa have only won one of their last five matches, and they've shipped six goals in that time scoring only three. Liverpool on the other hand have scored 11 in as many matches. However, it's at the other end wherein lies the problem. Liverpool have actually shipped seven goals during that time. 

My colleague went on... "Mignolet's having a mare at the moment too". But, this is something I don't entirely agree with. The Red's defensive back four have been, frankly hopeless this season in my opinion. The column marked 'A' in the table shows Brendan Rodger's men have conceded more goals than any other team in the top ten, with the exception of Hull which, with all due respect, is nothing whatsoever to be happy about. 

Thus for me, it's not actually just down to Mignolet. More is the case that his defence is terribly wobbly and offers him and the goal very little protection if any at all on occasion. I can't pin it down to any particular player either. All of them have been poor this season. Martin Skrtel seems to want to change shirts with the opposition at every set piece - regardless of which end of the pitch - and Mamadou Sakho, although accurate in his passing, has about much positional sense as the spinning kid in a game of Blind Man's Bluff. Not to mention Daniel Agger's infatuation with the treatment table.

Rodgers is due to meet the club's owner John W. Henry and Chairman Tom Werner this weekend and despite all the talk of signing Pedro Rodriguez and Mohamed Salah et al, the acquisition of one or two solid defenders has to be penciled into the agenda as the main topic. At the moment, Liverpool cannot be considered serious title contenders until the leaky defence is shored up. This is without question. An integral part of any successful team is a watertight defence and LFC does not have that at this time. 

So as the title of this says, nothing will do for me. Nothing as in come this evening, I want to see a big fat zero for the away team's goal count. It's about time we saw the defence stand up, be counted and become an equal unit to the midfield and attack in terms of reliability and being more clinical. Nothing more, nothing less. And on the subject of nothing, nothing but a win will suffice.

Follow me on Twitter @Mrbengreen

LFC Mid Term Review

The Teacher's Pet!

With the festive period over and past the halfway mark this season, I think it's only fair to take a look back at the season so far. I thought I'd make something more like a report. You know, like the ones from school that always got "lost" on the way home, only for the school secretary to "kindly" send one in the  post! 

So, without further ado, read below the mid-term report. In no particular order other than positional groups:

Simon Mignolet: A good start to the term including very important saves early on. Unfortunately his work has suffered just a wee bit with a couple of soft errors. Will do well if he doesn't get too sloppy with his work. Grade B-

Glen Johnson: Hasn't been at his best this season and performed very poorly against Chelsea in the last test. Needs to concentrate more in class and avoid day dreaming. Grade C

Jose Enrique: Poor attendance due to injury may give him the "Sicknote" tag among his peers. Not enough coursework to be marked. 

Kolo Toure: Started the term well but his level appears to have dropped a tad. Must avoid needless talking in class... To the press. Grade B-

Daniel Agger: A promising start, and very popular with his peers. A reliable deputy head boy and member of the class. Unfortunately poor attendance through injury has curbed his progress. Grade A-

Mamadou Sakho: A likeable lad. However, the early promise he showed when joining the class seems to have deserted him. Sloppy work and failing to follow instructions have blighted his efforts this term. Grade C

Aly Cissokho: Good potential but often seems to miss the point of lessons. Seems to wander away from the topic being taught. If he applies himself properly he'll do well. His peers remain unconvinced. Grade C+

Martin Skrtel: the lad has come on leaps and bounds since a shaky start to the term where he struggled to grasp some basic topics. Must be careful his enthusiasm doesn't get him into trouble with pupils from other classes. Grade B

Martin Kelly: Very promising pupil who is always keen to raise his hand to answer questions if asked. Must knuckle down and have more confidence if he's to reach the potential shown in the last school year. Grade B-

Jonathon Flanagan: A good term thus far from another of the younger members of the class. Enthusiastic and keen to participate in class activities. Good attitude. Grade B-

Steven Gerrard: Continues to excel as head boy and remains an example to his peers and younger pupils alike. Recent absence has spoiled an otherwise good term's work. His final graduation will leave a large void in the class. Grade A

Philippe Coutinho: An excellent understanding of topics covered in class. Could perhaps finish his work with more conviction, particularly in tests where marks matter most. Grade B+

Jordan Henderson: A likeable member of the class who has really improved both his theory and practical work. Potentially a future head boy. Must refrain from using obscenities when things don't go his way. Grade B+

Lucas Leiva: Performing to high expectations this term and is an able deputy to the head boy when called upon. Beginning to return to his previous high standards following a long absence through injury. Keep up the good work Lucas. Grade A-

Raheem Sterling: A very capable young lad who is now showing his potential following a drop in his own high standards at the end of the last school year. Is also paying more attention in class and willing to take on more responsibility. Grade B

Victor Moses: A bit of an enigma is young Victor. Displays lots of ability one lesson, then completely absent the next, even if present. Shows flashes of ability and is well thought of by his tutor. Complained of being overlooked in his last class. Grade C+

Joseph Allen: Joe, as his peers call him is a likeable lad. What he lacks in natural ability he makes up for in hard work. A tad on the small side for his age but copes well against the bigger lads in class. Progressing well after a difficult period. Grade B-

Luis Alberto: Struggling to cope with life in a new school but seems determined to succeed. Has a good theoretical ability but needs to work harder at practical tasks. Grade C

Iago Aspas: Similar to his compatriot Alberto but looks to be adapting slightly better. There have been rumours of his wanting to move to another class. If this happens, one can only wish him well. Grade C+

Daniel Sturridge: Has settled in very well after being removed from his previous class for sulking. Young Daniel cannot be faulted for his effort and is very popular in school. Especially for his love of robotic dancing. He has handed in some excellent pieces this term. Although absent sick, his return will be welcome by his peers. Grade A-

Luis Suarez: Coping excellently this term and his work has been absolutely top class. He is winning over the doubters in his class and in school overall. He is also willing to help the younger members of the class. Will fulfill his massive potential only when he stops feigning illness during tests when faced with one or two challenging questions. Grade A

Class tutor, Mr. Rodgers: Appears to have got an otherwise noisy, lazy and disenchanted bunch to pull their socks up and apply themselves as required. Having done well in his previous school he has shown in our class why he has been so highly regarded in his field all over the land and abroad. He certainly has an eye for talent and is coping well with being in the limelight. Despite a few shaky moments in front of the governing board - or "press" as they like to be called - early on. 

There you have it. My mid term report. I think I've been fair. Reds fans, will admit that Brendan Rodgers' men have been punching above their weight this term and lie in a creditable fourth place. I thought the team would be in "the mix" around this time, but sixth or possibly fifth would have been acceptable for me. However, the performances have more than justified the current position and, but for a bit of luck and a lack of the odd visually impaired referee, a firm spot in the top three would be fair. For me, Jordan Henderson, Lucas Leiva, and of late, Raheem Sterling have been the stand out performers. Not to mention of course Daniel Sturridge and the irrepressible Luis Suarez. Despite my disdain of the latter, you can't argue with his performances this season. Simply top drawer stuff. 

As usual I don't make predictions. However, I'd be satisfied with European qualification this season, be it the hallowed Champions League or the less glamorous Europa Cup. Both of these would represent a fine achievement from all at the club and without doubt an improvement on las season's seventh placed finish. Similarly, for this afternoon's FA Cup third round  tie against Oldham, I don't expect a repeat of last year's failing to Oldham, where Rodgers' men lost 3-2 at Boundary Park. If it does... Suspensions all round and a good lash with the headmaster's cane to add to it, never mind the letter home!

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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. 

Follow me on Twitter @Mrbengreen