West Ham Utd v Liverpool FC - Match Preview

Liverpool travel to East London this afternoon with the intention of regaining their place at the top of the Premier League. With fellow challengers Manchester City and Chelsea recording emphatic wins

Glen Johnson: Will Glenda be out key man today - again?

yesterday, today's match will provide further evidence as to whether Brendan Rodger's side genuinely are in the hunt, or simply also-rans. Sam Alladyce will be sure to make this as difficult a task as is humanly possible in order to secure top flight survival for the Hammers. 

Luck, like everything in this world is not infinite and it'll be interesting to see if the Gaffer's continues, or whether he used up the last of it with his Grand National sweepstake win yesterday. Liverpool, or the housewives favorite if you prefer, are currently a solitary point behind Jose Mourinho's side with a single game in hand, so a win would restore the Reds' two-point advantage at the top of the table. Hopefully Rodgers' side can avoid falling victim, like Across The Bay did yesterday, to an unseated runner as one could call West Ham - long out of the race, but continuing all the same as trained to do.

If observers claimed Liverpool may suffer under pressure, then this match will see if they're correct. This fixture is one that Champions should be winning. The kind of game where they can show they will not lie down. Both to the immediate opposition and to the other challengers. Andy Carroll will be doing his level best to show Rodgers what he so willingly let go, and lifelong Reds supporter Kevin Nolan will be looking to put a dent in the visitors' hopes for sure. 

In terms of selection, I can't see any changes. Simply because the current team has done so well in the last couple of months and seem really settled. I'm hoping that Rodgers will start with a front three. Raheem Sterling out wide on the right, swapping the width with Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez. The latter two switching between offering the wide option and the central attacking threat. I'd prefer to see Sterling start ahead of Philippe Coutinho simply because I believe he can handle the inevitable physicality. Coutinho, on the other hand will probably win more free kicks and against a packed defence, this may well be the side's best bet for scoring opportunities. In any case the team has options and goals so we'll see which approach the boss goes with. 

The midfield three of Steven Gerrard in front of the back four, Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen ahead of him. I don't see a start for Lucas at the moment, but should the visitors secure a comfortable enough lead, then we can expect his introduction in the second half. The defense will gave a tough test managing Carroll and Nolan and I'm praying that the back four can keep them at bay. This is going to be a vital part of this match and if the visitors are to remain the only unbeaten premiership side this year, it's imperative that there are no sloppy mistakes to make a difficult risk harder still. This will also be a chance for Glen Johnson to continue his return to form and maintain his impressive scoring record against his old club.

For me, Manchester City are still the favorites to take the title this season. Their two games in hand could see them take a two point lead at the top so this really us a must-win game for Liverpool. Indeed, every one of the remaining six matches will be. This, if Rodgers' men can maintain their form, will be the reason why a title win would be that little more special. Just in case it isn't special enough. So let the analysis and talking stop and let the game begin. Let's hope the team come away with a win. 

Follow me on Twitter: @Mrbengreen

Liverpool 4-0 Tottenham - Match report

Raheem Sterling: Top, top top player! 

Liverpool returned to top spot in the Premiership in style yesterday with a convincing win over a distinctly unconvincing Tottenham side at Anfield. From the first whistle to the last, the home side was in total control of the fixture and brushed the visitors aside with some mesmerising football. Goals from Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson added to an opening own goal from Younes Kaboul were too much for Tim Sherwood's side to cope with. 

The Merseysiders took the lead after only two minutes when Man of the Match Raheem Sterling attacked the Tottenham left side and slid a simple pass to Glen Johnson who's overlapping run went initially unnoticed by the visiting defence. Daniel Sturridge was waiting for the inevitable centre in front of goal but needn't have bothered as Kaboul helped the ball into the net with the kind of back-heel John Barnes would have been proud of. One would have expected the vengeance-minded to have sought immediate retribution but alas, nothing. 

On 25 minutes the second goal came. An awful back pass from Michael Dawson with his first touch of the ball after coming on for the injured Jan Vertonghen was pounced on by live wire Suarez whose strength and pace as he ran toward goal signaled the inevitable before he duly slid the ball across a helpless Hugo Lloris to notch up his 29th goal of the season. 

The second half started in much the same manner as the first in so far as the visitors showing a complete inability to handle the attacking flair of the hosts. Time after time, Liverpool passed around the Tottenham side as if they simply weren't there. On 55 minutes a rare offensive forray into the Liverpool area was cleared left to Jon Flanaghan who sold the most audacious dummy to his assailant and passed to Coutinho completely free in the middle of the pitch. Unchallenged, he headed toward the opposing penalty area and unleashed a text-book drive low into the left corner of the goal and past the outstretched arm of Lloris. 

This, to all intents and purposes was game over. There was no sign of the heroics from last week that saw Spurs come back from 2-0 down to win and it was clear in their body language that there wasn't going to be anytime soon. At least not today. The mauling was complete on 75 minutes when Jirdan Henderson's free kick from the left bypassed a packed penalty area and into the net. There was a spell of pressure from the visitors for the last 10 minutes but this was in vain. The Liverpool defence stood firm although in all honesty is wasn't exactly an onslaught that Tottenham subjected their hosts to. Merely, it seemed, to demonstrate that they hadn't turned up just to stand still.

Considering Tottenham, in the build up to the match, used the word "revenge", to describe their imminent mission, they didn't seem to be a unit with revenge a forethought. To say they were outclassed would be an understatement. Full credit must go Brendan Rodgers for sending the side out with an aggressive and brutal approach to this game. On the other hand, one has to wonder what happened to their opponents. At times it was almost embarrassing to watch. There was a total lack of desire from the North Londoners. Tim Sherwood has really got his work cut out with this lot. 

Liverpool now sit three points clear atop the Premiership and they actually look good value for it on recent performances. The next game away at West Ham won't by any means, be an easy one at their notoriously difficult venue. The Reds have the momentum now and on this showing, it will take one hell of a performance from West Ham to put a dent in that. However Sam Alladyce being the wily technician that he is will not make it an easy ride for their visitors and I've no doubt it'll be a sterner test than yesterday. 

There is a real sense of purpose in this Liverpool side now and it's easy to see why the fans are singing "We're gonna win the league...". Yesterday, they played without any inhibitions and yes, for the first time in the last two or three games, as if they were enjoying themselves. I have to say, this is the best football I've seen the team play for 25 years and on this form, I'm finally beginning to accept this song being sung. Next stop, Upton Park. 

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Liverpool's Loan Players Mean Money In The Bank

Andre Wisdom (Left): Cash cow or Loss leader?

According to reports, the country is now on the road to financial recovery. Despite this we all still need to keep an eye on the purse strings and Liverpool Football Club are no different. Let's be honest, never mind blaming the Mrs., we're all guilty of a retail excess now and again. A little shirt here, £50. A nice jacket there, £200 and, in the case of Liverpool, a centre back or two, £20m. It all adds up. I've been doing some digging and Liverpool have no fewer than 13 players out on loan this season. That's virtually another team, barring a few subs. 

It's common knowledge that Brendan Rodgers needs to strengthen the defence, not only in preparation for potential Champions League football, but also to spare the blushes from some more than ropey defending we've seen in recent months. Well, he need look no further than the loan list where the team almost has an embarrassment of riches available and ready to save the club more than just a few quid on new players. 

To avoid boring everyone to tears, here's my pick of the bunch that will help Chief Financial Officer Andy Hughes sleep that little bit sounder with the prospect of signing off some rather hefty cheques over the summer months to come. After all, as they say, look after the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves. 

Of the five defenders, Andre Wisdom must be in with a shout of pushing for a first team place next season. And the updates from Derby County are very encouraging indeed. The lad is good. Strong, fast and, judging from what we've seen of Glen Johnson's ageing legged performances this term, Wisdom would be worth a run in the side. We have Jon Flanagan at right back now, but he's also been used effectively on the left. Wisdom has been impressive whenever he's played and you could argue that the first team exposure will bring him on leaps and bounds as it has done for Flanagan. That's surely a saving of six or seven million at today's rates. 

In midfield, I'd like to see Oussama Assaidi come back. From what I've seen he's had a decent spell at Stoke City. He scored an absolute screamer against Chelsea in December to give the Potters a deserved victory. He would make a decent replacement in the event of injury, and alternative to any of Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho or Iago Aspas.  Where Aspas is concerned, I think his massive league goal tally this season of, er... two, should make him a contender to be sent out on loan himself if Rodgers still rates him. Or out to graze if I were to rate him. There's also Jordan Ibe who most definitely has something to offer. Not as a starter, but again, bums on seats. Even if those seats take the form of the bench, he should get more playing time in the cup games and cover for the inevitable injuries. That's another five or six million quid there. More if you add the two bob they'd get for Aspas if he was sold on. 

The loan market has already helped Liverpool to save a fair packet.  I'm sure Mr. Hughes is glad they've taken some players on to the books with only the wage liability and not a burdensome multi-million pound transfer fee to add to the balance sheet as well. Enter Aly Cissokho. He was mooted as a £12m must have purchase a year or two ago. The 26 year-old on loan from Valencia has been a tad disappointing in my eyes and I'm grateful that the club didn't part with a large fee for him. Thank The Lord! They've only just turned the corner of financial recovery like the rest of us and he'd have been the footballing equivalent of a pair of loafers too far. The ones that looked nice in the shop, but now they always squeak and hurt your feet when you wear them. 

Liverpool have a good thing right now. Not only are they second in the league and improving mentally, tactically and technically physically with each game, but the future prospects for the team look very bright in terms of the younger players at hand. It's vitally important that the likes of Ibe, Conor Coady, Jack Robinson and the rest are developed into the players that they have the undoubted potential to be. My only concern with them playing at clubs like Derby County and Sheffield United is that they do not get the kind of challenge in the lower divisions that they'll get in the Premiership and the club should strive to find top quality clubs for these players whenever possible. 

In summary, let's try to have a win win situation here. The home-grown players mean the team can grow from within and build a stronger base. LFC must not rely on the transfer market where prices and quality are both overinflated. Money makes a good servant, but an awful master. 

Follow me on Twitter: @Mrbengreen

Liverpool v Arsenal preview

Got some thinking to do...

In a few minutes from now Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool side host Premiership leaders Arsenal at Anfield, and like with every fixture between now and the 11th May, is a must win for the Reds.

It goes without saying that Liverpool have not done well against the teams above them in the league this season having taken a big fat zero points from the possible nine available from Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea. Cries of bad luck, poor refereeing aside, the final scoreline speaks for itself, and this is what matters. The biggest issue for Liverpool this season, in my opinion has been their defence. Shocking would not have been an understatement for many an occasion this season and this is something Rodgers must remedy.

I don't believe the inability to capture an obscure Ukrainian attacking midfielder in January to be the failure of Liverpool, but rather the lack of focussing on bringing in a competent defender to shore up the leaky back line. This is absolutely clear and I don't know what team observers are watching if they see missing out on signing Yehven Konoplyanka as the death knell for Liverpool's season. Only Man City have scored more goals than Liverpool so far this term thus the attacking element in the side does not appear to be the burning issue. The fact that they've shipped more goals than the rest of the top five sides is.

The one saving grace for Liverpool is that all the losses against the top teams have come away from home and the chance to play the top three sides in front of their own fans is definitely an advantage. I for one am expecting much more from the Reds at Anfield and let's hope the side give the fans - and themselves for that matter - something to be proud of. I'm not particularly bothered about the performance if I'm honest. The primary aim against the top sides must be to get the result. Point. These are the kind of games that will shape Rodgers fate and determine whether this season is a mere flash in the pan or a genuine 'Phoenix from the ashes' scenario.

Personally, I'd like to see Jon Flanagan and Martin Kelly starting as the full backs to give the team a bit more 'bite'. I don't think Aly Cissokho has been all that from what I've seen of him. There is certainly no room for the kind of mistake that Kolo Touré made to gift West Bromwich Albion an equaliser in the last fixture. For the midfield and attack, business as usual.

A win for Liverpool would give them 50 points and a five point cushion over Everton who have a difficult away trip to a resurgent Tottenham tomorrow - Not to mention three points behind Chelsea and Man City who occupy third and second respectively. Let's hope in a couple of hours we're talking about three points gained instead of two thrown away, or worse still, three given away.

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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. 

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Here we go again...

So game 11 of the 2013/14 premiership season kicks off this afternoon and there are some interesting fixtures to note. 

First things first though of course and Liverpool entertain Martin Jols Fulham side at the Anfield this afternoon. With The Cottagers languishing in 16th place on the league, one has to be optimistic for Bremdan Rodgers' men. Usually this is the type of match one would beat describe as a potential "banana skin" for the Reds. 

In recent times Rodgers has made a good job of focussing his side to step it up against the so-called lesser teams and I hope this continues today. One thing that concerns me is Liverpool's inability to keep a clean sheet and I have to say the flaws in the 3-5-2 the team have deployed this season were surely exposed against Arsenal. I'd like to see Rodger's return to four at the back for a fixture that needs to bear 3 points if Liverpool are going to be taken seriously as contenders this season. 

The return of Glen Johnson should go some way to providing some solidity at the back. Despite his clear defensive shortcomings, his experience is invaluable. Most if all, is like to see Philippe Coutinho make his first start since returning from injury and his creative flair and eye for a pass will do the home side no harm at all. A lot more effort from the whole team and better communication between Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez wouldn't go a miss either!

Away from that we have Chelsea at home to West Brom and "I'd luv it!" If Steve Clarke could get one over his old boss in his own back yard and do Liverpool a favour at the same time. With Tottenham, Arsenal and Man City all playing tomorrow, a nice win to show their credentials would do Liverpool no harm. 

Here's hoping the post-match review will be a positive one. 

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Let the games begin!

Once it was "The Twist", now do "The Sturridge"!

After a gap of a couple of weeks focussing on the day job, I've made a welcome return to the keyboard this weekend. As well as casting a more than beady eye over Liverpool's performance yesterday it's worth having a look at the noteworthy from the first week of the 2013/14 Premiership season. To say a scoreline can be deceiving is a massive understatement if we look at some of yesterday's results. The two most contrasting being Liverpool's opening 1-0 win against Stoke and Manchester United's 1-4 "drubbing" of Stoke.

I watched the Liverpool match with a Manyoo supporter as it happens which, apart from sacrilege, was actually very good fun so thanks to him for that. You know who you are! I thought Liverpool were impressive and Jordan Henderson and Kole Toure hitting the post makes me begin to think that the woodwork at Anfield is due for a trimming seeing as it's been getting in the way so much this last couple of seasons. The United-ite was actually impressed by what he saw of Brendan Rodgers' men and I have to say so was I although not surprised. The understanding between Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho is as good as any I've seen since John Barnes and Peter Beardsley and that can't do the reds any harm. Add to that the inventive Iago Aspas and it seems that Rodgers may well have struck gold with these guys. On this showing, they can ban Luis Suarez for another ten games for me. I'm not entirely sure why he's still there but that's another discussion for another time.

The scoreline definitely didn't do Liverpool justice but I think it was a good result seeing as they haven't won an opening league game for the last five seasons. The passing was neat, the movement was inventive and the intensity was high. The only thing missing was clinical finishing and this is something the guys definitely need to work on in they want to improve on last season's finish. With the exception of Robert Huth hitting the crossbar early doors and Lucas Leiva clearing off the line shortly afterwards, the Liverpool goal wasn't really under threat for much of the 90 minutes. Simon Mignolet's late penalty save gave more food for thought that Rodgers is definitely building something worthwhile at Anfield. Despite that numpty Daniel Agger needlesly committing the hand ball to concede said penalty in the first place. Asmir Begovic picked up the Man of the Match award. Need I say more?

In total contrast to Liverpool's efforts, that from those at the other end of the East Lancs road can best be described as scant. Having turned up at the Liberty Stadium 35 minutes late, Robin van Persie spectacularly volleyed them into the lead. This was, it had to be said, against the run of play and curbed the clear annoyance of Manyoo fan who was glad to see something positive from his side at last. Most would agree David Moyes was a good choice to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson and it seems the style of football under Moyes hasn't really changed from what I saw. In view of what he's inherited though, I believe the phrase if it aint broke don't fix it is appropriate. Swansea were unlucky to go behind and but for a little more guile from Nathan - Soul singer look-alike - Dyer, Swansea could and should have snatched a lead early on. Save to say, if's but's and maybe's... It didn't happen and Manyoo went on to win at a canter as the Swans had clearly given up the ghost once Danny Welbeck's second put the game out of reach. They were probably thinking about next week's potential beating at Tottenham by the end.

Away from those matches, Arsenal were done 1-3 at home to Aston Villa to put more pressure on Arsene Wenger. He now needs to seriously contemplate opening that hefty wallet he's sitting on at the Emirates Stadium and bring some steel into the side. The Norwich Everton 2-2 was no real surprise and Roberto Martinez is evidently going to continue the Everton tradition of doing not very much. Cardiff went down 0-2 to West Ham which was harsh. Having to go to Upton Park for their first game in the Premiership is a baptism of fire putting it mildly, and hope goes against hope that Cardiff can resist more beatings this season. Sunderland, Fulham and West Brom, Southampton both 0-1 away wins respectively seemed pretty boring from what I saw so I won't bother with them. Like I said in the beginning noteworthy.

All in all a good start to the new campaign. Hopes are high for Liverpool who have made a good start. With the next match being at home to Manchester United, I think it was important for Liverpool to get some points on the board before what is definitely going to be a stern test.

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