Predictions were that Liverpool would definitely struggle this season following Luis Suarez’s momentous departure, but the Reds are defying the odds as their 3-0 victory at Tottenham demonstrated on Sunday.
The fact that Mario Balotelli wasted several chances on his Liverpool debut was not too significant because Raheem Sterling’s early opener, a Steven Gerrard penalty and Alberto Moreno’s brilliant finish secured the win.
Liverpool were Premier League runners-up last term to Manchester City and are determined to secure that elusive championship after 25 years.
Against Spurs it was Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers’s 100th match at the helm and his record stands at won 56, drawn 21 and lost 23.
Only Kenny Dalglish (62) had done better in his first century of Liverpool matches, although Bill Shankly and Rafa Benitez won 56 too.
Rodgers bounced back from last week’s defeat at City when pundits were already dismissing their chances.
He said after the Spurs win that overall he was pleased with two wins out of our three Premier League matches and praised Balotelli as “excellent” and “brilliant” – evidently just massaging the mercurial Italian’s already inflated ego, but a top form Balotelli is a nightmare to play against.
Reds captain Gerrard is in the twilight of his career and desperately wants a Premier League title to complete his set of club honors, which includes a Champions League medal from 2005.
Liverpool faithful remain hopeful that the legendary midfielder, who retired from international football after the World Cup to enhance his club career, has this as the payoff season.
Sterling is no longer viewed as a promising teenager and at 19 has already graduated to an automatic choice, both for club and country.
Jordan Henderson is maturing fast in central midfield and Daniel Sturridge looks as potent as last term when he complemented Suarez perfectly.
Liverpool addition of Alberto Moreno’s aggression and electric pace on the left is a new plus.
Balotelli’s contract with Liverpool includes all kind of behavior clauses to ensure he does not go off the rails as with previous clubs.
They even had him defending corners for the first time in his career – and he uncharacteristically held the ball up well when needed. It was an encouraging start, although there will certainly be difficult flash points Rodgers will have to deal with.
Liverpool are fifth in the Premiership and face third-placed Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday. Villa are usually fighting relegation, so be up with the leaders at this stage is confidence-boosting. Liverpool look likely to burst that bubble this weekend.
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