With Luis Suarez signing a new extension to his contract to give his thumbs up to the Rodgers philosophy and the sight of the imminent signing of midfielder Joe Allen watching from the stands, we went into the second Leg of the Euro league clash vs Gormel high in expectation of a confidence boosting win in Brendan Rodgers first home game as LFC manager.
Our aim at home this season is returning Anfield to fortress Liverpool where we can dominate teams and win comfortably. We started off on the right road with early chances to our captain Gerrard being saved well and Borini starting brightly but trying a little too hard to impress from a lay-off from Gerrard.
The selection of the silky skilled Suarez linking wonderfully with an advanced Gerrard and Borini started to influence the game with two good efforts in quick succession which the Gormel keeper handled very well.
The impressive start finally culminated in a goal after 22 mins with the impressiveSuarez showing his nimble footwork to full effect by gliding past the Gormel defender to the by-line before sending over a cross which was deflected back to thewaiting Borini, who duly volleyed home with aplomb to get a goal on his home debut joining an illustrious list of former LFC strikers to achieve the feat.
The opening goal gave the players and the crowd the expected lift and we continued to demonstrate our superiority with only the occasional threat to the returning Reina's goal.
With the heighten speculation on the future of both our centre backs, it was pleasing to see Skrtel and Agger back together in tandem.
As the first half drew to a close Liverpool took a 2-0 lead with the chief instigator of chances Suarez again wriggling through, committing the keeper and then laying the ball across for our captain Gerrard to tap home from about six yards.
With a 2-0 half time lead Rodgers would have been no doubt been pleased with the way Shelvey and the returning Lucas (playing his first home game since being injured last year) had control of the midfield. There seemed to be a sense of purpose throughout with the whole team tracking back and winning possession as quickly as possible. Is that the Barcelona/Spanish work ethic Rodgers so admires kicking in?
The second half should have brought a goal for the imperious Suarez but he was again thwarted by a wonderful fingertip save by the Gormel keeper. The third goal finally came but not from Suarez but from our attacking right wing-back Glen Johnson with a stunning left footed volley from outside the area.
The 3-0 score line did not flatter our boys who had worked effectively both defensively and in attack and the biggest roar of the night was reserved for Carragher who came on as sub for Skrtel for his 701st LFC appearance just after 75 mins, he may not have the physicality to handle the rigours of a full match anymore but he still has the uncanny knack of being in the right place to anticipate danger and moreimportantly he has an invaluable place in the hearts of every LFC fan.
Suarez and Gerrard continued to cause havoc to the Gormel defence but were not able to get that richly deserved 4th goal for their hard work and intelligent inter-play.
Lucas Leiva also got his well deserved standing ovation when he was substituted for Spearing just before the final whistle after his excellent return to the side. His calming influence on the side has been greatly missed with Jay Spearing a willing tireless and wholehearted team member, not able to exert the same cajoling inspiration the Brazilian has become so adept at consistently producing.
At the final whistle with the score at 3-0 what did we find out?
- Fitness levels of the whole squad had stepped up a level even from a week ago.
- Suarez, Gerrard and Borini working together in tandem is going to be a joy to watch this season.
- Our defence is solid if we can keep Agger and Skrtel with Reina behind them.
- We need a solid back up defensive midfielder for Lucas as Spearing is not the answer.
- Shelvey is a very good back up option for Joe Allen.
- If Carroll stays we need to utilise him better for the best of our club.
Man of the match: The brilliant world class Suarez, need to keep him fit and he will again cause havoc to all the defences he faces.
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