Just arrived back from Anfield.....the journey is always good when we've won, and it never seems as long.
I have to say that it was a privilege to be at Anfield tonight, the atmosphere was extremely good on a very warm and humid night, everyone obviously looking forward to a new season and when Torres thundered in his shot after only four minutes, we kinda knew we were in for a special night.
Liverpool could easily have been two or three up but after a lull in proceedings midway through the first half, they picked their game up and got a second just before the interval......and what a goal it was as well, superbly taken volley by Johnson, right in the Anny Road End that silenced the Stoke fans somewhat.
I was very worried to see Torres go off and straight down the tunnel for treatment, what a relief to see him back on the pitch though, like Rafa said we are top of the 'stitches' list
The second half saw Liverpool start where they'd finished off the first half, you could see how much the lads were enjoying playing, they all wanted the ball tonight, there truly were some outstanding performances particularly from Lucas, Johnson, Mascherano, Gerrard, Benayoun, Insua and Ayala, I gave
Lucas my man of the match because he made a real nuisance of himself tonight, getting stuck in where it was needed, to be honest, Alonso leaving is the best thing to happen to Lucas.....it's there for the taking Lucas and you carry on playing the way you did tonight and it's all yours.
Ayala was nurtured by
Carragher all night, the lad never put a foot wrong, and you could see Carra encouraging him and talking to him all the time...well done Jamie, you played your part tonight.
And I also have to sing the praises of
Glen Johnson, this lad is going to make such a difference down that right wing, he was awesome tonight and I honestly think he can get even better......a star in the making, well in Glen, I'm sure you went off that pitch tonight feeling 10 feet tall.
It was only a matter of time before Liverpool would score again, it was on the cards and it was only a case of how many? So we got another two in the second half and the third goal was a sublime move by Gerrard to set up Kuyt, the Kop was on it's feet as Dirk stuck the ball over the line.
Stoke had a couple of chances in the second half, but never really threatened Pepe's goal, and it was left to N'Gog to finish off proceedings.
A truly wonderful night's entertainment came to an end and you should have heard the roar from the crowd when it was announced that Burnley had beaten the scummy mancs, why, it was almost as loud as when Torres got that first goal.
The RED machine in full effect.........you bet it is.
Bring on the Villa.....another 5-0? well why not?