What struck me most was the feeling of comfort throughout. The only moments of light stress I felt (other than the Rafael challenge on Gerrard) were the run ups for the three penalties. It's easy to dismiss the Man United performance - I notice everyone's queuing up to do that; but Liverpool suffocated them regardless. The players are habitually finding the diagonals - the lead up to the first pen saw a pin ball one touch build-up that zig zagged its way up the pitch at breakneck speed. Mignolet's distribution was, dare I say it, calm. At the final whistle, the players calmly filed off, Rodgers shook Moyes by the hand, and that was that. This is business as usual with the new Liverpool. It all feels a bit British Cycling, doesn't it? A scary thought.
I'd agree, Roy. The attitude portrayed by our team led me to believe that, at times, we hardly got out of second gear. Not because we weren't up for it (obviously, as we suffocated them in every aspect of the game), but because we didn't really need to be at our best. But then it hit me. That's how Rodgers has set us up. From the time each player walks onto the team bus, right up until the final whistle blows and they take a seat in the dressing sheds, the methodical ploy to just ‘go about our business’ with the common goal of reigning supreme is becoming more evident as each week passes. It’s like the fear has finally subsided; something our club has been riddled with for years. Yes, we’re fearless, a fearless machine under one Brendan Rodgers. The whole methodology behind developing such a well crafted machine is actually something likened to the teams of one Rafael Benitez.
Brendan Rodgers receives plaudits for his attacking brand of football, but his methodology runs far deeper than 11 players knocking around a bit of inflated leather in a triangular formation. His ability to development the mentality of “going about business” demonstrates his genius and makes the brand of football we play, indeed, possible. He’s set the benchmark of expectation. Winning with pretty and steely football. The latter, becoming more evident this past three weeks with back to back defensive performances up there with our best of the season. Yes, the mechanics run far deeper; i.e. his man management skills have been astounding, transforming the likes of Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Jon Flanagan into staples of the first 11. He’s instilled belief into Daniel Sturridge; a cast off from our rivals. Rodgers has nurtured, tapped and squeezed all the ability which all sundry knew he possessed. It’s a beautiful thing.
I would say that I hope it continues, but you know what? There’s no hope about it. This year is our year. I’m convinced of it. No jinx laden statements or mockers (I’m as superstitious as the next man!). There’s just something that makes me feel it’s our year. It’s more than hope. It feels somewhat, different. A spirit, even.
As for the game. My word, I’ve not witnessed a worse United side. Ever. We’re to credit for that, but still, they were beyond lacklustre. It’s been well documented, but really, Davey boy has done a worse job there than Hodgson did for us. In context, anyway. The records keep tumbling for them and let’s hope it continues because under Moy-es, they’re a sham. Pure and simple.
We waltzed in and did a proper job on them in every aspect of our play and, as mentioned above, that’s the mantra we’ve adopted under Rodgers. No fanfare, just get the job done and walk off the pitch. The penalties? Have they not conceded a penalty at Old Trafford since 2011? Did I hear that correctly? I’ll admit; we’d have been lucky to get the second penalty with Ferguson in charge. Their supremacy has waned quicker than a married couple’s sex life and let’s hope it continues before the psychiatrists are appointed.
