After having seen most of the pre-season matches, I was delighted to see this perfomance. After worries, following the previous match, about when we might see Brendan's new approach developing, it now seems clear that it is beginning to bed in very nicely. The defence, midfield and attack seemed to link effectively; there were more short passes out of defence, rather than hoofed clearances; the control of the ball was excellent; there was far more one/two touch play; the width of the pitch was used well; Downing looked revitalised; Gerrard and Suarez made a superb combination; Lucas was magisterial; the defence looked solid and composed; and the pressing of the ball to regain possession was lovely to watch.
Thus, this was thoroughly enjoyable match to watch, and not just because we won.
However, it is too early to get carried away. This was relatively weak opposition, and we shall see as the season progresses whether BR possesses the tactical nous of Rafa. This match was a brilliant tactical display, but he will obviously need to vary tactics to suit different types of games and different opposition, and to avoid teams setting out simply to counter our play. If he proves able to do this what a great manager we may well have!