Liverpool did the easy part by beating Portsmouth. Now the hard work starts...

By Richard Buxton in Liverpool Fans Blog

Published 15:05 16/03/10

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After displaying such clinical and attacking football in the thrashing of Portsmouth, questions have to be asked of Liverpool's players.

Everyone that took to the Anfield turf last night gave their all, yet against Wigan they looked like they wanted to be wearing anything other than the famous red shirt. Likewise in the defeat at Lille, very few showed any traits of their basic leadership qualities.

Some will say it was 'only' Portsmouth, and they would be fair in that assessment as the South Coast side did not look even a shadow of the side that has stormed to the semi-final of the FA Cup in the face of crippling administration.

With their status as relegation fodder set to be confirmed by the Premier League's points deduction, it is clear to see why their defeat was cited by detractors of Liverpool and Rafael Benitez as a formality, but the home side really were unstoppable.

Anyone who doubted Fernando Torres' contribution to the side, and who no doubt will have welcomed the ultimatum he delivered to the club's board in the Spanish press last weekend, are now probably eating their words after the El Nino of old returned.

Torres warns Liverpool: Buy top-class players or I am off  

In a bid to take him out of the game, the Spain international has been subjected to rough-housing by defenders both in the Premier League and on the continent and, judging by his remonstrations with referees; understandably he has felt aggrieved by it.

But when he is fully fit, composed and allowing his feet to do the talking for him, no- one and nothing can stop Torres. All the attributes that have made him a ruthless marksman were evident for all to see as he led the line and had Pompey on the back foot from the word go.

Another who defied the critics tipping him for a summer exit from Anfield was Ryan Babel. His performance and goal proved that he can meet the standard expected if he really puts his mind to it. Unfortunately there are no guarantees that he will carry on this rich vein of form.

The night, however, undoubtedly belonged to Alberto Aquilani, who ridiculed claims from disgruntled Kopites that he could never replace Xabi Alonso at the heart of the Reds' midfield with a show-stopping 90-minute demonstration of his true potential.

Creative, committed and consistent throughout, the 'Little Prince' hinted at a possibly imminent ascencion to the throne of Saint Xabi, finally silencing the doubters who labelled him a crock following his delayed arrival to life at Anfield.

Benitez, too, will take some delight in leaving the doom and gloom merchants calling for his head somewhat dumbfounded. One laboured argument is that he has destroyed the side's confidence and killed the very heart of the team. Last night's performance begs to differ.

As things stand, the signs look positive; however, this could all turn out to be yet another false dawn, depending on how the side fare over the next five days against Lille and Manchester United respectively.

Liverpool have done the easy part by proving that they have it in them to respond after a dismal run of form. The hardest task they will face as they bid to salvage this season is maintaining consistency - something which hasn't been forthcoming at, or away from Anfield of late.

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