Updated at 22.59
1. Liverpool improving in confidence
A GLANCE AT the table would suggest there is little between Liverpool and Swansea, however tonight’s match highlighted a conspicuous gap in quality between the sides.
The game started slowly, but once Liverpool took the lead courtesy of a fine goal from Alberto Moreno following a series of clever passes, they rarely looked back.
For much of the game, Brendan Rodgers’ side looked sharper in every sense compared to the visitors and they were well worth their 4-1 victory this evening, as they registered 21 attempts on goal — 11 of which were on target.
Of course, there have been false dawns already for the Reds this season — beating Tottenham at White Hart Lane 3-0 springs to mind. And tonight, particularly late on, they showed signs of previous vulnerabilities at the back, with Swansea coming close on a couple of occasions in the dying minutes.
But two wins on the trot and one goal conceded is certainly an improvement on their previous four-match winless run, and much of their season in general.
2. Jonjo Shelvey an accident waiting to happen
https://vine.co/v/OwhZwTUnIeJ
If anyone was wondering why Liverpool let Jonjo Shelvey go, tonight provided a few examples why.
Shelvey had a nightmare against Liverpool last season, as he was at fault for two goals, and this evening’s game wasn’t much different.
He gave a glimpse of his poor temperament in the first half, when he was fortunate not to receive a red card for an elbow on Emre Can.
Things went from bad to worse in the second period, as the 22-year-old midfielder headed into his own net for Liverpool’s fourth goal from a corner.
Replays illustrated his mistakes in this instance, as he appeared to be laughing and conversing with opponent Adam Lallana in the build-up to the corner in question, while his lack of concentration was consequently exposed as he appeared more intent on pulling Lallana’s jersey than jumping properly for the ball.
Shelvey is a talented player — he would have not have earned a move to Liverpool initially if that wasn’t the case. However, his temperament and increasingly conspicuous flaws mean he may soon be deemed a liability even for a second-tier side such as Swansea.
3. Adam Lallana finally finding some form
Up until recently, it would be hard to point to any of Liverpool’s summer signings as being anywhere close to a success.
However, tonight, Adam Lallana showed signs that he was rediscovering the type of form that saw him light up the league with Southampton last year.
In an interview with Sky after this evening’s game, he described how he was benefiting from playing in a more central role of late, and he is certainly not the only Liverpool player to ostensibly gain a new lease of life in recent games.
Alongside him in attack, Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho both impressed, as Liverpool ran riot against the hapless Swans.
Of course, the Reds are still nowhere near emulating the Luis Suarez-inspired highs of last season, but they appear to be taking a step in the right direction.
Even in games they failed to win against Man United and Arsenal in recent weeks, Liverpool consistently looked threatening in attack. Their shots ratio has improved immeasurably in the last five matches, and finally, the results are starting to get better too.
