LIVERPOOL FC: DIFFERENT RESULT, SAME OLD PROBLEMS?

IT'S not often Liverpool and Everton fans are thinking the same thing – but that was the case at the weekend.

After deflating starts to the season, both sets of supporters will have looked at their fixtures – home to Wigan for them and away to Bolton for us – and thought "we've just got to win".

Sometimes results are more important than performances - this was one of those times.

Thankfully, Liverpool got the result.

And the added bonuses - another good performance from Glen Johnson, a decent return to the side for Albert Riera and quality finishes from Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres - were just the icing on the cake.

Now we can all take in some air during the international break and hope our boys come through their games unscathed.

After Bolton, like any game, the whys and wherefores were discussed and discussed until sane fans beg for mercy or lock themselves in a dark room - whichever comes first.

And the same old criticisms of Liverpool were wheeled out like an overweight former referee on Sky Sports.

Hackneyed 'observations' are about as entertaining as an ex-official with a crap tan enjoying his five minutes of fame – and when it comes to Liverpool there's plenty: zonal marking, over-reliance on Steven Gerrard, two-man team, missing Xabi Alonso....Zzzzzzz

Why this is trotted out over and over, I don't know. Who benefits from it? Who nods knowingly and silently thanks the reporter for this 'wisdom'?

Not me, anyway.

One group of people notable by their absence right now are the people who questioned Rafa Benitez's signing of Johnson - stand up Tony Cascarino, Paul Merson and the rest.

In case you missed it, Merson said: "The Premier League is not blessed with 15 world-class left wingers so I don't see how a right-back can affect a game that much...I just don't think you should be spending that amount of money on somebody who plays at right back."

And Cascarino added: "For me, they paid a hell of a lot of money for a right back who was unconvincing the last time he played for a big club."

Well it's a bit early in the season for humble pie but I'm sure there's a hefty slice sat in their respective fridges now, a bit of cream on it, cling film over the top and a shiny spoon next to it, ready to eat.

If Merson hasn't seen a right back affect a game he should watch Johnson. Speed, skill and a hell of a shot have already brought the England man two goals and two assists.

So pretty convincing at a big club so far, eh Tony?

And just to ram home the point there's further excellent statistical analysis of Johnson's contribution on Paul Tomkins' blog (don't pack it in mate!).

So not too many people complaining about the £17m fee now for the former Portsmouth defender. Meanwhile, 30-odd miles away, what about Antonio Valencia?

Pricier at £18m, signed as an attacking player and what's he delivered?

One assist.

I know who I would rather have in the side yet are people questioning Alex Ferguson signing the former Wigan man? Not that I've seen.

Finally, a further observation from the Bolton game regarding Gary Megson.

The Wanderers boss decided the reason they lost was "Liverpool chucking themselves all over the pitch".

Granted Lucas kicked up a fuss when Sean Davis (normally such a sportsman) clipped him so yes, maybe his red card was harsh.

But people in glasshouses and all that...Match of the Day highlighted Bolton's Jlloyd Samuel playing the ball out for a throw before waiting for Dirk Kuyt's challenge to arrive, falling to the floor and claiming a free kick - so not far shy from what Megson claimed Lucas did really.

Of course, Megson will haul Samuel into his office this week and give him a warning for this cardinal sin, won't he?

Maybe not, he's probably too busy dreaming up some new excuses for Bolton's next defeat.

IS FERGIE CRACKING UP?

Mail on Sunday, March 22, 2009

FORGET a squeaky bum - after watching Liverpool destroy Aston Villa 5-0 without ever reaching top gear, Alex Ferguson's rear end will be parping like a Mersey ferry.

The sour Scot could body double for a Ribena berry right now - the more it goes wrong, the purpler he gets.

Gone is the yawning seven-point advantage his Manchester United held over Liverpool just over a week ago. Gone is the goal difference - from plus 11 in favour of Fergie's side, to plus two in favour of Liverpool.

And the best is - gone is Fergie's focus. The pressure is getting to him and his players - big time.

Ferguson's gone from nonchalantly shrugging off Rafa's 'rant' to ordering staff at United to check whether he's spent more than the Spaniard.

He's also childishly revealed his list of the best Premier League managers - omitting Benitez.

And, best of all, he is refusing to speak to the media after matches. Cracking up? Think so!

On the pitch, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo are behaving like a pair of spoilt brats, officials are finally giving decisions against United (a consequence of the Rafa 'rant' perhaps?!) and they look highly beatable.

And how nice to see super Danny Murphy rolling back the years to sink Man United - he even found time to seek out Fergie at the end and shake his hand - nice touch!

It's time Fergie showed some respect for Rafa

Meanwhile, at the right end of the M62, life couldn't get much better for Benitez and every Liverpool fan right now. The manager's contract signed, Rick Parry on his way out and 13 goals in three games against quality opposition.

Aside from a magnificent result, there were lots of positives to take from the latest display of Liverpool's hot streak of form.

BERTIE GLEE: Riera celebrates his spectacular strike

Albert Riera had his best game for the club, visibly growing in confidence, tormenting the Villa defence all day and hammering in a thunderous finish for Liverpool's second.

Pepe Reina pulled off a world-class save and yet again demonstrated what a powerful weapon his flawless distribution can be while Steven Gerrard - well he was just Steven Gerrard - world class.

And all this without the usual contribution from Fernando Torres who had a very quiet game.

So after 12 days of bliss, we're daring to dream. Not even the most optimistic of Reds could have predicted the last three results. And not even the most pessimistic could fail to be impressed by them.

Now we can only hope this devastating form isn't interrupted by an ill-timed international break.

It's still up to the Mancs to throw the title away of course, but if they do, we've got to be there to catch it. And what better way to knock them off balance than by returning to league action against Fulham a week on Saturday and claiming all three points?

That would put Liverpool top - two points clear - with United then having two games in hand and first off facing Villa at home on the Sunday.

Seeing the Reds top again would really have us dreaming of number 19 but how realistic are our chances?

As ever it's hard to say - but it seems Fergie isn't the only one with a sweaty rear end right now.

No, twitchy bookmakers are also staining their shorts at the prospect of the Reds getting back on their perch.

After the 4-1 mauling of the Mancs was followed by the 5-0 thumping of Villa, the odds for Steven Gerrard getting to grips with the Premier League trophy were slashed from 20-1 to just 3-1.

But what I want to know is - what price a Murphy own goal giving Liverpool victory at Craven Cottage?

That really would send Fergie's blackcurrant tribute act into overdrive!