Match review

Finally managed to watch the game (thanks to Manfrom for the link ) and thought there were a number of noteworthy things from the match.

Allison - Very little to do overall but you can see his distribution is phenomenal. Those little over the top passes to Robertson and TAA just destroy any attempt to press our defence.

VVD - again not much to do but several times you could see him shouting at others and organising - even the midfield at times. Massive leader in the back which is exactly what we have been missing. Significant improvement

Robertson - absolute dynamo. Gets better and better.

Mane - looked sharp and now has 13 goals in his last 18 games. Still a little sloppy at times but feel that is because of how he drives us forward. It is good that him and Salah are a little different in style.

Milner - it has all been said.

Wijnaldum - a lesson for those that deride Henderson for passing sideways today. Look at the difference in how this guy played before and after the Hendo sub. First 60 minutes was him keeping it simple and recycling play just like Henderson is asked to and then once the sub happened you saw him change into more expansive. The good thing about Henderson is that he still manages the expansive passing every now and again, even when playing the simpler role, because his vision and decision making is so good.

Keita- it is easy with a new signing to over analyse and find positives in simple things, especially when the expectations are so high, but he really was top draw today. His pass selection and the way he mixes up distribution with forward running was excellent. Positive that he can play in the Mane role too if we get injuries. Him and Robertson are so in tune already. We are going to hear a lot of "Keita to Robertson who whips it in, tap in!!" this year I feel.

A number of players were off their best today - Salah, Firmi, TAA but that says more about their best than anything else.

Some really positive signs today and with the potential impact a fit Sturridge and Shaqiri might make from the bench plus Fabinho still to come in then we could be in for a super season.