8 stars performance

I think it all started with the draw against Porto in September, where Liverpool were lucky to get away with a point playing away in the Champions League game. The game was dubbed as Liverpool worst performance of the season by the coach, but being the first game of the group stages, everybody thought that it was a one off thing, and things will start to pick up after that.

However, with only 2 wins (plus another 2 in the League Cup), 4 dull draws and a further 2 losses, the alarm has started to ring in Anfield. The coach has been heavily criticised for his squad rotation policy, and the captain has been accused of being burnt out for playing too many games. The midfielders lack creativity, and the strikers couldn't find the back of the net. The only consistent factor (thus saving Liverpool from further losses) is the rock solid Carragher, and his minions of defenders. Always present (except for a few games when he was out injured), Carragher has been the driving force at the back, making sure that the goal is well protected.

Liverpool is still undefeated in the Premier League. The two losses happened in the Champions League game, which pretty much dented the hope of advancing into the next stage.

Things looked bleak, until last night, in front of the home crowd, they trashed Besiktas with 8 goals to nothing. The win was the biggest margin in a Champions League game, and suddenly, things look hopeful and rosy, even if it was only one game.

Peter Crouch started the goal fest, and he must have felt relieved to finally score his second goal of the season, after being rooted to the substitute bench all the while. With rumours about him leaving the club during the January transfer window circulating like wildfire, it was good to see he is still passionate about playing for the club. With Torres not 100% fit, Crouch and Voronin were paired upfront to spearhead Liverpool's attack. However, the night truly belonged to Yossi Benayoun, who scored his first hat trick for the club and created a few goals in between.

Voronin was unlucky not to score himself, but his tireless and selfish effort was truly appreciated by the other players. Liverpool had the lion share of possession, with 31 shots on goal. After week after week being frustrated by their boring and out-tempo game, it was good to see everything clicking again. Of course, consistency is important in football, and Liverpool being Liverpool, consistency has never been their strong point.

But the big result will amount to nothing if they do not beat Porto and Marseille. And at the sametime. they have to hope that the other results will favour them. And hopefully, they can play as beautifully and confident as they did last night this weekend against Fulham.

Then I'll be more motivated to watch their game.