Liverpool 1 Aston Villa 3

2 defeats in 3 games! A call for concern? Title hopes over? Liverpool tumbling without Alonso? Deja vu of Houllier's 2002/2003 season after coming 2nd in 2001/2002? The Premier League has just started and pundits are attacking Liverpool while fans are shivering in panic. Come on, it's just 3 games into the season and mind you Spurs as well as Aston Villa are no easy opponents.

In fact, they are the two of 3 teams Benitez pointed out as threats to the top four. M*n U*d has lost to Burnley. If I am to analyse, I would say Arsenal came out tops against expectations. Chelsea did as well as predicted as they have strengthened with a new manager. As for Liverpool and M*n U*d, both are not very convincing yet despite having recorded big wins but also defeats. As for Man City, Tottenham and Villa, all three has shown they have the capability of challenging at the top. Nothing more than that I am afraid. So to Liverpool haters or Liverpool pessimists, the season for Liverpool has not ended as has any team won the title already.

"Gerrard and co will have to be more clinical!"

From the highlights I saw, it's true to Benitez's words that the timing of conceding was not good at all. However before Villa scored through Lucas' own goal, Liverpool showed great attacking moves. Some of the passing and understanding between the attacking players throughout the game was great. However, the Villa defence held tight and managed to only concede a goal from Torres.

"Conceding the title so early? No way!"

At the other end, Liverpool's weakened defence conceded an own goal from a free kick, then a header from a corner near half time, and a penalty soon after Torres scored. Lucas' own goal was unfortunate but if he can head like that in the correct penalty area, then he can score a few headers at the right end. Villa countered and played well. Credits to them. It's a shame Liverpool lost but we can all hope that the likes of Villa, Spurs and Man City will go to Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge, and the Emirates to record wins or draws as well.

Like I said, I am really impressed by some of the attacking moves. Torres, Gerrard, Kuyt and Benayoun are moving around the attacking third well. They seems to know where each other is and where they will run to. If only chances created are taken well enough, I don't see why Liverpool can't score more than one in every game. Against Stoke, they showed they can. Maybe they must be calmer and collected in future games from attack down right to defence.

"What went wrong? Keep believing!"

The defence is really shaky now. Maybe Liverpool miss Hyypia more than Alonso. The new signing which I can't remember the spelling and pronunciation will definitely take some time to settle in and get a few games. Skrtel definitely is not too comfortable with his jaw and that proved a problem against Tottenham. I am not too sure how much he is affected by it against Villa. He couldn't concentrate on the game against Spurs. Maybe risking playing Ayala in future until Skrtel's jaw is fixed would be a better bet. Then again, nothing is guaranteed. This is just an assumption of how things can be better.

No matter what, it's for sure the season has not ended for Liverpool. If pundits are to say so and fans are going to believe, then it's a real shame because I don't see the point of supporting the team and watch on anymore. If anyone is to tell me Liverpool will not lose anymore, I won't believe. If someone is to tell me Liverpool is going to lose more games, I do think so. However, I would also add on that the same goes to others. Everyone else will have games to lose. Let's not be panic at such an early stage. Instead, why not cheer on and push them on. I will! Come on, Reds!!!


"You'll Never Walk Alone"