Liverpool 4 Burnley 0

A comfortable win! What a game by Yossi Benayoun! His third hat-trick in the Red shirt and a goal from Kuyt ensured Liverpool a comfortable win against the newly promoted team. From start to finish, Liverpool dominated the game and created tonnes of chances. Credit to Burnley for going to Anfield to play football but that's what Benitez would have wanted. It played right into his hands as his tactics exploited spaces given by Burnley.

With Mascherano's absence, Benitez played Gerrard in the deeper role to partner Lucas. As a result, he played Benayoun and Kuyt behind Torres. To me, this tactic works fantastically against a team like Burnley. Burnley will not be a team that produces too much threat to Liverpool's defence. As so, it will be to Liverpool's benefit if Benitez played more creative and attacking players. Gerrard fits in nicely in that role as not only can he defend and hold the ball, he can also create chances from his passes.

Benayoun and Kuyt were told to play between the lines and that have created them space and given them time on the ball. As a result, Benayoun's excellent close control has given him the match ball and Man of the Match award. His first goal highlighted his close control as a one-two between him and Kuyt created space for him to run into Burnley's penalty area and he controlled the ball around 3 Burnley defenders to put the ball behind 'keeper Jensen. Sometimes he may do too much trying to beat the defenders but this time, it paid off.

"Yossi showing Reira and Babel to let the legs do the talking"

Before the goal, he already had a great chance through a header. Soon after that goal, he had another chance blocked as he made a diving header from close range. However, he went on to create 1 goal and scored 2 more. In the 41st minute, he attempted a shot from outside the penalty area and Jensen could only parry it and Kuyt reacted quickest to score. However, replayed showed Kuyt was half a yard offside. It was a lucky goal in that sense but it was a very important goal as it opened up the defence more for Liverpool to exploit.

In the second half, Liverpool continued to control the game. The third goal came in the 61st minute. It was particularly to my liking as it involved Kuyt, Torres, Gerrard and Benayoun. Kuyt headed a throw in to Torres before Torres passed to Gerrard where Gerrard stood on his feet to burst into the penalty area and squared the ball across the goal mouth for Benayoun to tap in his second goal.

Later on, a Steven Gerrard free-kick was parried by Jensen and Benayoun latched on the ball for his hat-trick. However, it was ruled offside. This time, replayed showed this goal should have stand as he was not offside. Though Benayoun was denied his hat-trick then, he eventually went on to score it 8 minutes from time. It was a result of a lucky break as the ball cleared by Burnley hit the referee and Reira was first to the loose ball. From the attack, substitute Voronin saw Benayoun was free in the penalty area and passed the ball to his feet for his third goal.

"Three goals to repay Benitez's trust!"

All in all, the score line was a fair reflection of Liverpool dominance throughout the game. It could have been more but to score four from the chances was a good score line. Benayoun who won the MotM and scored a hat-trick was deservedly so rewarded as such. He has been doing well continuing his form from last season and he really has given Benitez a lot to think about when deciding the starting lineup.

Last season, he was frustrated for not playing games in the first half of the season. He complained and even pondered a move away from Anfield. Benitez told him to prove himself he deserved a spot in the starting lineup and he has since then proven so by playing an intriguing part of last season Liverpool's campaign. Now, he has again given 100 percent in every match he played in and showed the creative edge he gives to the team.

Reira and Babel have also voiced out their frustration of not getting more game time. Both players too have been told by Benitez to prove themselves. To me, Reira will have to work harder and provide more in the attacking third. As for Babel, he has complained too often and produced too little when given the chance. Having said that, he is a quality player and both should learn from Yossi how to stake a claim in the team and that's by providing the team a lot in attack and in defence. Both to me have not done enough. There's a reason why Yossi is a cultured idol for some fans while the other two are far from it. Work hard and I am sure they will be rewarded. Not only is it important to the team. It's also important to themselves as they will have to fight for a place in their country's World Cup team.

"Show me what you got and I will play you!"

Now Liverpool have moved themselves nearer to the top of the league and shut some critics up. It is important to continue to build on the win. Champions League football will start this Wednesday and the games will come thick and quick. If any players want to prove himself, this will be the time as I am sure all of them will get some game time. Come on, Reds!!!


"You'll Never Walk Alone"