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How Brendan Rodgers Transformed the Mood Around Anfield‏

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When Brendan Rodgers stood on the touchline at the Britannia Stadium and watched his Liverpool side lose 6-1 to Stoke City it looked as if his time at the club was over. Surely, after being in charge of the club's biggest defeat in over 50 years there was simply no way back for the manager. Liverpool simply do not get beaten by six. Heads had to roll.

Meetings in Boston between Rodgers and Liverpool's owners John Henry and Tom Werner followed, but the sack didn't. Rodgers was still in charge. Many believed that this was the right decision, he was still the same manager that spectacularly lead Liverpool to 2nd in 2013/14.

However, Rodgers was now under more pressure than ever before. His decision to sack his assistants Colin Pascoe and Mike Marsh raised eyebrows but one thing was for sure, if Liverpool started badly there was no one else to blame. It was all on Rodgers.

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The fixtures were then released. Why, look at the that. Stoke away on the first day of the season. A revisit to the scene of the lowest moment of managerial career. The pressure intensified. Also, if Stoke away wasn't hard enough, a trip to the Emirates would follow 2 weeks later. It would be another revisit to the scene of a nightmare after Liverpool's diabolical 4-1 defeat to the Gunners in April.

With the first two away fixtures in mind, arguably Rodgers was under more pressure than ever before. A big summer followed by a good start to the season was vital. Heavy defeats similar to those suffered last season would have meant that Rodgers', who was already favourite for the sack race by June, position would have untenable and Liverpool would have been looking for a new manager.

Three games in and the mood around Anfield has been transformed, however. Liverpool have seven points on the board and have kept three clean sheets. Based on last season's results, Liverpool are four points better off and have already conceded 10 less goals.
The mood has been transformed.

A 1-0 away win at Stoke kicked off the season, with Philippe Coutinho's late winner sending the travelling fans into delirium, another 1-0 win, this time at home to newly promoted Bournemouth, followed with new £32 million striker Christian Benteke scoring his first goal for the club in front of the Kop.

But then, Arsenal. Liverpool fought hard. Coutinho rattled the crossbar after only 3 minutes but then Arsenal came back, they did what Arsenal do by pinging the ball around Liverpool's box always threatening to break through but the Reds held on. The Reds battled and got through 10, the Reds battled and then got through 20.

But then, Liverpool. Liverpool started to take control and the belief begins to sweep across the away fans and onto the pitch, Liverpool were dominating. Cech denies Milner, he then rescues Arsenal by denying Benteke, he then spectacularly dives to his left to deny Coutinho's curling effort. Liverpool go into half time denied but on top.

But then, Arsenal. Arsenal come out fighting. They probe, they exploit but Liverpool, surprisingly, hold on. Liverpool defend bravely, they press, they harry, they are aggressive. Skrtel stands strong, Lovren, heavily criticised after a disaster of a first season, wins over his critics, Clyne and Gomez, showing maturity well beyond their years, dominate their flanks. Lucas sits, Can is busy, Milner is everywhere, pressing, tackling, seemingly playing three positions at once.

_85166989_gettyimages-485132188.0.jpgLiverpool were good and Liverpool fans are delighted. It's probably the best that they have ever played at the Emirates and it was a performance that they seemed incapable of producing last season.

Brendan Rodgers needed a big summer and a good start and now he's had both. The much maligned transfer committee deserve a lot of credit. The free transfer of James Milner is arguably the bargain of the summer and it has proved to be an inspired signing, he was everywhere on Monday night and, wearing the captains armband, lead by example.

Nathaniel Clyne also looks to be a steal at £12 million and the fullback did a marvellous job of marking Alexis Sanchez, knowing when to get tight and knowing when to drop off, the aggressive nature of his game make it very difficult for wingers to beat him and Clyne so far hasn't put a foot wrong for the Reds.

Opposite Clyne stands 18 year old Joe Gomez who has impressed everyone during his unexpected run in the team. Defensively solid and reliable, Gomez was one of Liverpool's standout performers against Arsenal despite his age, his inexperience and the fact that he isn't even a left back. It's remarkable and Rodgers should be credited for not only the buy, which at £3.5 million looks to be a bargain, but for having the belief in the player to start him in each of Liverpool's opening league games.

The full back duo of Clyne and Gomez has arguably been the foundations of Liverpool's three consecutive clean sheets. Both players know when to tuck in and help the centre backs, and it is clear that the back four have had their defensive shape and organisation drilled into them all summer. This had led to the surprisingly solid performances of Dejan Lovren, who, alongside Skrtel, is looking comfortable in a red shirt for the first time.

Up top, Christian Benteke gives Liverpool a presence. The Belgian has already proved his worth by his excellent hold up play and aerial domination and he has surprised many with his skill and technique when on the ball. For large parts of last season, including the 6-1 and 4-1 defeats to Stoke and Arsenal, Liverpool played without a recognised striker and they simply didn't have a presence up front. Now, they have Benteke, who was unlucky not to score after Roberto Firmino's low cross. Liverpool will not be bullied with Benteke in their team.

The Brazilians Firmino and Coutinho looked dangerous in spells against Arsenal, in what was their first start together. Coutinho has enjoyed an excellent start to the season and is looking like he is one of the senior players in the Liverpool squad, while Firmino showed some promising touches and movements, notably the left footed low cross for Benteke, before he was substituted on 60 minutes as he continues to work towards match fitness.

There was a huge difference between the Liverpool teams that were dismally beaten 4-1 and that resiliently drew 0-0. Only 3 outfield players that started the 4-1 started the 0-0 and the team that drew 0-0 featured 5 players who were only signed this summer.

The new signings have brought determination, aggression and grit, the grit needed to go away to Arsenal or Stoke and not concede, and for the that the manager who, contrast to the stressed, tried Rodgers who ended last season, now looks reinvigorated and defiant deserves a lot of credit.

It is important now for Liverpool to beat West Ham United at Anfield on Saturday, anything less would be a disappointment. If they do so, 10 points from a possible 12 in their opening four games of the season represents a terrific start. To also think that Daniel Sturridge, now back in the country after his rehab in Boston, will be returning soon. Optimism and belief are back at Anfield.

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