:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47009664/GettyImages-483491626.0.jpg)
Two goals in two matches (one of which should have been chalked off) might not fill the typical Liverpool supporter with confidence going forward, but first team coach Gary McAllister doesn't see it that way.
In an interview with the team's official website, McAllister praised the confidence and attacking prowess throughout the squad, and thinks its only a matter of time before the team gels:
"That confidence is there because we just have to look at the personnel, the players that are here - the ones that have been here for two or three seasons since Brendan arrived and then the new additions.
"You just look at the names there, there is so much attacking flair and so many options. We've got power and pace, we've got cuteness and loads of ability in that final third of the pitch.
"I think once we find that rhythm and get into our stride, you'll see some exciting football."
Indeed, the mere mention of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Jordon Ibe, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic, and Christian Benteke should fill us with confidence. That's a lot of attacking talent, even if the Reds have struggled to find the net since the departure of Luis Suarez.
The ETW pessimists out there will point to a team that doesn't appear to have fixed the fundamental problems from last season. Our attack, while chalk full of great players, lacks cohesion and killer instinct. Despite the two clean sheets, we've looked uncertain at times in the back. And curious personnel decisions continue to be made by Brendan Rodgers.
Still, there are some interesting parallels to that blistering 2013-14 season. A nervy 1-0 win with some late drama against Stoke. A 1-0 win the following week. A perpetual Champions League contender in the third week. And the anticipated return of a desperately needed striker after the international break, in this case, Daniel Sturridge.
Judging by his statements, McAllister is rather optimistic about the squad going forward, despite the lackluster performances in the first two victories:
"I think the big thing is the way we've defended as a team in the opening two games.
"It's massive. Any team that wants to be competing at the top end of the table - which we want to do - has to be capable of that.
"It's an age-old cliché ‘winning ugly', isn't it? The number of times you've heard managers who have bossed teams at the top of the league speak about the importance of their ability to win when they're not playing particularly well, or it's not a pretty match, but they see it through."
Much like the 1-0 Manchester United victory two years back, the third week Arsenal clash should go a long way toward either confirming our greatest hopes or greatest fears for the 2015-16 season. Confidence is nice, but results are better.
