So the Barclay’s Premier League has returned; and with it comes all the excitement and tension of a knife juggling lesson with free alcohol.

As is the tradition with football’s opening weekend; you expect cagey opening affairs, a bit of shock and some mad gesturing as to what is to follow. This weekend gave us all of that in earnest.

Let’s have a look at 5 of this Saturday’s biggest talking points…

 

1. No Quick Fixes For Liverpool

At least the optimism surrounding Kenny Dalglish’s appointment was merited on an impressive end season of solid results. That optimism never came to fruition as they stumbled through the 2011-12 season where a biting finish is what eluded them.

Then came Brendan Rodgers’ hiring; famed for his top quality brand of football at Swansea that would make Liverpool ‘The next Barcelona’. Some big money signings featured today, one of which from Swansea in Joe Allen, and optimism was rife.

However the fact remains Liverpool can’t quickly escape the funk they are in. Gerrard looked out of place in a short passing team, Lucas was sloppy, Downing was Downing and I’m starting to believe that I am a better finisher than Luis Suarez.

Patience is key for Liverpool; Rodgers’ brand of football was instilled by Roberto Martinez at Swansea and was built upon over several seasons; Liverpool aren’t going to turn around very quickly…Even their famed sturdy defence looked ropey today as West Brom really out passed them at times and looked the more dangerous.

A step in the right direction would be quality central striker, Suarez is better with freedom to roam and is a very poor finisher, and he had one chance at 0-0 which could have changed the pattern of the game.

Liverpool created chances; but with no-one there to take them it will be a long season as Rodgers tries to pass them in to a new generation of success which isn’t forthcoming.

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