The official statement released by Messrs Gillett and Hicks last Thursday showed a lack of knowledge of the Liverpool way by the co-chairmen. The Liverpool way suggests things to be discussed behind closed doors rather than airing the dirty linen in public. The Liverpool way of doing things though cannot be found in any book and for all their wealth such knowledge of ethics can never be bought, and with them residing in the States the chances of learning such ethics is as possible as a fish preferring the soil from the water. Yesterday Rafael Benitez and his squad answered in the best possible Liverpool way, and that is on the pitch as Liverpool produced their finest performance so far as they just swept past a lucky Newcastle side that ended the match with just a three-goal deficit. Liverpool were fluid yet blunt, concentrated and direct, confirming their impeccable away form, testing all the way the loyalty and patience of the self-called best fans in the world as one after another was seen leaving the ground early and booing every decision by their manager Sam Allardyce.

Steven Gerrard returned back to form in a free-role in the midfield and like Rafael Benitez could not have dreamt any better answer to the booing Geordie England fans. A quick tap-in by Lucas Leiva after Fernando Torres had been fouled by Emre let the captain compose himself in the best possible way as he let fly from thirty yards and tested the severity of the net. Most fishermen would be definitely getting in touch with the St James Park manager to check what make this net is, as no fish would have a chance of escaping such a net.

Torres then, at the stroke of half-time started his series of missed chances, firstly by having his shot blocked by the onrushing Shay Given and then in the same action he could only direct the pass by the perseverant Dirk Kuyt against the post. Chances came and went for the Spaniard but it just didn’t happen for him, in a match where Liverpool could afford to miss a hatful of chances. At times it looked like the main Liverpool scope was getting Torres on the score-sheet, that’s how comfortable Liverpool were. As soon as the second minute of the second half, a corner taken by Gerrard was heeled over by Sami Hyypia in the six yard box and Dirk Kuyt easily converted to a goal.

With a two goal lead Liverpool just continued foraging at the Newcastle goal, and with the wind blowing through the Liverpool sails, Benitez afforded taking off the returning Harry Kewell, and both scorers Kuyt and Gerrard off. In such an environment, it was Babel’s turn to get on the score-sheet as after passing a great ball to Gerrard the latter returned the favour and Babbel just finished off the move emphatically at Given’s left.

Thirteen games to the good, having played more away games than home ones, Liverpool are still unbeaten in the Premiership, however it was only yesterday that they added up two wins on the trot. The performances lately though have been more assured and a win over Porto at Anfield next Wednesday will bring Liverpool one match away from qualification to the last sixteen. The much talked good start is in a way materializing and Liverpool have not been in such a good position for ages.

The statement by the co-chairmen feels even more out of touch and out of synch with reality, it feels like using a torch in broad daylight.