The unbeaten start to the season has gone on, the winning start though did stumble at the hurdle represented by Aston Villa in their home ground. It was a case of déjà vu, with the most single episode that summed up Liverpool’s match yesterday being Robbie Keane’s missed chance. With the £18 million tag dangling heavily round his neck, Keane raced on a perfect through ball, but he must have got caught between two minds, ending up slicing the ball horribly wrongly when another more confident striker would have just kept his head down, ignoring that obviously some defenders would be on the case and just tried to get on target. Keane almost distrusted his ability and was giving too much importance to his surroundings when an open goal was at his mercy. And Rafael Benitez in a way has gone the same way too if the substitutions were anything to go by. The forced Torres substitution aside, Rafa put on Aurelio for Kuyt and Benayoun for Keane. Rafa looked happy enough to get a point away from home when Chelsea has also drawn earlier on the day. Babbel was left kicking his heels twice, first when he could have got the chance to play in his favoured striking position instead of the injured Torres and then when Aurelio got the nod ahead of him.

On a more positive note, the defence was again on top of everything thrown at their direction. The partnership between Carragher and Skrtel seems to be blossoming, but that is hardly surprising. Carragher has been able to play with anyone, his single mindedness and enthusiasm for the shirt makes him untouchable. And behind him Reina, amongst other saves, made one very good one over Carew in the first half that could have left the reds chasing the game. Reina’s alertness makes a severe customs official look amiable.

For a change the international break hasn’t come at the worst time possible. It is time to stock up the facts and for Rafa to over analyse the goings on of these three Premiership matches and the Champions League asides. The seven points amassed have been the icing on a rather average cake. The cake has only been on the shop window so far though, and real questions have not been asked. The next match though presents a customer that can be ruthless and is detestable in his own nature.