After the beating of Chelsea in their own backyard, and making the top position all theirs for the first time this season, Portsmouth called over at Anfield, a mere three days later. The guests were an unknown quantity, as their boss who at times used to paint himself as a father figure, decided to uproot to a place where it glitters more and leave them fending for themselves. Will such a situation undo Peter Crouch and the rest of the lads, or will they rise to the occasion that a unique arena like Anfield can provide to prove a point to their deserter?

It wasn’t the only dilemma before the match, as Rafa rather than sticking up with the same eleven that did the business three days earlier, decided to change four from the starting line-up and with the limelight shining and scrutinizing over Anfield, test the depth of his squad. Maybe the biggest compliment Peter Crouch could get was seeing his ex-team mate Sami Hyypia, mostly renowned for his aerial ability being recalled into the starting line-up instead of Daniel Agger who has only played three matches in succession so far.

And thus this time around, on a wet Wednesday night, Liverpool had the task to reassert Roy Evans’ quote of that ‘the table never lies’. Liverpool’s performance at times had the assertiveness of a shy Roy Evans facing the press after another mind numbing defeat back in the nineties, but the backbone of this team proved enough ammunition for the present manager to face the press with enough confidence to face the press and claim that he can still make the changes, win and keep the top position.

Liverpool did dominate the first forty-five minutes possession and Dirk Kuyt proved that while in a striking position he can get on target, even though this time unlike the other week against Wigan, he found an alert keeper doing just enough to thwart his venomous shots around the post. Jermaine Pennant on the other hand was given his chance in his favoured position but just disappointed once again, failing to make his mark in a game that was crying for width. Pennant’s days must really be numbered and I think like it has been the case with the ex-David James, a side like Portsmouth would be the ideal side where he can fit in as for the time being, he is like a snotty lad trying to mix it up with real hard men.

The second forty-five minutes was a continuation f the first half, but as the time was winding down, impatience was silently notching up a few decibels and hopelessness could be felt in the final pass. Ryan Babbel did try his usual runs, and you could feel the power in the Dutchman’s runs but sometimes the intent was seriously lacking. Shots were being fired from outside the box, with Fabio Aurelio working James the hardest but it had to be a moment of madness from Diop that presented Liverpool’s captain with the biggest chance of the night.

From eleven metres, face to face with James, he just took a couple of steps to place the ball at the only spot where the outstretched 6’5” frame of the latter could never reach. Some might say it was only a penalty but try and tell it to any red with a heart rate thumping abnormally.

A low-key speech still delivered the point it all wanted to get.