IT WAS a lot tighter than we’d hoped, but the three points went to Liverpool following a game in which the opposition showed a lot more craft, ambition and desire.

Some will say that Boro deserved all the points, and it would be churlish to say that they weren’t unlucky not to get something from the match, but we stuck at it, rode their luck, and popped up with a couple of Scouse crackers to win the game.

Like the Sunderland game we looked off the pace and lacking in imagination, but there were plenty of plus points to note.

The fact that we took all the points is to be applauded; the never-say-die attitude is something we have got used to over the years, and it’s the mark of a very good team to play poorly and still win.

The understanding between Torres and Keane looks to be strengthening with the Irishman linking well, looking for the through ball and holding up the ball well for his strike partner.

Fernando seems slightly off the boil at the moment, but there’s no doubting his skill and passion and he will start banging them in a la Sunderland on a regular basis before too long.

The main problem is a recurring one – no real width.

The introduction of Babel was ineffective, with the lad still looking short of fitness, but Rafa has to address this problem before the end of the transfer window.

One of the supposed wide targets, Stewart Downing, had a decent game for Boro and he would certainly add a new dimension to the side if he were to sign for us.

All in all we have to be satisfied with the result, if not the performance, and with Villa and United to come over the next fortnight, as well as a tricky game against Liege, the lads have to step up a gear or two to continue our winning start to the campaign.

JOIN the debate at www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk