SHORTLY after his team had lost at Old Trafford, Brendan Rodgers made his way from the tunnel to the post-match press conference room via the pitch perimeter.

He wasted no time in trotting over to the travelling fans and offering a defiant salute that was joyfully reciprocated.

But there was another more intriguing sign offered by the Northern Irishman on Sunday.

With Liverpool struggling to gain a foothold in the match and already behind, something had to be done at half-time to bring the visitors back into the game.

The obvious choice would have been to hook Joe Allen, who was having, as is now the parlance, a bit of a Jon Walters.

Yet when Daniel Sturridge was introduced, Allen was still on the pitch. Instead, Lucas Leiva made way. Yes, Lucas had been booked. Yes, he spent much of last year injured.

But his return six weeks ago has coincided with Liverpool’s upturn in form. And with Rodgers admitting there was nothing wrong with Lucas and the decision was tactical, it prompted food for thought.

Was it a show of faith in Allen, the man on which he spent £15million in the summer? Was it a commentary that the manager does not believe Lucas is suited to a 4-4-2? Or are we just over-analysing a simple substitution?

Either way, Liverpool deserved what they got. Nothing.