All the excitement, the anticipation, the expectation, the fever-pitched opening day of the Premier League season, with its nail-biting prospects and enough drama to keep supporters on the edge of their seats. But all the promise of a new era was fulfilled as Liverpool kick-started their campaign with a hard-fought victory at Aston Villa.

A tentative and cagey start saw Liverpool strolling out of the blocks with Fernando Torres gracing the starting line-up – the thought of facing the young Spaniard must have been enough to give Villa defenders Olof Mellberg and Martin Laursen a sleepless Friday night.

Torres and strike partner Dirk Kuyt kept the Villa defence busy and it was the presence of ‘El Nino’ that made the difference. His movement off the ball was refreshingly quick and his link-up play with Kuyt seems to have developed at a rapid pace.

‘The thought of facing Fernando Torres must have given the Villa defenders sleepless nights’


The two forwards worked well off each other, fought hard for each other and, ultimately, for the team. It was their teamwork that eventually brought Liverpool the lead as Laursen put through his own goal. Kuyt seemed to have saved his best performances for when it counts and looked twice the player he did in pre-season.

Steven Gerrard was at his intense best, the red of Liverpool pulsating through his veins as he fought for everything, motivated his colleagues and was at the forefront of every attack. He was pulling the strings from the centre of midfield and orchestrating Liverpool’s way back from what looked to be another disappointing opening fixture.

Jamie Carragher – proving he is only human – handled in the box and Gareth Barry converted Villa's late equaliser from the spot, and doom and gloom loomed ... for the moment. Stand up Gerrard. Three minutes later, StevieG went on a surging run but was cut off by Stilian Petrov and a free-kick was awarded.

The Reds skipper politely asked John Arne Riise to step aside and the rest, as they say, is history. A perfectly weighted curling shot found the top corner and ‘Captain Fantastic’ was overwhelmingly ecstatic with his effort. The supporters at Villa Park and the ever-increasing global network of fans could hardly believe their eyes as the clock ran down with Liverpool narrow 2-1 winners.

Ryan Babel made his Premier League debut and the 20-year-old Dutch forward can be described as nothing less than ‘explosive’. He showed just what an exciting acquisition he will turn out to be, with numerous powerful shots on goal and quick feet – enough to suggest that he could be moulded into Liverpool’s equivalent of Cristiano Ronaldo. He has his best years ahead of him and, under the astute leadership of Rafael Benitez, there’s no limit to what he can achieve. One thing is for sure, he is heading for Kop hero status.

Rafa showed as much emotion as ever and he will have expected nothing less. His charges went out and accomplished their mission, albeit the not-so-easy way. But three points in the bag and it's on to the next challenge, and WHAT a challenge!

Liverpool travel to France on Wednesday to face a pumped-up Toulouse, fresh from a 1-0 triumph over French champions Lyon, but surely the Reds will feel they have nothing to lose.

The Premier League will be a tough mountain to climb and the road to Russia for the Champions League final may be bumpy and rough, but Rafa’s new Hummer of a team are up for any terrain.