Liverpool cannot win without Steven Gerrard. That’s what the critics kept harping on about, but they were proven wrong this weekend as Liverpool came away with all three points from the Stadium of Light.

While the Reds clearly lacked the creative edge that the skipper so naturally provides, Rafael Benitez must surely feel he has shown that his team is anything but a one-man team, a tag attached to Manchester United in recent times. Clearly struggling without Cristiano Ronaldo, they managed to scramble a victory against Spurs, though United seem to also have bought shares in a company called Referee Holdings (majority shareholder Chelsea). Regarding Spurs, one has to ponder on the unbelievable impatience of chairman Daniel Levy - Martin Jol has taken Spurs to their highest finish since the introduction of the Premier League. Getting half a new team to gel within three games and win all three is no simple task. Coaches aren’t miracle workers and I’m sure Spurs fans will agree that getting a new coach will be like starting all over again, taking steps backward in reality.

Speaking of impatience, Peter Crouch and Yossi Benayoun have been making headlines again, but its not for football reasons. Benitez has come out in full force to defend his lanky striker, though no such luck for Benayoun, who was initially excited about joining Liverpool. Maybe he didn’t know Rafa was a rotator, maybe his agent is getting edgy, maybe this is much ado about nothing. Yossi looked decent in his time on the field, though he must’ve gathered that Rafa doesn’t have time for prima donnas, remember Djibril Cisse and Craig Bellamy?

'Sissoko has come under a lot of stick for his passing, but Benitez has faith in him which is all that matters at the end of the day'

For me Jamie Carragher’s injury is probably Liverpool’s worst news this year. The tough defender will be sorely missed and Liverpool are now truly lacking in defensive backup. It will be interesting to see who Rafa might pursue as the transfer market draws to a close.

Momo Sissoko has scored his first goal for Liverpool on Saturday, in his third season. No doubt this will give his confidence a huge boost. It was a great strike and took everyone by surprise. Sissoko has come under a lot of stick for his passing, but he has kept at it and Benitez has faith in him which is all that matters at the end of the day. There is a purpose for Rafa bringing him to Anfield, and if it is not clearly understood going into his third year and after having just signed a long-term deal, then so called supporters must truly ask themselves if they really understand what Rafa is looking for in a player.

Chelsea on top the league early on, Manchester City second, Wigan surprisingly third, Liverpool off to a positive start in fourth, its all unfolding as you predicted -  right ?