Some thoughts on Liverpool 3 Villa 2 by Paul Natton

1. Daniel Sturridge could save Rodgers' job, he's that good. Certainly he is a world class talent in my view and it is only fitness that prevents him being universally recognised as such. I say "only", but it's obviously a massive barrier in his case. That said, look at the breathtaking class of his first strike and the sheer nonchalance of his second.

Add in the link ups with Coutinho and Ings and the only possible hope of redemption for Rodgers is clear. 37 goal in 56 games: the club should spend whatever it takes to keep him fit because he's almost literally priceless.

2. I've never felt any antipathy towards the manager but I have to say that using words like "hysteria" in a post-match press conference will test that stance to the limit. I've seen it suggested by the LFC correspondents that his comments were directed at the ex-Reds in the media who have criticised us this season and if that's true then he's a fool to think he could ever win a popularity contest with the likes of Jamie Carragher (because that's what it would effectively be if he tries to take on his critics in public) who is an all time great in virtually everyone's estimations.

However, even more foolish is any comment whatsoever that criticises dissatisfaction with the team because it's tantamount to calling the fans hysterical. Now I know all managers need self belief and I know this one has it in spades to the point where he's almost the living embodiment of ego. However to effectively call tens of thousands of your own fans fools is borderline managerial suicide when your tenure is this far down a rocky path and will erode any lingering residue of sympathy left out there in a second. What a t*t.

3. Back to the match itself: we were back into the old Rodgers brand of entertaining up front and comical at the back for this one with the latter element as damning an indictment in year four of his tenure as any.

4. Many fans have lauded Emre Can to the rafters and in his superb touch and quick feet, deservedly so. However, his defending was cringeworthy stuff yesterday and is not acceptable no matter what his age or favoured position.

Bad enough was the wildly careless knockdown to Gestude in his own penalty area that was left mercifully unpunished but the complete absence of, well, anything at all for the Villa striker's first goal was beyond embarrassing.

To me he looks like a player who is so delighted with himself in terms of the glossy surface (technique, physique, hair...) that he's totally oblivious to the lack of substance underneath. The nonchalance he seems to delight in is infuriating in the context of his poor positioning, lack of awareness and runs forward into blind alleys.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not writing him off - and there is mitigation in the context of his age and uncomfortable deployment. However, he needs to ignore the indulgent admiration of those fans who have overhyped him in their desperation for someone to believe in and start to concentrate on cementing the basics of focus and awareness into his game. For me, if we're sticking with three at the back, Joe Gomez looks a surer option right now.

4. Lucas was the very opposite of Can yesterday: a player whose technique is less than stellar but who more than compensated through effort, awareness and anticipation. In the second half he was imperious and made a mockery not only of Rodgers' apparent willingness to dispense with his services a few weeks ago but also his arrogant disinterest in defensive midfielders.

Lucas will never be a great player and nor is he one we need out there every week, but we definitely need his type at the club and it was refreshing to see a more senior pro take some responsibility for a change rather than crumble at the first sign of trouble as has been their wont of late.

5. James Milner put in a captain's performance with a goal and assist as well as numerous other contributions in a more advanced position. Like with Lucas, his acceptance of responsibility was very welcome.

6. Danny Ings has had a good impact since he came on last week and the fact that he gives us the high pressing we exhibited in 13/14 could be crucial in getting the best out of Sturridge and Coutinho as he'll create the space for them to work in. Not that I fear for his ego, but I hope the fans don't go overboard in lauding him though. He's an honest player with better ability than most of us thought but he's got a long way to go yet and I don't want to see him hit with a crisis of confidence at a later date on the back of early over reactions to his impact in a poor side.

7. Rodgers still needs to go as soon as possible but this was encouraging in so far as there was finally something on show that passed for entertainment for the price of my ticket even if the flaws remained highly evident.

8. The mighty Scion arrive next. What price another humbling from a European giant on Thursday? For all the shoots of recovery against Villa, does anyone trust this side enough to predict a comfortable Thursday night? I don't.