Red machine clicks into gear (ESPN article)

by Dave Usher for ESPN

At the risk of sounding repetitive, how about that Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge partnership, eh? Since Liverpool's magical number seven returned from his suspension it feels like those two are all I've written about, but that's because they are doing remarkable things on a weekly basis. This was the best yet, as both delivered in spectacular fashion against a shell-shocked West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on Saturday.

The 4-1 scoreline may have even flattered Steve Clarke's men a little as only the woodwork prevented Liverpool's deadly duo from notching up half a dozen goals, whilst the penalty decision from which the Baggies briefly threatened to get back into the game was generous at best. After the disappointment of failing to beat ten-man Newcastle last weekend this was just about the perfect response from Liverpool as it was comfortably their best display of the season, not least because it's the only "90 minute performance" they've produced. They finally "won a second half" too, so that irritating little statistic can thankfully now be put to bed.

It was one of those rare days when nobody performed at anything less than a high level, some at a very high level and one man was just completely off the charts. West Brom didn't do too much wrong, as it's not as though Liverpool's goals came from their poor defending. When opponents come up against Suarez and Sturridge in this kind of form there's not actually a great deal they can do. The Uruguayan in particular was just irresistible. The first goal was typical Suarez; the close control, the outrageous nutmeg, the finish... just sublime. He was at the corner flag on his knees celebrating whilst poor Jonas Olsson was still turning around looking for the ball and wondering what just happened. The worst part for defenders is that they know it's coming, but still can't stop it. His own teammates train with him every day and they can't stop him, he's just a serial nutmegger and there's no-one else like him.

His second goal was definitely not something we're used to seeing from him though. That was a bolt right out of the blue and is a goal that those present will remember for a long time. Suarez does score the occasional header, of course, but they are usually of the glancing or flicked variety. To describe this one as thumping doesn't quite do it justice; it was an incredible goal but it summed up the kind of day he was already having, even at that early stage. Suarez was demonstrating the full repertoire, some of his instant control from difficult high balls had the crowd gasping and he seemed to be involved in everything.

Read the full article here.