Rodgers displays guts and tactical nous in win over West Brom - by Joel Tracy

Second-guessing and hand-wringing ran rampant on Merseyside this past week, Reds supporters struggling to come to grips with their side's sputtering start to this campaign. From Simon Mignolet's indecisiveness in goal to a relatively static, toothless attack Liverpool had revealed a retooled defense as permissive as its predecessor, as well as a disjointed midfield that struggled to assert control or creativity.

After being the toast of the Premier League during last season's thrilling title challenge, Brendan Rodgers found himself being second guessed for his transfer business, as well as for his team selections. And above all hung the specter of the departed Luis Suarez.

Liverpool's 2-1 defeat of in-form West Bromwich Albion won't solve the myriad of issues facing Rodgers and his side, but it does represent a significant step for the Reds psychologically - and hopefully tactically as well.

In his team selection, the manager demonstrated both his guts - dropping a slumping Mario Balotelli in favour of the technically limited Rickie Lambert - and his tactical nous-pushing Jordan Henderson into an advanced midfield position to inject some energy into a static attack. Much like his Italian counterpart has done thus far in his short stint in red, Lambert ran willingly, but struggled to find the end product, whiffing on a low cross from the right early in the first half before latching onto a rare Martin Skrtel through ball, only to be denied by the gloves of Ben Foster.

Henderson, on the other hand, was decisive in an attacking midfield role. His inch-perfect flick into the path of an on rushing Adam Lallana was delightful, the flour that held together the audaciously decadent dessert of skill and guile crafted by his fellow Englishman. And after West Brom evened the scoreline off a controversial penalty, the vice captain again stood up to be counted. Raheem Sterling kept play alive after being knocked down in the area and pulled the ball back for Henderson, who made no mistake, slotting through a trio of Baggies defenders and into the bottom lefthand corner.

To make room for Henderson, Rodgers dropped Philippe Coutinho into the centre of a midfield three, ahead of Steven Gerrard. After coming under fire in recent weeks the skipper had a strong outing, with some important defensive contributions, in addition to spreading play with his trademark diagonal passes. Coutinho helped the Reds keep possession with some tidy play in midfield, although he continues to struggle to unlock opposing defences in the manner Reds fans have come to expect from the Brazillian.

At the back Liverpool demonstrated marginal improvement from their early-season form. Mignolet was more assertive, with a pair of relatively effective, if unemphatic punches. Martin Skrtel was solid, beyond a rash challenge that led to a first half booking. Similarly rash was the foul that led to the penalty against Skrtel's defensive partner Dejan Lovren. The Croatian's lunge should have earned the visitors a free kick, as it was just outside the area, but it - and Lovren's general display - left much to be desired from the supposed marquee defensive signing.

On the flanks, Alberto Moreno proved a danger, while Javi Manquillo was once again solid. However the frequency-as well as the inaccuracy-of the crosses sent in by the pair represent a puzzling addition to the Reds' attacking play this season. Glen Johnson was solid coming off the bench in his return from a long injury layoff, and should provide at worst some much needed rest for young Manquillo.

Similarly, Raheem Sterling also looks a player in dire need of a break. As at Basel, the youngster's touch let him down in crucial areas on Saturday, as fatigue appears, unsurprisingly, to be catching up with him. On the opposite flank Lallana sparkled, his clever turns and skillful dribbling at the heart of much of Liverpool's best attacking play. His first ever Liverpool goal is the highlight most will remember (and rightfully so) but his tireless pressing and tracking back was a sight for sore eyes in a Liverpool side that has been lacking in both this season.

With Daniel Sturridge and Joe Allen, among others, set to return to the lineup in the coming weeks, Saturday's performance hints at a side that could be quite effective once the injury list has dwindled. Henderson was devastating in an advanced role, and with the addition of Allen next to Gerrard in a midfield three, or alongside Emre Can or Coutinho in a diamond formation, Rodgers may just have the midfield stability to play the "Honey Badger" as his most advanced midfielder more often.

It's no secret this Reds side has been crying out for Daniel Sturridge since his most recent Hodgson-inflicted injury, and after this display Kopites have cause to imagine the Englishman's return bringing about an offensive awakening on Merseyside. With his ability to drop deep to link play, Sturridge will open up space for the marauding thrusts of Henderson and the incisive running of Lallana and Sterling. And when the frontman makes a run himself, he'll find willing distributors in that attacking trio, as well as in the midfield behind them.

For a Liverpool side low on both points and confidence, this victory presents a welcome influx of both before another international break. Hopefully, buoyed by the emergence of Lallana, the return of the side's walking wounded and a welcome layoff for Gerrard, they'll pick up where they left off at QPR in two weeks' time.

In the meantime, Roy - take it easy on our lads this time.

Joel Tracy

@jtras2