We're back with a bang, says Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers
Mario Balotelli forced to play second fiddle in debut as last year's runners-up overwhelm Tottenham
Brendan Rodgers warned Liverpool’s title rivals his team are back in the groove after they marked Mario Balotelli’s debut with a scintillating 3-0 win at Tottenham.
Balotelli was supposed to steal the spotlight on his return to the Premier League, but the flamboyant Italy striker had to play second fiddle to new teammates Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson on Sunday.
We clicked back to where we were last season. That was good to see, I think people will enjoy watching us this season
Sterling scored Liverpool’s opening goal early in the first half and delivered a sparkling display at the top of the midfield diamond formation Rodgers employed to overwhelm Tottenham’s fragile defence.
Balotelli’s strike partner Sturridge was a constant menace, while Henderson covered almost every blade of grass in midfield in a typically energetic showing.
Second-half goals from Steven Gerrard and Alberto Moreno sealed the rout, capping the kind of vibrant performance that became Liverpool’s hallmark as they went within touching distance of winning the Premier League last season before Steven Gerrard’s crucial slip against Chelsea gifted the title to Manchester City.
