Liverpool looked like a totally different team on Saturday than fans had become accustomed to seeing this year at Anfield. Then again, that's what's happened more often than not this season for any Premier League teams lucky enough to see West Ham across the pitch.
But while LFC had the benefit of playing the lowly Hammers this weekend, there were positives to be taken from the win.
First of all, the Reds lit up the scoreboard to the tune of three goals. More importantly than the actual amount of goals, though, was how they went about getting them. For much of this campaign, Liverpool have been criticized for a lack of attack. On Saturday at Anfield, though, the Reds moved the ball with ease and were on the attack for much of the match.
Another positive to take from the shutout victory? The upstart play of Glen Johnson. Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson called out Johnson earlier in the week essentially saying the team needed much more out of him. Well they certainly got that on Saturday. Hodgson apparently pushed the right buttons as Johnson not only scored a goal, but was involved in much of the offensive attack, playing a highly aggressive game.
They did all of this while still being buoyed injuries, including the latest health setback, losing Steven Gerrard for a month or so to a hamstring injury.
There are positives there for LFC. Every indication from the new ownership says that they'll be taking the long-term approach to getting the Reds back to the top of the EPL. But in the meantime, there are short-term accomplishments to be had. Saturday was one of them. For one match at least, LFC solved some of its problems and gave some hope for optimism.
Saturday will mean nothing, however, if LFC continues their inconsistent ways this coming weekend when they'll be faced with a much larger test against Tottenham. With long-term improvement in mind, it's going to take a couple of short-term improvements to get the ball rolling. Following up the West Ham victory with another solid showing would not only disprove any notion that it was a fluke, but it will also help continue the long road back to the top.
