Swansea - Reaction

Another dramatic cup tie at Anfield. In the 86th minute of the game Swansea were on the verge of piling more misery to a otherwise unsatisfactory start to the season as Martin Emnes' volley was the difference between the side. However after an incredible cross from Borini to let Balotelli volley his second goal of the season, and a lobbing set-piece from Coutinho over Tremmel for Lovren to head home resulted in a 2-1 win for the reds.

It seemed to be the same old story, dominate the game and lack the killer instinct in front of goal but the resilience in the side impressed me Tuesday night. The Italian forwards linking up for the first goal was exciting to see, raising questions on whether Rodgers will start with the duo up front against Newcastle on the weekend. I have made my thoughts clear on both the strikers, deeming them both as players who will be gone come the beginning of next season; but I could be ready to eat my words. This partnership could be the thing that sparks Liverpool's season to life and mend the dent left by Sturridge's absence.

Balotelli

I was as relieved as anyone to see Balotelli add another to his tally with a well taken volley after Borini curved the ball around four Swansea players into the big strikers path. Hopefully this goal is the springboard to help Balotelli push on and start scoring the goals we all knew he was capable of when he joined. Maybe the Italian link between the two forwards will be formidable in the coming weeks and perhaps keep Sturridge out the side until we know he if fully fit and ready to be the club's main striker.

Coutinho

Coutinho had another fantastic game last night, he is starting to prove his doubters wrong and showing the form that he showed during his first couple of months for the club when he first signed. His ball to Lovren at the back post was something that has been missing from Liverpool from set-pieces so far this season, Gerrard hasn't been delivering in this area so far this season and Coutinho could be the man the team turn to when Gerrard doesn't feel like he can deliver.

Lovren

Lovren's goal was something I think that the Croatian needed to help him get his season together so far as well, his addition so far has seemed to make the defense weaker than it was last season. However he has showed signs that he is returning to his best form and played excellently against Hull to register the second clean sheet of the season. Despite conceding another goal I am hoping that this game will be that influx of confidence that he needs to become an integral part of the defense for the rest of the season.

My Opinon

A good cup run is exactly what the team need to boost their confidence in my opinion and considering that the league cup is the last one that Liverpool won is one that I think we can win again this season. It is a cup that is worth winning and teams don't take it as seriously as they should and is perfect to rotate the line up and left other squad players push for a place in the starting XI.

To show that the team progressed from last season's second place finish I believe that the team need to lift a cup this season. The Champions League and the Premier League are too unrealistic for us this season I think, as the signings made in the summer need to adjust to Rodgers tactics and I still believe that he did not recruit correctly and still needs a few more signings to make us challengers. This cup will be the perfect way in order to boost the players confidence and to lift some silverware come February.