It doesn't matter how the 3 points were collected

2 Scousers saved the day for us. Just when the game seemed dead and buried, we got an equaliser from an unexpected source. Jamie Carragher.....2nd goal in 8 years. He doesn't score many but this one is surely valuable. Although it deflected off a Boro defender, Carragher will certainly claim it. And deep into injury time, a typical Gerard screamer just outside the penalty box sealed all 3 point for us. What a game! It was explosive down at the East of Anfield Fan club at Harry's. As usual, there were lots of singing and cheering after the game....I lost my voice again.

But the reality is that it was a terrible game in terms of the team's performance. We started the first 15mins brilliantly but it was always a challenge to sustain that kind of pace and passing. We fizzled out expectedly and allowed Boro to settle themselves into the game. There were a lot of possession still but we just couldn't find the break through.

Dossena was impressive down the left. Skrtel looked sharp. Torres seemed hungry for goals. However, Alonso, Gerard, Beanyoun and Keane could have done a lot better. I was impressed with Nabil El Zhar when he came on in the 83rd minute for Arbeloa, especially when he sliced through 2 defenders and sped down the right flank. Rafa should consider giving this boy a few more first team games. Babel seemed like he was still in Beijing. On the whole, we need to step up a few notches if we are to start beating the likes of Man U and Chelsea. Keane only had one moment of briliance when he beat 2 defenders in the box and slipped a beautiful through pass to Torres that almost resulted in a goal. We need Keane to be playing like this for 90mins. Once he finds his form and understanding with the team, we have with us one of the most lethal strike partnerships in the league.

But having said that, winning the league requires some element of luck as well. Like how we won our 5th European title 4 years ago. Chelsea were scrapping through 1-0 wins unspectacularly 3 seasons ago when they won they first league title in almost half a century. If we can dish out rubbish football and still win games, I feel this could be a sign. A sign that number 19th may finally be coming back home this season. I agree that we are not at our best at the moment but it's also important that we are collecting 3 points and maintaining our 100% winning record. All teams will inevitably drop points. On average, a top 4 team will drop between 15-20 points a season. It's impossible to score 105 points (over 35 games). If we can possibly hit 85-90 points come Apr-May 09, we will certainly be in for a title challenge. The key is to win all 3 points at home ,beat 80% of the other teams away from home, and ensure we win or draw games against Man U, Chelsea and Arsenal.

I have a feeling that there is a sense of purpose in the team this season. The focus seems to be more on the league this time round. Everyone is talking about consistency over the entire season, the need to keep pace with the leaders, making Anfield a fortress once again, beating the top 3 at home. If sustained, I am quietly confident we will be fighting for the title come May next year.

For now, let's just savour the joy of being at the top of the table....(at least till the rest of the games tonight).