Liverpool 4 - 0 Stoke - Back to Business as Usual at Anfield

It was probably a good thing that Liverpool had only to wait a few days to be given the opportunity to show up the hyperbole that was generated in sections of the media after their defeat at White Hart Lane. Stoke came to Anfield and were dispatched in a manner that suggests, perhaps, Liverpool are learning how to unlock dogged and packed defences.

Many eyebrows were raised when Benitez agreed to sign Glen Johnson from Portsmouth for £17 million. But last night provided a perfect example of why Liverpool fans should consider it money well spent. Aside from his extravagantly taken goal, Johnson's industry on the right hand side was an integral part of Liverpool's attack. His willingness to not only get forward, but to commit defenders and to run past his man provided the space for others to exploit around him and Liverpool will be hoping to see plenty more of that throughout the season.

The game was almost over before it started, with Fernando Torres giving Liverpool the lead on just four minutes. Good work between Johnson and the impressive Lucas set captain Steven Gerrard free in the area. His sharp pullback took a slight deflection on it's way to Torres who calmly sidefooted his the finish. Stoke fought hard and manager Tony Pulis was rightly pleased with their efforts, but their attacking threat was reduced to Rory Delap's long range throw ins and set pieces. The young Liverpool defender Daniel Ayala acquitted himself quite well in the centre as Martin Skrtel's replacement but was not overly exerted, with Stoke playing with only a solitary striker.

Liverpool's second was on the stroke of half time. A corner from Steven Gerrard was met with a forceful header from the ever industrious Dirk Kuyt. Despite a good save by the Stoke 'keeper, the ball rebounded to the unmarked Glen Johnson who scissor-kicked the ball into the net from five yards. It was the strike of a player clearly high in confidence and just reward for another fine performance.

In the second half Liverpool controlled the game in a manner that their manager would have appreciated. Stoke offered little threat before the game was finally killed off with Liverpool's third goal. A wonderful turn at speed from Steven Gerrard left his marker, Matthew Etherington, trailing in his wake and his inch perfect low cross was met bravely by Dirk Kuyt sliding infront of Stoke 'keeper Thomas Sorenson to poke the ball home from a few yards. Gerrard's turn was certainly one of the moments of the match and was a fitting final act for Gerrard, who was replaced by Andriy Voronin soon afterwards. David N'gog scored the fourth and final goal - a simple header after Sorenson had fumbled a deflected Johnson cross.

Last season, Stoke came to Anfield and frustrated Liverpool to a scoreless draw. In was in no small part down to the introduction of Glen Johnson as an attacking right back that led to the relative stroll to three points for Liverpool last night.