Smith: LFC back on track

You almost dare not mention it. But finally, just maybe, at long last, Liverpool fans can believe their team is back on track after a season of turmoil, writes Tommy Smith in the Liverpool Echo.

Either side of the loss at United, the Reds have turned in three really good performances against Portsmouth, Lille and Sunderland and got the goals and emphatic results their play has deserved.

You just can't help but hope it really does signal the worst is now over.

That first half display against Steve Bruce's side - who'd had some decent results up to then - was the best we have put in all season.

There was energy, cohesion and attacking intent from every man in red.

And whenever Sunderland tried to put moves together, we closed down their space and won the ball back.

It was great to see. And on top of that came two more goals - both of them truly wonderful strikes from a truly wonderful talent - Fernando Torres.

Like every Liverpool fan, I'd have loved to have seen him kept on to try and get his hat-trick (though he could have easily had four by the time he was substituted) but you can understand Rafa Benitez wanting to protect him given the game was won.

It may seem a bit unfair to single Torres out when so many players, like Stevie Gerrard, Javier Mascherano and Daniel Agger - had smashing games. But both of Torres's goals were breathtaking and in taking his recent tally to seven in four games, you don't have to look far for the reasons why the smiles are back on the faces and confidence is returning.

Liverpool are playing some great, crisp football again and it's so good to see.

It's of course crucial Liverpool keep up this desire to demolish teams. If they do, perhaps we can finally begin to believe the nightmare is over.

Keep Reds off the leash in Benfica

Tomorrow's game against Benfica at the Stadium of Light really does whet the appetite for the Europa League.

Benfica have a great European pedigree - I well remember playing against them over there in a Liverpool side that beat them - and it will be a big occasion.

As well as their proud history, they've currently got a pretty decent side, who don't forget put seven goals past Everton earlier in the season, so no one will be taking them for granted.

But that said, this is not a night for Rafa to adopt cagey, European style tactics. We've shown we can tear at sides from the off and find it pays dividends. So I want to see Mascherano and Gerrard paired in midfield again with Torres up front to terrify defenders, as he's been doing.

Apart from anything else, away goals are vital when you visit places like this. If we can win the game - and of course we can - then it will be another big boost. But better to slug out even a score draw in Portugal than a bore draw which ends nil-nil. Because then we'll have an advantage and with the home leg at Anfield next week, it would amount to a job more than half done.

The Europa League trophy is the only real prize we're still up for. So let's just go for Benfica and keep this new found momentum rolling along.

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