Liverpool: Rodgers Describes Reds As 'Outstanding'

Kop boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed his delight with Liverpool's performance against Fulham on Saturday...

Liverpool rebounded from a disappointing showing last week to ease past Fulham by a comprehensive 4-0 scoreline yesterday evening.

An early strike from centre-back Martin Skrtel set the hosts on their way and further goals from Steven Gerrard, Stewart Downing and Luis Suarez added gloss to the result.

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers was understandably delighted with the showing and following the game he praised his team's performance and their reaction to the previous week's 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa.

"I thought we were outstanding today," said Rodgers at his post-match press conference. "I knew we would get a reaction because I have very honest players here, working very hard every day.

"Last week was disappointing but this week we have had our first clear week of work and we have worked through from Saturday to Saturday. And I think you saw the reaction today. The pressing was outstanding and the quality of the football and the goals was brilliant...

"If you lose like we did last week and then you come back to Anfield and play like we did today, it shows the courage of the players.

"I thought they were fantastic and they have been improving every week. If we keep making the progress that we have, then it should be a really exciting second half to the season for us.

"We have got four games in quick succession, so we'll recover the players well and make sure they are right because it is a great opportunity to pick up points and keep moving forward."

The former Swansea City boss reserved special praise for Downing who scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool in a week the England international revealed he could leave Anfield during the transfer window next month.

Rodgers enthused: "His goal today was a fantastic strike and he combines very well with Glen Johnson out on the right side because he clears space for Glen to run into. Stewart's movement is really intelligent and his pass for Steven's goal was superb.

"You'll find with attacking players, because their job is always to take people on, if it's not quite happening for them, they need that bit of support. But all they can do is work hard.

"Stewart has played a lot of games. He's a very important member of our group at the minute and if he keeps performing like that, hopefully he'll establish himself in [the side] and show the talent he clearly has.

"If he keeps playing like that, he'll be going nowhere - he'll be staying in the team and that's what it's about."

The three points moves Liverpool up to 8th and in a tightly congested table the Merseysiders sit just five points behind the Champions League places and 3rd placed Arsenal.

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