So far so good but gremlins are still lurking

We're four points up on equivalent fixtures last season, and although our goal difference is significantly worse, most of that is accounted for by the 6-0 hammering of Derby County early last season. We've beaten United and staged more comebacks than Bruce Forsyth's hair. Just one defeat blots our record, and that result of a bizarre travesty of justice.

So the stats stack up - but what's the truth behind those notoriously fickle indicators?

Most Liverpool fans will, I think, declare themselves content while not exactly convinced by the displays of the team, and few would venture to assess our chances as greater than 'we'll be there or thereabouts' or 'we'll be in the mix at the end'.

The thrilling comebacks have persuaded many that we have the spirit of champions, while the frailty that got us into those positions to begin with is a cause of frustration for others.

There's no doubt we've seen come cracking matches this season, especially at Anfield, but Saturday's comfortable win over West Brom was welcome nonetheless for its comparative tranquillity.

Several of our notable triumphs have been aided by the opposition voluntarily reducing their numbers during the game, most of them for trying to dismantle Xabi Alonso and send him back to Spain in a small parcel.

There's no doubt however, that we're seeing the benefit of a slowing down of the selection merry-go-round, with the 'R' word conspicuous by its absence.

Liverpool's impressive form in the back half of the season in recent years has lent credence to Rafa's policy of resting players early in the season, ironically undone by the disruption caused by that initial excessive tinkering.

Whether it's due to a reluctant repentance or the influence of Sammy Lee, Rafa's taken to resting key players during the game through substitutions rather than leaving them out altogether, a shift in policy most will endorse.

In attitude too, we've shown more attacking intent, particularly away from home, and been largely rewarded.

So far so good. But where are the gremlins lurking? Well of course there's one been seen frequently at left-back, and the resilience of his mate on the other side is cause for concern also. I don't know who Liverpool's full-back scout is, but he's paid far too much even if he only claims his bus fare.

In our desperation to find more attacking threat down the wings, we seem to have jettisoned the basic requirement to be able to defend from the full-backs' job description.

And for that reason I would like to see Stephen Darby and Emiliano Insua involved tonight at Spurs, to further their education and give some hope that salvation is at hand.

For as all those raised on Shankly and Paisley know, your defence wins you the league, not thrilling comebacks.