Fulham 0 Liverpool 2

I know it is not the end of the season yet and we will need some heroic individual performances if we are to pull off a sixth Champions League trophy, but I already have Javier Mascherano down as my player of the season. Another masterclass today and even though I watched the match on television in a pub you could see the little chief's class on and off the ball. Masch is the only defensive player I have seen for a long time who gets the oohs and ahs of a striker. Some of the interceptions and tackles are so well executed you can't help jumping out of your seat. 

Anyway a comfortable win and you are left wondering whether we would have been in with a shout had these second string elevens performed like this when Rafa was rotating the squad earlier in the season. It took today's  selection just 9 minutes or so to gel and take effective control of the match. Whether this was because the likes of Pennant and Voronin are conscious of the need to impress as the season and the long transfer window approaches or if it is just that they have had a season playing together in the training sessions is arguable.

The first team players on show hardly put a foot wrong, Sami and Skrtl both had good games. Both goals were saveable had Keller been more on his game but we were well capable of moving up at least two more gears had we needed to. With the goal and the assist I'd go with Jermain Pennant as mom.