A classy 2-0 victory against Arsenal was secured thanks to an own goal from the hosts' Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey and a late tap in from Luis Suarez and issued a clear statement of intent to those competing with the Merseysiders for Champions League qualification this campaign.
Meanwhile, comfortable progression to the third round of the Carling Cup via a routine 3-1 triumph over Exeter in Devon last night avoided unnecessary early-season embarrassment and banished memories of last season's humiliating exit at the hands of minnows Northampton Town.
The Reds' travelled to the Emirates stadium hopeful of finally claiming their first win at their bogey ground and also inflicting defeat on their opponent's home turf for the first time in eleven years.
With talismanic former skipper Cesc Fabregas returning to Barcelona, influential French midfielder Samir Nasri days away from finalising a move to Manchester City and injuries ruling out Alex Song, Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky, the pressure mounting on Arsene Wenger was reaching new heights and the Gunners were a team there for the taking.
Conversely, despite a deflating opening day draw; the visitors were full of confidence after a much-improved end to last season and a summer of consistent development in the transfer window. This contrast was reflected in the opening stages, as the Reds began in the ascendancy, passing the ball about with the same assurance ordinarily associated with Arsenal.
Carroll proved a constant menace up front and almost broke the deadlock on 19 minutes, with Szczesny's fantastic diving stop required to prevent the tall forward's header from Downing's deep cross finding the net. Moreover, summer signing Charlie Adam pulled the strings in midfield and oozed confidence throughout, even attempting two audacious Alonso-esque efforts mid-way through the first half and immediately after the restart. The first caught Szczesny unaware and sailed inches over the bar while the second was comfortably caught by the keeper.
Ten minutes before the break Samir Nasri demonstrated why his departure will almost certainly severely weaken the Londoner's squad, as he carried the ball from his own half to the edge of the Reds' area, slaloming effortlessly past several Liverpool defenders in the process before striking a low shot inches wide of the upright.
That proved to be one of few chances created by the unusually out of form Gunners though, while the Reds remained on top. Martin Kelly, featuring for the first time since our February defeat to West Ham United, showed what we have been missing on 54 minutes when he began a move that incorporated Kuyt, Henderson, Adam and Carroll and concluded with the young right back's shot ricocheting behind off the post.
Meanwhile, on the other flank Jose Enrique impressed with another solid display that earned him the man of the match award in the eyes of many spectators while Downing regularly threatened the home side's back line with his incisive dribbling ability and unrivalled crossing prowess.
The turning point arrived twenty minutes from time when a clumsy, high and late challenge on Lucas Leiva earned Arsenal debutant Emmanuel Frimpong a second yellow card. As the Ghanaian walked down the tunnel to take an early bath, Luis Suarez and Raul Meireles entered the action and proceeded to clinch the three points for the away side.
The dynamic duo combined on 77 minutes to cause confusion in the Gunners box, ending comically as Ignasi Miquel's attempted clearance inadvertently hit the chest of Aaron Ramsey and looped over the keeper and into the net.
The Reds' had a large slice of good fortune to thank for their first goal, however their second on the stroke of full time was reminiscent of Arsenal at their best as Lucas, Meireles and Suarez exchanged neat passes in a triangle to set up the Uruguayan, who completed the simple task of tapping into an empty net from close range.
Although such an emphatic triumph away to one of our main rivals for a top four finish was extremely pleasing, the fact that Liverpool's next fixture was a second round Carling Cup tie away to League One outfit Exeter City while Arsenal flew to Italy to face Udinese in a qualifier for the group stages of the Champions League gave some much-needed perspective to the victory.
The Reds were competing in the second round stage of the Carling Cup for the first time in 12 years, but Kenny Dalglish took no chances as he selected a strong starting line-up in a bid to secure his 200th victory as Liverpool boss. Captain for the night Pepe Reina started alongside new signings Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson as well as super subs at the Emirates Raul Meireles and Luis Suarez.
This strategy was bold and risky and went against the tradition of giving youngsters and squad players a run out in the earlier stages of England's secondary domestic cup competition. Although it eventually paid off, it came at a high cost as Raul Meireles suffered a collarbone injury in a collision with Danny Coles only 20 minutes in and is expected to be out of action for several weeks.
Despite the disappointment caused by the withdrawal of the Portugese midfielder, the travelling Kop were mesmerised by the silky skills of Suarez throughout the rest of the evening, as the Reds' new number seven emulated his illustrious predecessors while scoring once and creating two other goals. The first arrived midway through the first period when he volleyed home after goalkeeper Krysiak had only half-cleared Henderson's cross.
Golbourne then drove infield for the Grecians and arrowed an effort wide of target before Shephard raced through and nearly lobbed Reina in an early second half scare for the Reds. However, the outcome of the contest was put beyond doubt in the space of five second half minutes as a great counter-attack culminated in Maxi netting from Suarez's cutback before Carroll dispatched an excellent effort into the back of the net after a nutmeg from Suarez had added spice to the build up.
Former Manchester United trainee Daniel Nardiello picked himself up to convert a spot kick and claim a consolation for the hosts ten minutes from time following a trip from Slovakian centre back Martin Skrtel.
Nevertheless, the Reds can be content with a comfortable and comprehensive Carling Cup win to complement the crucial three points collected versus Arsenal and now look to develop further momentum with another victory at home to Owen Coyle's Bolton Wanderers on Saturday teatime.
YNWA
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