Downing defeats Anzhi

Liverpool went to the top of Europa League Group A last night thanks to a rare right-footed strike from the marginalised Stewart Downing. Soon after the interval, the former Villa winger unexpectedly struck a magnificent effort past Anzhi Makhachkala goalkeeper Gabulov. The fantastically named Russian side failed to summon up a response and the hosts saw out the match to clinch three crucial points.

Brendan Rodgers selected a surprisingly strong starting line-up considering Liverpool face local rivals Everton in the Premier League on Sunday. Rodgers reasoned that a win was crucial to keeping pace in the Europa League and, as a result, picked experienced first team players such as Gerrard, Suarez, Johnson, Agger and Skrtel. Meanwhile, Brad Jones continued to deputise for the injured Pepe Reina, who could be back to travel to Goodison Park on Sunday.

Oussama Assaidi, who has been restricted to Europa League appearances since signing from Dutch side Heerenveen in the summer, was arguably the Reds' main attacking threat during a cagey first half. The Moroccan linked up superbly with left back Glen Johnson, and his mazy dribbles down the wing posed a consistent threat to Anzhi's defence.

Assaidi embarks on another mazy run

After 12 minutes he was involved in creating the first goalscoring opportunity of the match. The number eleven was sent into space down the left wing and cut inside before laying the ball off for Suarez, whose low shot was saved by Gabulov.

Assaidi was again the creator soon after, as Johnson's blasted effort was parried by the keeper, before Gerrard struck a free kick disappointingly into the wall following a terrible tackle from Christopher Samba on Luis Suarez, which rightly earned the former Blackburn Rovers man a booking. Midway through the first period Jonjo Shelvey was left holding his head in his hands after blazing embarrassingly high over the bar from the edge of the box after Suarez had set up a gilt-edged opportunity. 

With little creative play from Downing on the opposite wing, the Reds continued to rely on Assaidi and Johnson. Assaidi displayed his battling qualities well and then saw his shot saved, before Johnson played an intelligent one-two with Suarez and then went down in the box under the challenge of an Anzhi defender. Instinctively, it looked like a penalty although, on reflection, referee Bas Nijhuis probably was right not to point to the spot. 

There was still time for Sahin to head Gerrard's corner over the bar and Agger to strike a trademark shot from distance just over the bar. At the other end, Brad Jones had had little to do, except use nimble footwork to cleverly side-step Smolov to the delight of the Kop. On the stroke of half time the same player who he'd earlier embarrassed struck goalwards but Jones wasn't troubled as the ball flew wide.

At the break, Glen Johnson was brought off as a precautionary measure, being replaced by Raheem Sterling, as Stewart Downing reverted to left back. Liverpool pushed for the opener early on in the second half, Skrtel drilling at goal after confidently shrugging off an opponent and Gerrard heading Shelvey's hooked cross just over the bar. 

Eight minutes into the second half the home side's early pressure was rewarded with a goal, as Downing cut inside and hammered into the top right hand corner from 20-yards out to break the deadlock with an absolute stunner. 

Great goal- but can Downing perform on a regular basis?

It was a great goal from Downing, although he'll have to replicate that strike several times if he is to win back the faith of the fans, who have been justifiably disappointed with his sub-par performances in the past.

Suarez tried to swiftly double Liverpool's lead two minutes later, but his shot from distance went inches wide. Samuel Eto'o, who reportedly earns £50,000 a day, provided his employers with little value for money, as his first sight of goal last night came 20 minutes from time when his shot on the spin was well dealt with by the impressive Jones.

Ten minutes from time Daniel Agger cheekily tried to emulate George Best when he headed the ball out of Gabulov's hand and hooked into the empty net. Unfortunately, the Dane's audacity didn't pay off and he was promptly shown a yellow card. Thankfully, though, Anzhi rarely looked like seriously pushing for a late equaliser. Traore stabbed wide from inside the six-yard box, but apart from that the Russians seemed impotent up front.

This was Liverpool's third clean sheet in a row, which is certainly encouraging after an opening to the season in which too many goals were leaked at the back. The Reds may not be prolific at the other end and there is clearly room for improvement in front of goal, but if they can keep up this form then their season may start to slowly turn around.

YNWA