'One victory down, 37 more to go'
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was delighted with his side's performance in Saturday's 1-0 triumph over Stoke and challenged his players to repeat that level across the remaining 37 fixtures.
The Reds were dominant against the Potters at Anfield, with Daniel Sturridge knocking home the winner from distance after the hosts saw one goal disallowed and two efforts cannon back off the woodwork.
Simon Mignolet's thrilling penalty save in the closing moments ensured three points to kick off the season and briefly guided Liverpool to the top of the Barclays Premier League standings.
"We've just got to stay there now for the next 37!" Rodgers told Liverpoolfc.com.
"It was a brilliant day; I thought the players were outstanding. We had the penalty at the end, which was a massive scare - if that goes in then it can be a real downer for us.
"But we showed our spirit and our quality, and how we only scored one goal I'll never know.
"Their 'keeper was brilliant, we played really well and when you play well you normally win. I'm very pleased."
After almost 90 minutes of attacking verve and a plethora of chances to produce a more comfortable scoreline, Red hearts were in mouths when a spot-kick was awarded for handball by Daniel Agger.
Jonathan Walters stepped up for Stoke but his low drive was parried away by Mignolet - the first iconic save of what could be many for the Belgian, according to his manager.
"It was a déjà-vu moment from last year, in that first part of the season. The game was always in the balance when it's 1-0," the Northern Irishman said.
"For all our domination, we gave away a stupid free-kick which ends up coming into the box and unfortunately Daniel handles it without intent.
"But that's why we brought Simon Mignolet here; I think he'll go on to prove to be a really top goalkeeper here.
"He made a double save at that moment - he got up, he wasn't happy that he had just made the first save, he made a great second save.
"He had one other save to make in the first half which was outstanding, again from Jonathan Walters, where he had to stretch and it would have gone in the corner.
"He's a wonderful player and someone who is really hungry to do well."
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Saturday's victory was the first time the Reds have claimed three points on the opening day of a new campaign since 2008, an encouraging feat in Rodgers' eyes.
The boss added: "It's what we want. We've been working hard all of last season to build a base and foundation to grow this year.
"It took us until September 29 last year to get our first win; we've got it today in the opening game and it's very pleasing. We'll recover now and get ready for Aston Villa.
"It's very pleasing and it's the first Liverpool win on an opening day for five seasons.
"The crowd were great again, they really pushed us and helped us in the final part of the game. We got the win, which is what it's about."