BR: Points are vital as we look for rhythm
Liverpool are working hard to rekindle their 'rhythm' and 'personality' according to manager Brendan Rodgers, who insists that as they seek that spark, winning at all costs is a must.
The Northern Irishman watched one of the most dramatic games of the season so far unfold on Sunday, when his side and Queens Park Rangers staged an exhilarating finale to their encounter at Loftus Road.
Richard Dunne's own goal gifted Rodgers' side a 67th-minute lead and the Reds, who had been troubled by Harry Redknapp's outfit, particularly in the first half, looked to have established a foothold in the game.
However, the final eight minutes yielded four goals as the teams traded blows incessantly. First Eduardo Vargas netted, then Philippe Coutinho hit back - but Vargas struck again to make it 2-2 in the 93rd minute.
As the seconds trickled away, Raheem Sterling hurtled onto Coutinho's pin-point pass and squared into the centre, where Steven Caulker diverted the ball into his own net to spark scenes of jubilation in the away end.
Afterwards, Rodgers was frustrated - the performance level was below par. But the boss was at least able to reflect with some satisfaction on back-to-back victories which have propelled his side to fifth place in the league.
"The season is still in its very early stages," he told Liverpoolfc.com. "We'll have a look at the table after 10 games. We know there's a big difference that we need to make, in terms of our performances and the quality of our game.
"The speed of our game was way too slow. There's not enough rhythm and personality to go and dominate the game. But whilst you're searching for that, it's important that you continue to win and that's what we've been doing."
Sunday's whirlwind encounter produced a similarly frenzied finale and a scoreline identical to the one Kenny Dalglish's side experienced on the same ground in 2012, only then it was Liverpool who suffered a 3-2 reverse.
On that night, the Reds had cruised to a two-goal cushion in the capital; however, they were hit with a late onslaught from the home team, as Mark Hughes' men blitzed them in the final 13 minutes to steal victory.
Sunday's ending was no less dramatic - and Rodgers believes contrasts can be drawn between the nature of Liverpool's implosion then and the way they fought to the end to come away with the win at the weekend.
"It was a good result for us and a great three points," said the boss. "In terms of performance level, I obviously wasn't happy. But I suppose, if you think back to the transformation in terms of mentality and character, this was a game that the team lost 3-2 a few years back.
"So for us to show that character to go on and win the game 3-2, really says everything about the spirit and the character in the team."
All attentions now turn to the reigning European champions, Real Madrid, who arrive at Anfield on Wednesday hoping to erase memories of a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool on their last visit to L4 in 2009.
Rodgers insists his players will be equipped for the challenge - and he believes they will thrive on what promises to be another raucous, unforgettable atmosphere generated by the fans under the floodlights.
"What's great for us is that we're playing at home," he added. "We have a great crowd and this is a team that can rise to the level. Obviously Real Madrid, as the champions, are an exceptionally good side, but we'll be ready for the game and we'll look to get the three points in the group stage."