Liverpool recorded their second Premier League win of the season, with a resounding 3-0 win over Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
Raheem Sterling opened the scoring after seven minutes with his second strike of the season, whilst Steven Gerrard cooly converted a penalty three minutes into the second half after a foul on Joe Allen.
Alberto Moreno added the third with his first goal for Liverpool after a superb solo run and finish.
All eyes were on Mario Balotelli who was making his Liverpool debut following his £16million transfer from AC Milan, and could have got his Liverpool career off to the perfect start after just three minutes.
The Italian rose to meet Daniel Sturridge’s pinpoint cross, only to be denied by Hugo Lloris from eight yards.
It didn’t take long for the Reds to open the scoring however, when Raheem Sterling converted a low cross from Jordan Henderson, who was played in by the lively Daniel Sturridge.
Tottenham almost responded immediately, when a long ball found it’s way to Emmanuel Adebayor, but the Spurs strikers attempt to lob Simon Mignolet saw the ball go over the bar.
Balotelli came close to a debut goal once more with another header from eight yards, this time directing Steven Gerrard’s free kick narrowly wide.
The 24-year-old had another opportunity to find the net shortly before half time, after slicing his shot wide when Lloris had made a poor clearance. His build up play prior to the chance was to be admired however, and brought a smile to the watching Brendan Rodgers – despite the poor finish.
Simon Mignolet was forced into a decent save after 40 minutes, when Nacer Chadli struck towards the top corner following a rare mix up between Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho. The Belgian reacted well with strong hands to punch the ball wide for a corner.
Into the second half, and the deciding moment came within just three minutes of the restart. Joe Allen found himself on the ball in the penalty area after good work by Daniel Sturridge, and the Wales midfielder went to ground after a tug by Tottenham full back Erik Dier.
Phil Dowd pointed to the spot, and Steven Gerrard cooly converted for his first goal of the season.
On 60 minutes, the Reds secured the three points with the goal of the game. Alberto Moreno robbed Andros Townsend of possession just inside his own half, and proceeded to race towards goal. The Spaniard – in what is only his second appearance for the Reds – fired an unstoppable drive across Hugo Lloris into the bottom corner, to send the Liverpool fans behind the goal wild.
Mario Balotelli was withdrawn just after the third goal to a standing ovation, with the Italian showing plenty of promise on his Reds debut. Whilst he will have left the field disappointed not to have got on the scoresheet, his strength, power and link up play was enough to suggest there will be goals to enjoy over the course of the season.
Raheem Sterling almost added an even better goal to make it four, dancing past three challenges in the box following good build up play by substitute Emre Can.
However, the 19-year-old could not provide the finish, tamely prodding the ball into the hands of the grateful Lloris.
The Reds played out the final 10 minutes in third gear, with the travelling Kop cheering every pass.
Tottenham will feel they should have had the opportunity for a consolation, when the otherwise faultless Dejan Lovren grabbed a hold of Adebayor’s shirt in the box.
But the Reds were more than worthy of a comfortable 3-0 win, which saw Brendan Rodgers celebrate his 100th game as Liverpool boss in style.
Player ratings: Mignolet 7, Manquillo 7, Lovren 8, Sakho 7, Moreno 8, Henderson 8, Gerrard 7, Allen 7 (Can 6), Sterling 9 (Enrique N/A) Balotelli 7 (Markovic 6) Sturridge 8
