Kenny Dalglish's appointment as permanent manager was a mere formality.
Taking a club from mid table to a Europa Cup spot in three months is not just mere accomplishment in itself but the way they've done it has the pundits talking. For the first time in a long time there is fear and loathing in playing Merseyside. The credit goes to Liverpool's changing of the guard - a different owner in John Henry who has shown serious intent to return the club to the top and the anointment of Dalglish.
The Liverpool legend's return has had a visceral effect. Liverpool spurned instant gratification and delved into their own ranks for home grown talents like Martin Kelly, Jay Spearing, and John Flanagan to build a future. Balancing out are the pragmatic and necessary additions of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez. More are to come with Ashley Young being pursued. Pepe Reina extending his presence is an indication of how much has changed. Not so long ago it was a wounded club bleeding players with even talisman Steven Gerrard considering a move to Real Madrid.
Behind the scenes Henry's concern about bloated wages for a squad so shallow in depth has signaled the end of the free ride. A chalkboard detailing player productivity? It seems to have worked as Liverpool tore aside Fulham in terrifying fashion. Their third game in a row with three or more goals scored. Thirty five scored in Dalglish's sixteen matches for the best second half this season. The side has been equally obdurate at the back with 14 goals conceded for a +21 differential.
One has to wonder aloud if Dalglish had been appointed a few weeks earlier Liverpool could have returned to the big dance. That we're contemplating just this is a glimpse into how much words like "optimism" and "challenge" are being bandied around at Anfield these days.
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