How will the Reds react to derby disappointment?
They weren't beaten on Saturday, but Phil Jagielka's last minute exocet was like a knife through red hearts. Liverpool's players trudged off the pitch afterwards, heads bowed and shoulders slumped as if in defeat.Brendan Rodgers must now pick them up and convince them that the Everton captain's bolt from the blue was exactly that, and that the Reds were more than worthy victors on the day.
The Reds are three games without a win in the Premier League, but attention must turn to the Champions League now, and they face a vital game with Basel.
They must find a way to get a result in Switzerland. Beating Basel could be key to qualifying for the next round. Rodgers men will surely be eyeing an away win over Ludogorets to go with their 2-1 victory at Anfield, and Real Madrid are, quite rightly, expected to go on and win the group. Second place could be a toss up between the Swiss champions and the Reds, get a result on enemy territory, and Liverpool can feel confident of qualification.
Lose, and Group B will start resembling Everest.
Liverpool played well on Saturday, not exceptionally, but they looked better than they have since the win over Tottenham in August. The ball was moved well, Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard dominated in midfield and Adam Lallana turned in his best performance since his move to Anfield.
Meanwhile Mario Balotelli was a thorn in Everton's side all afternoon and Liverpool's defence looked solid.
The Reds must repeat the performance in Switzerland. They have the quality to get on the ball and control the game against Basel, but they will also find, just as they did against Ludogorets, that teams at this level are tactically sound and technically good. It certainly won't be easy for Liverpool and they must find a way to impose their qualities, such as pace and power, on a disciplined side.
They certainly can't go into the game feeling sorry for themselves.
The last time Liverpool travelled to Basel needing a result was in November of 2002. They ended up 3-0 down within half an hour.
Gerard Houllier's side battled back to make it 3-3 that day but it still wasn't enough. The Reds must avoid similar disappointment this time around.
Picking them up from Saturday's shock is a decent starting point.
Can Mario Balotelli find the mark?
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