By now, I'm sure you know all the usual stuff. Liverpool were trying to halt a run of 4 losses in a row and were up against the champions, though in their own backyard. They played out of their skins and ran out deserved winners to keep their season alive and Rafa Benitez in a job blah blah blah. Next is what, as the disgusting Samsung ad says.

Does this win really change things all that much? The fact remains that we are still six points behind the leaders ? before the weekend began, we were seven behind. Of course, winning the game is better than not, but it can at best be viewed only as a beginning rather than an end in itself. Assuming Villa, Man City and Arsenal all win their game in hand, our league position would read a not-so impressive 7th. And remember, though this win was achieved against our fierce rivals, current champions and table-toppers, it has been widely recognized that Manchester United themselves haven't been particularly impressive this year ever since a certain Portuguese went to Spain and an Argentine moved across the city. They have been winning through sheer tenacity rather than performances. So, a win against them should not, really, be a benchmark for the team's performance in terms of improved ability. At best, it shows a marked improvement in the passion and commitment shown by the players, and to some extent a tactical improvement in playing on the counter and exploiting the lack of pace in the United backline. But, it would be a folly if the win masked the deeper lying problems in the Liverpool set-up since though individual games may be won on adrenalin and passion, the league cannot be won without sufficient substance.

?    Though Lucas had a good game against United, it is increasingly clear that he's not Alonso and never will be. The good news is that Masch seems to have found his hunger again (some may say he found too much of it, given the sliding tackle on Van Der Sar!) and has hopefully pushed Barcelona to the back burner at least for now. Aquilani is also close to contending for the first team, though the jury would obviously be out on him till he plays at the highest level.

?    The lack of squad depth has already been commented upon with the likes of Ngog, Dossena, Degen, Voronin etc. not really measuring up at this level. This naturally increases the threat from injuries. Maybe, it wouldn't be such a bad idea to gradually introduce some of the youngsters like Kelly, Ayala, Pacheco, Nemeth and Spearing (though he had a forgettable game against Sunderland) more often to see if they can develop the potential they seem to have and give the squad the necessary depth.

?    Let's face it. Jamie Carragher is fading and it is only a question of time before he plays the Hyyppia (it was good to see him at Anfield on Sunday to catch the big game) role of being the mentor and sub. Which, in turn, means reduced cover in the centre of defence.

?    Whatever is the matter with Ryan Babel? One of the most exciting youngsters in world football when he arrived two years ago, he seems to have sulked, talked and under-performed himself out of Liverpool. What else can explain Ngog being preferred to him in two consecutive games? Looks like he would be out in January or the summer for a big fat loss.

?    Let's not forget the Champions League in the midst of the league win euphoria. Not only are we six points behind the leaders in the league, we're also six points behind the leaders in the Champions League group! And we have just three games to make it up in. How will those exertions ? physical and mental ? impact on the league performance? And what would be the financial fall-out of not making it through in the Champions League?

?    Finally, those pesky off-field niggles refuse to go away, with the protests against the American owners, and the elusive search for fresh investment occupying as much of the headlines as the performances (or otherwise) on the pitch.

But, with all these problems, there is also hope. First and foremost is the fact that Rafa is a joyless martinet. Do you remember his non-expression when Torres scored?! Sometimes I wonder how his wife puts up with him. May the Gods of football bless her! So, I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have wasted much time celebrating the win and would have worked out these problems and more well before your correspondent. The million dollar question is whether he can find answers to them.

The other reason to hope ? one Rafa has been shouting from the rooftops and is now increasingly evident ? is that this title race is going to be very tight. If Villa, Arsenal and City win their game in hand, the top 7 teams would be separated by 6 points after 10 games ? perhaps the tightest race in a long time. This naturally means that the chances of catching the teams above you are higher as long as you stay within touching distance and keep upping your game.

And then, there's Christian Purslow. I don't know much about this guy but he definitely seems to be a breath of fresh air compared to the unlamented Rick Parry. The way he handled the Alonso and Aquilani transfers, negotiated the Standard Chartered shirt sponsorship deal, and his recent statements about getting investment into the club, all suggest a calm ability that can help steer the club through the tumultuous waters it finds itself in.

So, all in all, a lot to still play for and win!