Another reason for cautious optimism.

If you were offered 10 points out of the first 4 games this season, you'd have snapped the unfortunate persons hand off quicker than you could say what about 12?

Two tricky away games, a game against the 'best team in England' at home and a home fixture against the colossal Stoke City.

Reflecting on each game, you could argue 10pts is what Liverpool deserve, others would point to the Jekyll and Hyde style halves would deny Liverpool the right to sit pretty at the top of England's Premier League table.

A lot has been made of the starts to both season under Rodgers, Liverpool had mustered just two points after 4 games last season, albeit with a much tougher fixture list combined with a new manager and being:Liverpool-gate.

Comparing the performances of the squad in the first 6 months or so to the squad this season has brought optimism to many Kopites. The harsh reality is Liverpool wouldn't have gained the positive results they have in any of those 4 games, they'd have buckled under pressure.

There is something about this side, there has been since being dumped out of the Europa League last February. With no distractions, Sturridge and Coutinho adding quality to a side which had an on form No.7, Liverpool have suffered a prolonged purple patch, and long may it continue.

Since the Zenit knockout, Liverpool have lost just 1 of 15 Premier League games, a 3-1 reverse to a rejuvenated Southampton.

It's clear that being knocked out of Europe improved the sides fortunes and with no Europe this season and the squad winning without playing their best, there are plenty of reasons for Liverpool for Liverpool to be optimistic.