Martin Skrtel stuck two fingers up to all of the non-believers who had been writing him off as a Liverpool player, including the manager, with a man of the match performance against Manchester United.

Skrtel has been the model professional since being dropped by Rodgers after a horror show against Oldham in the FA Cup last season and the finger of blame was pointed at him when Manchester city snatched a last gasp point to secure a 2-2 draw.

Three Wins, Three Clean Sheets - a perfect start for the Reds

Martin Skrtel stuck two fingers up to all of the non-believers who had been writing him off as a Liverpool player, including the manager, with a man of the match performance against Manchester United.

Skrtel has been the model professional since being dropped by Rodgers after a horror show against Oldham in the FA Cup last season and the finger of blame was pointed at him when Manchester city snatched a last gasp point to secure a 2-2 draw.

Liverpool now sit top of the Premier league with nine points from a possible nine, three clean sheets and the promise of further additions to bolster the squad.

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As for David Moyes, the new Manchester United manager, his Anfield hoodoo continued as he has now not won in 11 visits to the Merseysiders.

Liverpool dominated the first half with slick pass and move football and the early goal superbly poached by Daniel Sturridge created a fervent atmosphere within the ground which seemed to unnerve the visitors.

United though, came back strongly in the second half, and almost snatched a point in the dying minutes when Van Persie narrowly fired wide from a tight angle.

It certainly appears as though the football gods are giving the Reds a break from the horrible run of bad luck that stretches all the way back to beachball gate.

In fact you could easily argue that all three of these games would have been drawn last season and so to manage three wins and not concede, scoring just three goals in the process has to be seen as a giant leap forward in progress.

With the addition of Victor Moses on loan from Chelsea for the rest of the season and the imminent return in three games time of Luis Suarez, Liverpool will have a much stronger attack than at any point last season.

Title contenders? Don’t make me laugh, Liverpool have yet to visit Crystal Palace on a rainy Wednesday night and lose despite having 20 shots on goal.

The signs are there though that Liverpool will be challenging for a champions league spot next season.