Middlesbrough got their season off to a great start last week when they turned over Tottenham with a great performance; whereas Liverpool would not be brimming with confidence after last weeks narrow win over Sunderland.  But winning against Tottenham at the Riverside is a lot different than going to Anfield.

Both teams started at an upbeat tempo; quick passing, high energy football seemed to be the order of the day.  Both teams looked like scoring, but it was Liverpool who had the more chances, with Torres getting off a few potshots.  Liverpool were looking a little shaken by the speed that Middlesbrough closed them down whenever they got the ball.  And the Boro forwards such as Tuncay, Alves and Aliadiere looked particularly quick on the ball.

In the second half it was more of the same; both teams playing entertaining, positive football.  Southgate decided to bring on Mido, who had scored last week against Tottenham, for Alves.  Mido looked full of energy and shortly after coming on put a ball into the box for Tuncay, who used an amazing bit of skill to flick the ball past Jamie Carragher but his shot was straight at Reina.

It was Mido that found the breakthrough when Liverpool gave him too much time outside the box and he struck a beautiful left foot shot right into the bottom corner.  Liverpool battled back, but Middlesbrough continued to press the ball hard and make things difficult for the Reds.

Liverpool managed to equalize when Carragher's blasted shot took a cruel deflection off Pogatetz, beating the Boro keeper.  Boro looked disheartened by this, and Southgate brought on a defensive substitute, signaling that a 1-1 draw would probably be enough.  Middlesborough did, however, pick themselves up and started to push forward, daring to think they might grab another.

It was Steven Gerrard who broke Middlesborough hearts and clarified why he is such a Liverpool icon, when he smashed the ball into the net from the edge of the area in the dying minutes.   Although Boro lost the game they certainly have nothing to be ashamed of, and probably didn't deserve to lose, as they put in a great performance.

Overall Match Rating: 4.5 out of 5