Liverpool - 1 Sunderland - 0: Even in victory, the reality is increasingly sobering for Liverpool these days. Relief greeted a first win of the league season on Saturday, and the sighs drifting from the Kop at the end were less a reflection of concern that Sunderland might have rallied and more a recognition a torturous performance had mercifully drawn to a close. All is not right with the European champions.
Already the giddy expectation whipped up in Istanbul has been tempered by the mixed messages emanating from Anfield. It may be almost 13 weeks since Steven Gerrard lifted high the silverware at the Ataturk Stadium, but Liverpool's chances of challenging this season could hinge on the frantic 10 days before the closure of the transfer window.
There was nothing to suggest here they are better equipped to disrupt those at the top this time around. "Whether they challenge the big three, I can't see it," said the visitors' former Everton centre-half Alan Stubbs. "There is real pressure on them. They have spent a lot of money."
Yet there has not been the funding available for all the changes Rafael Benitez would have liked. Nothing illustrates the state of flux better than the uncertainty surrounding their strikers, with every spluttering display acting as a plea for money to be found to prise Michael Owen back from Real Madrid.
Fernando Morientes was as unproductive as ever, missing an early chance and then wilting while starved of service. Djibril Cisse could not convert from point-blank range, had a goal wrongly disallowed for offside and was marooned on the right flank before being withdrawn after a brief period in the centre. The zigzag lightning motif shaved on to his pate betrays a man frazzled by life at Anfield.
Marseille have expressed an interest in Cisse and Liverpool would scrutinise any money offer, as opposed to a loan. "At this moment, I have no news, so I'd prefer not to say anything," said Benitez.
Lyon could yet switch their sights to the £14.1 million striker should their interest in Liverpool's Milan Baros stall, although in fact Owen's return may only be possible should both strikers move on.
Meantime, the European champions are forced to look to cut-price options - Nolberto Solano and Stelios Giannakopoulos, at 30 and 31, on the right of midfield, or Marseille's Abdoulaye Meite at centre half. The sense lingers that the aftermath of Istanbul might prove a missed opportunity rather than a new dawn.
It is open to question whether Owen would have made a real difference on Saturday. Apart from the flurry of early chances, with Steven Gerrard curling against a post, they laboured against busy opponents. The England striker struggled when Liverpool's supply line spluttered under Gerard Houllier.
It was also about Sunderland. The Wearsiders suffered a 17th successive Premiership defeat, courtesy of Xabi Alonso's delightful free-kick midway through the first half, but mustered enough energy to warrant better. Dean Whitehead, Tommy Miller and Andy Welsh swarmed eagerly before Welsh was ludicrously sent off just as Sunderland were threatening to capitalise on Gerrard's withdrawal with a calf strain.
Welsh apparently "swung an arm" at Luis Garcia according to the referee Barry Knight, though it appeared he simply ran into the Spaniard as the winger spun off Julio Arca's foul.
Sunderland might have had a penalty after Mohamed Sissoko handled and will hope for better luck when the official reviews the Welsh decision.
That they did not have a shot on target will concern Mick McCarthy, but this was encouraging. For Liverpool, result aside, it was anything but.
Guardian Service
