Liverpool: 5 Early Reads on What the New Season Holds at Anfield

It's not the start that many Liverpool fans wanted, but after losing 3-0 at West Brom, Liverpool earned an encouraging point at Anfield against reigning Premier League champs Manchester City.

Even though a single point from two games isn't how Liverpool wanted to start their campaign, there are several positives fans and players alike can take from the Reds' start.

Brendan Rodgers looks like he means business in terms of Liverpool's aspirations of top-four finishes, trophies and returning to the Champions League. He's bringing in players who fit his style of play and implementing a drastic change in Liverpool's game mentality.

Although it's still early to tell, here are five early reads on what the new season holds for Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool. 

Liverpool Still Have Trouble Finding the Back of the Net

Already in this young campaign, Liverpool have shown their complacency in front of net, and so far, it has cost them points.

Luis Suarez failed to put away several chances in the West Brom game If one of those chances had gone in, the pace of the game would have changed drastically.

Fabio Borini has missed several sitters, including one he rocked off the post on an empty net against Hearts in the Europa League. 

With that being said, Liverpool did a great job against Manchester City in terms of creating chances and improved on their ability to score from set pieces. Martin Skrtel's goal came from a Steven Gerrard corner, and Suarez curled in a beautiful near-post free kick. 

Rodgers needs to address this in training. It's all a matter of ironing out the wrinkles. 

Joe Allen Is Going to Be Liverpool's Player of the Season

The signing of Joe Allen from Swansea looks to be worth every penny of his £15 million move to Anfield, as the young midfielder has looked every bit the part of holding midfielder for the Reds.

Allen has rarely put a foot wrong in each game he's played in and put forth a man-of-the-match performance against Manchester City, showing incredible vision, composure and surprising strength on the ball.

While it may be difficult to put forth such performances week in and week out, Allen so far has not backed down from the challenge of directing the midfield of such a big club under lofty expectations.

Next Xabi Alonso, perhaps? 

Raheem Sterling Will Start over Stewart Downing...Hopefully

People expected Raheem Sterling to be good. Liverpool haven't seen a product like him come through the academy since a young Steven Gerrard stepped on the pitch as a teenager.

I'm not sure if anyone expected him to be this good.

Sterling should start over Stewart Downing every day. The young winger is everything Downing is not. He's not Stewart Downing. He's pacy, willing to take on defenders and extremely intelligent on the ball. 

Brendan Rodgers knows how to handle youth within a team. He knows how to get the most out of Sterling. Rodgers will be able to mold the youngster into a lethal winger, which will solve Liverpool's wide-man crisis.

If the beginning of the season is any indication, Rodgers may have already found the solution. 

Liverpool Is Going to Continue to Struggle Against 'Lesser' Opposition

Liverpool have had an annoying tendency over the past several seasons. Then tend to lose to teams they should beat and play really well against better teams.

In 2012, it looks like that trend might continue with a opening-day loss to West Brom, followed by a brilliant performance against Manchester City.

Liverpool needs to learn consistency in order to challenge for a top-four spot. The Manchester clubs and Chelsea didn't get to where they are by underestimating opponents. 

Brendan Rodgers Is Going to Bring Another Trophy to Anfield

Whether it's another League Cup, the F.A. Cup or the Europa League (or all three?), Brendan Rodgers' first season at Anfield will bring in another trophy.

Rodgers' summer signings show his intent to bring glory back to Anfield.

Joe Allen already looks to be a revelation. 

If Fabio Borini can find his shooting boots, Liverpool will have a very potent attack going forward.

We have yet to see what Oussama Assaidi can do on the wing, but he brings a huge amount of pace and another goal-scoring touch.

And Rodgers' biggest signing this summer, loanee Nuri Sahin from Real Madrid, has the chance to make a huge impact. He is one of the most intelligent midfielders in the game. He has the flair and skill to completely control a game from midfield. 

These signings show Rodgers' intent to bring hope and prestige back to Anfield. Despite a somewhat disappointing start to the campaign, I am excited about what the rest of the season holds.