The new manager made a big statement when he marked his first home Premier League match in charge of Liverpool by picking the 17-year-old for a first start in the competition. Sterling responded with a display that did not shape the match but contained quite enough skill and composure to justify his selection.
More than that, his presence gave Anfield the clearest possible indication of how Rodgers wants his team to play. They will be doing it the Swansea way, with swift and accurate short passing in all areas of the pitch, and the approach served them well against the reigning champions. Twice they took the lead and twice they were pegged back, but never were they prepared to accept second best. The result was a fair one, but three points for the home side would not have represented a distortion, and they did well to close the match on the front foot against a side with a reputation for finishing strongly. Those Liverpool fans who were quick to express dismay after the opening match of the league season, an abject 3-0 defeat at the hands of West Bromwich Albion, have had their reservations addressed, at least for now.
