Roy Hodgson began his first competitive game as Liverpool manager without many of his star names. A gamble, that ultimately paid off as the Reds ran out 2-0 winners against Macedonian side Rabotnicki.



Here are some of the key points I picked up from the game;

1. Keeping the faith in Lucas

Previous manager Rafa Benitez was often vilified for sticking by Lucas Leiva. Hodgson has gone one step further and made the 23-year-old his first captain. Despite the lows of 09/10, the development of Lucas' game was one of the rare highlights.

With a bid from Palermo also rejected in the summer, it's clear Hodgson sees Lucas as a big part of his plans. The armband certainly didn't seem to phase Lucas either with a fine performance in the heart of midfield.

2. Playing with one striker: David Ngog

With a lack of first team strikers available, David Ngog was given his chance and he didn't disappoint. Often deployed as a lone striker when utilised throughout 09/10, it was evident that such experience has paid off.

Seemingly a little bulkier, Ngog's hold-up play was often very good. Hodgson clearly gave the French striker instructions to look for the space in behind the defence and he certainly took advantage of that for his first goal with a cleverly timed run.

3. The pace of David Amoo

It's clear that Hodgson has certainly seen something in David Amoo. The winger has started all three games so far and certainly looks a raw talent. His pace, which comes from his schoolboy days as a sprinter, is without doubt his best attribute. Although a little careless in possession, there were genuine glimpses of quality against Robotnicki.

4. 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1?

Under Rafa Benitez, Liverpool often played a 4-2-3-1 formation with two clearly defined holding players. While Amoo and Milan Jovanovic were pushed on at times to give the team added width, the midfield was more of a straight line of four - leaving Alberto Aquilani in the hole.

In a match that on paper looked potentially tricky with such an inexperienced line-up, Hodgson's tactical setup worked well and Liverpool produced a professional performance. Of course, tougher challenges lie ahead and only then will we see how Hodgson plans to formulate his side.