You can check out an interview with myself over at The Equaliser where I'm asked about the season as a whole and where the club is going in the future.

Please check out the interview, and Chris Mann's other excellent work here!

It might have taken him until the end of April but Alberto Aquilani could finally have made the impression that everyone was waiting for.

Cast aside as a multi-million pound ‘flop’ by the media despite hardly kicking a ball, Aquilani’s display against Atletico Madrid should extinguish any lingering belief that the Italian is simply ‘not good enough’.

On the subject, does anyone know what happened to players from abroad being given time to settle into new surroundings? Patrice Evra, Didier Drogba and Thierry Henry are classic examples of players who never set the World alight when they first joined the Premier League.

It has been known for players to take over a season to reach the top of their game. In that sense, it could take until midway through next season before we really see the ‘best’ of Aquilani.

Regardless, the lad was clearly never a bad player as some may have you believe.

Speaking in August last year, ex-Red John Arne Riise said: “When I first came to Roma, I didn’t know a thing about Aquilani.

“I knew all about Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi and Philippe Mexes, of course, but Aquilani was the player who surprised me the most in my first months with what he could do.

“He’s really good on the ball, with good passing, good movement, he works hard and is a good professional.

“He likes to have the ball at his feet but not because he likes to dribble, he just wants to keep the team moving. He never stands still, he’s always on the run.”

Riise’s glowing reference looked spot on against Atletico where Aquilani’s goal capped off a fine performance. Impressive as it was, a late-run into the Italian national team for the World Cup probably isn’t out of the question.

Granted, its one game, and while Alberto has showed signs of promise in previous outings (most notably against Portsmouth), it was ever-so more prevalent that on such a grand stage Il Principino swaggered his way into the hearts of an adoring Anfield.

Playing in an advanced position (the role usually occupied by Steven Gerrard) the Italian’s touch, awareness, vision and technique was there for all to see as the Spaniard’s failed to deal with Aquilani’s movement ‘in between the lines’.

Interestingly enough, Aquilani’s best showing prior to Thursday (v Portsmouth) came in a slightly deeper role, perhaps demonstrating that he could be equally adept as a holding player.

While it was apparent that the slightly deeper role certainly nullified the impact of Gerrard, Aquilani gave the kind of performance that the skipper has been expected to deliver for much of the season (not a bash on Gerrard, had a poor season, yes, but still one of the best midfield players in Europe for me).

Linking play between the midfield and forward line, Aquilani’s movement (something Liverpool were sorely lacking earlier in the season) was a joy to behold. If he is able to replicate similar performances in the future there’s no reason why the Italian can’t become an established act in the Liverpool first eleven, equalling the status’ of Reina, Mascherano, Gerrard and Torres.

Of course the down side to Aquilani is his injury record, with constant problems stuttering his career to date. But there’s no doubt in my mind that Rafa Benitez would only have signed such a player if he was extremely talented.

On Thursday, Liverpool supporters got their first real sighting of what the ex-Roma star could be capable of in the long-term. Next season could see Aquilani add further weight to his previously-tarnished reputation.

Pepe Reina’s decision to sign a new six-year contract at Anfield is without doubt fantastic news.

Reina has been Liverpool’s best player all season long, and I genuinely dread to think what position we would be in if we’d not had the Spanish stopper in between the sticks.

Despite the turbulent season that the Reds have endured it’s great to see a professional footballer sign a new deal because of their love and affection for the club rather than their instinct for instant success.

Pepe more than anyone will be aware that without any incoming investment it’s unlikely Liverpool will be challenging for the Premier League or Champions League any time shortly. But Reina’s bond with the club, supporters and the city has meant the ‘keeper is eager to stay.

"I'm delighted to sign a new contract. It's probably the best news of my life that I'll be here for the next six years. Me and my family are really happy here.

"To play for Liverpool is very special. I've been here for five years and now I will be here for six more and it's very exciting.

"It's very important that my family love it here as well, as family life is just as important as my career.”

While forthcoming investment looks unlikely at the moment, Liverpool seem like they could certainly keep the foundations of a strong squad at Anfield next season with Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano also voicing their requests to stay.

Surely the presence of such stars will mean Rafa Benitez could find it a lot easier to attract big names to the club in the summer, with or without the lure of Champions League football. The difficulty will be attaining the funds needed to purchase the top class players.

Rafa Benitez proved once again last night that there are few better tacticians in Europe as Liverpool marched on in their Europa League adventure.

After being knocked out of the Champions League group stages it was fair to say most supporters weren't particularly bothered about the Europa League (or the Disney Cup), it was looked at as an embarrassment that Liverpool were even competing in the competition.

Nevertheless Liverpool have successfully navigated their way to the semi-finals of the Europa League, and suddenly it's become interesting. Europe's no.2 prize it may be, but with Liverpool trophyless since 2006 there seems to be a renewed incentive around Anfield to lift the title in Hamburg on May 12.

Last night's opponents Benfica are no pushovers, unbeaten in 26 matches prior to the game with only one loss to their name domestically, the 4-1 scoreline should serve as a warning to the rest of Europe that Liverpool are still capable of performing at the highest level.

After an impressive start from the visitors Liverpool took control with two goals to put the Reds ahead in the tie. First Dirk Kuyt's header from Steven Gerrard's corner and then Lucas' composed finish around Julio Cesar made it 2-0 after another assist from the skipper.

From a personal point of view I was so pleased for Lucas. The crowd seemed to finally warm to him, although it was nowhere near his best performance in a red shirt, the goal will definitely serve to win over the doubters. It was fair to say Lucas and Javier Mascherano were not at their best, but their work ethic at continually closing out the Benfica attack was impressive.

While Liverpool have certainly been playing with a greater deal of freedom lately at Anfield, most notably against Sunderland, it was far more controlled performance from the men in red. Acknowledging that Benfica are a top side, Benitez could ill-afford to go all guns blazing against such a talented forward line. Instead the instructions were to half-press the opposition, "when opponents are closed down only as they cross halfway," according to tactics expert, Jonathan Wilson.

This worked perfectly in the second half, the away side never looked like getting back into the game and Liverpool were totally in control. The fourth goal was a great example of how this worked so well, both Mascherano and Lucas went flying in as soon as the Portuguese entered Liverpool's half, ultimately Lucas won the ball back and the Reds went on to score. It's a measure of how well Liverpool have performed against Benfica that all three of the opposition's goals across the two legs have been from set-plays (two penalties and a free-kick).

Rewinding slightly, the third goal on the night was classic counter-attacking at it's very best. Liverpool are often criticised for calling back all their players to defend corners and free-kicks in dangerous positions but there are two sides of the coin to this setup. Firstly and most obviously, there is a better chance of defending the set-play with more men back. Secondly, if Liverpool can break out, they can do so in numbers - all coming from deep-lying positions. The trouble with leaving players up the pitch for set-plays is that they are likely to be closely marked by two or three players, with several players breaking from a deep position it is much harder for the opposition to deal with. That said, executing a counter-attack of such quality is difficult at the best of times and the roles of Yossi Benayoun, Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres should all be applauded.

That man Torres simply goes from strength to strength as he continues to break records left, right and centre. The Spaniard is now the only player in Liverpool's illustrious history to score four successive Anfield braces, truely remarkable. His second on the night was simply put; a peach. Such a delicate finish that looks incredibly easy on the outset but yet requires such skill and ability.

It will be a homecoming for darling of the Kop Torres as Liverpool play Atletico Madrid in the semi final. Another difficult tie in what is proving to be a very interesting competition, but one I am sure Rafa Benitez and the players are relishing as they fight to win the club's first trophy in four years.

Standing in a pub that is full of people and watching a medium-sized widescreen TV (at best) from about 20 yards away whilst trying to dodge those in front of you who annoyingly keep bobbing up and down while the game is going on (keep still for christ sake!) wasn't exactly the ideal way to consume the weekend's game with Birmingham.

For analytical purposes I can't really comment too much on individual performances, or indeed the team as a whole, as I was too far away to see who was on the ball at times and as a result have decided to look at the race for fourth as it currently stands.

A quick note on the game though; I may not have had the best view of proceedings but what I do know is there was alot of 'oooohhhh', 'aaahhhh' and 'ffffuccckk!' as Liverpool created an abundance of second half chances. I will see the action alot clearer later on during MOTD2 but from where I was standing Liverpool could have won that game comfortably by two or three goals atleast. Rafa Benitez will no doubt be slated for taking off Fernando Torres but in truth Liverpool only looked dangerous when David N'gog was introduced. People will point the finger at 'Torres would have scored them chances!', but Torres never got into the position for a chance in 65 minutes of play while N'gog created several in his short time on the field.

Anyway, moving on. Who will finish in the final Champions League spot? You're guess is about as good as mine at the moment with all four of the contenders doing their best to keep us all hooked, but I will do my best to point the finger at which club should finish there.

Manchester City

Let's start with the club currently holding the coverted fourth spot - Manchester City. You could argue the most pressure is on City to finish fourth. The owners have invested heavily and expect instant success, Mark Hughes was dismissed after a relatively steady beginning. One can only imagine Roberto Mancini will suffer the same fate if City don't finish fourth. After a shock home defeat to Everton Mancini's players have responded excellently with two comfortable wins against Wigan and Burnley, but two they were always expected to get.

The run-in

Four out of the six remaining games for Manchester City are at home, an advantage? Quite possibly as City have only lost one game at Eastlands all campaign with impressive wins against Chelsea and Arsenal (although they were both under Hughes). Twelve points would mean City definitly finish ahead of Liverpool. I can foresee them acheiving 11 points which wouldn't be bad considering they play Manchester United, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Tottenham. Although their only away game from the quartet is at the Emirates.

Remaining fixtures

Man City v Birmingham
Man City v Man Utd
Arsenal v Man City
Man City v Aston Villa
Man City v Spurs
West Ham v Man City

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs were dislodged from fourth spot over the weekend after a surprise defeat to Sunderland. Unfortunately for Harry Redknapp and co. that game was certainly one of their 'easier' fixtures in the end of season run-in. Tottenham have played some sparkling football at times this season, most notably the 9-1 thrashing of Wigan, but have also failed to deliver in equal measures. Defeats at home to Stoke City and Wolves could prove costly and let's not forget Spurs have been here before and felt the pressure. Remember 2005/06 when a Tottenham win on the last day would have seen them claim Champions League football ahead of rivals Arsenal? Unfortunately for Spurs they buckled - away to West Ham, a team that had nothing to play for.

The run-in

Looking objectively there are only two games that Tottenham must see as 'bankers' in their final six games of the season. Games against Bolton (h) and Burnley (a) are simply must wins if they are to finish fourth. The four remaining games though are stinkers and Tottenham certainly have the toughest run-in of all four clubs involved. Their run-in is such that even nine points would be looked at as an achievement. Even more daunting is that in the reverse fixtures Tottenham lost all three games against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Remaining fixtures

Spurs v Arsenal
Spurs v Chelsea
Man Utd v Spurs
Spurs v Bolton
Man City v Spurs
Burnley v Spurs

Aston Villa

Villa's win at Bolton has just edged them into the race again after a disappointing recent spell. It's become cliche of Martin O'Neill's side but evidence shows his Villa team always finish poorly. Perhaps linked to the O'Neill's lack of rotation and squad depth? Two extended cup runs may also be to blame. Expectations are high in Birmingham though and after being defeated by Wigan at home on the opening day they were roundly boo'd off the field. But it's an idication of the terrific job O'Neill has done that the Villa fans expect so much.

The run-in

Despite their obligatory end-of-season fold you could make a case for Villa claiming atleast 15 points in their remaining games. However history tells us not to make too much of a case for the Villans at this stage. Nevertheless if the Villa players truely believe they can reach fourth spot and are unnerved by the prospect they may have an outside chance. Their next game is a big'un, win against Everton and there's reason to be optimistic if you're a Villa fan.

Remaining fixtures

Aston Villa v Everton
Portsmouth v Aston Villa
Hull City v Aston Villa
Aston Villa v Birmingham
Man City v Aston Villa
Aston Villa v Blackburn

Liverpool

The thing that worries me about Liverpool is that we haven't put a consistent run together all season long, a genuine string of wins. Rafa's teams historically finish well but this season has been different to any other I've previously witnessed and it's impossible to tell what could happen next. In our favour of course is Fernando Torres (barring today), who is in scintillating form just as Liverpool need him most.

The run-in

However, among the doom and gloom is Liverpool's remaining fixture list, it couldn't read much healthier. The Reds have struggled away from home all season but the two final games outside of Anfield are at Burnley and Hull City, need I say more? Two of the three remaining home games are against Fulham and West Ham. If there aren't 12 points up for grabs there then please shoot me. With Torres and Steven Gerrard on their game there is no reason to be particularly worried. Chelsea at home is the spanner in the works but I fancy Liverpool for that game behind a roaring Kop.

Remaining fixtures

Liverpool v Fulham
Liverpool v West Ham
Burnley v Liverpool
Liverpool v Chelsea
Hull City v Liverpool

The Verdict

It's impossible to call football, that's what keeps as all watching week in, week out. However, you cannot deny that Manchester City are in a strong position and they have the big name players with egotistical personalities who you feel could well handle the pressure from the expectant owners. I can't really say the same for Villa and Spurs, they've both done well this season but come the cut and thrust of the season I can see them falling at the final hurdle.

Liverpool probably need to win all of their five games, if they do I think they will finish fourth - City and Spurs' run-in is too much for them to win four to five games.

Ultimately I feel Manchester City will probably finish fourth, many believe that could be a cue for an Anfield exodus but I'd be surprised to see that. The main worry, as it has been for a while, will be the financial structure of the club. Without Champions League investment it's unlikely Liverpool are going to significantly strengthen next season unless Hicks and Gillett can finally sell-up to a suitable buyer.

This season's Europa League has the unique formula of six match officials with two additional referees added to the customary four, it's just a shame none of them can get a correct decision between them.

The decision to send off Ryan Babel by Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson was farcical to say the least, especially considering that Benfica defender Luisao had just ploughed into Fernando Torres and the Brazilian only ended up with a booking - simply baffling.

Anyone remember an incident with Steven N'Zonzi of Blackburn a month or so ago? N'Zonzi put his hand to Lucas' face and proceeded to shove him to the ground with excessive force. Low and behold he recieved just a yellow card, it just stinks of inconsistency.

As for the game itself, Liverpool started brilliantly with a piece of genius straight from the training ground. Daniel Agger has come into great form recently and a goal was always on the cards after spurning numerous chances against Sunderland. It's a great shame Liverpool were unable to exert their gameplan on the match as Babel was sent off after half an hour. Inevitably pressure came from the hosts, buoyed on by a viscivorus crowd, and it was always going to be a major task to keep out a side who have averaged three goals a game this season, even more so with 10 players. Although Torres did have one great chance at one each to put Liverpool ahead which rather uncharacteristically the Spaniard spurned.

It was always going to be a tough game for the Reds though, whether it was 11 v 11 or not. Benfica are highly rated across Europe with only one domestic defeat all season, coming way back in October. In perspective, a 1-2 defeat is by no means a terrible scoreline and one that can be reversed against the backdrop of a vibrant Anfield atmosphere.

Having said that the Portuguese side did come to Anfield in 2006 and win comfortably 2-0 after carrying a slender advantage from the first leg. It all points to what should be a fantastic European tie at Anfield next week, that's as long as the six officials can manage to referee the game properly.

And so the ghost of the beach ball goal is laid to rest - well partially at least. The defeat at the Stadium of Light earlier in the campaign will remain as one of the lowest ebbs of the season but Sunday's performance should go a long way towards banishing the memories of last October.

Liverpool ran riot over Sunderland with a first-half attacking display that Arsenal or Barcelona would have been proud of. It's important to emphasise that is not an exaggeration, Sunderland simply couldn’t cope with Liverpool’s constant waves of pressure in what was a siege towards the Kop end.

Even Black Cats manager Steve Bruce (who still has a big fat head apparently) admitted the home side were just too good for his team - who prior to the game were unbeaten in six. “Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say we couldn’t get near them,” said a complimentary Bruce.

It was 4-4-2 and the message was clear from Rafa Benitez; attack, attack, attack. Liverpool created an abundance of chances and could have easily of had five or six by half time. The visitors simply couldn’t cope; the men in red looked a shadow of the team that have been defeated 10 times this season. Liverpool’s dominance made you wonder why they are in such a precarious position in the first place.

Liverpool got the perfect start just three minutes into the game. Fernando Torres struck at his stunning best, Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon has been in fine form but there was nothing he could do with Torres’ wonder strike. Further goals came from Glen Johnson who added the second after half an hour and Torres made it a brace in the second half with a coolly taken deft finish. The Spaniard now has 40 league goals in 41 games at Anfield, an incredible record.

Skipper Steven Gerrard was back in central midfield and certainly looked all the more content for it. It was the kind of driving display that has been lacking from Gerrard’s game for the majority of the season. The red's number eight inspired those around him and in truth every player in a red shirt had a game to be proud of. The much maligned Emiliano Insua responded perfectly to the critics with arguably his best game of the season (although the Argentine didn’t have much defending to do which could explain why!).

Liverpool’s first 45 minutes against Portsmouth was impressive but Sunday’s effort was surely the best of a troubled season. The passing was crisp, sharp and accurate, something which has been a cause for concern on more than one occasion this term but Liverpool’s ball retention was good as it has been all campaign.

The second half was less of a spectacle but still provided numerous chances on the Mackem’s goal. In the end a 3-0 score line certainly flattered the away side and it could have been embarrassing for the Wearsiders had Liverpool been more clinical. As ever, as cliché as it may sound, it’s important to capitalise on the current run of form Liverpool find themselves on (the performance at Old Trafford wasn’t as bad as people make out). Ultimately Liverpool may need to win five of their last six to achieve fourth place and even then that may not be good enough. But if Benitez’s men continue to play like they have been since the debacle of the DW Stadium there is no reason to suggest why at least 15 points cannot be retrieved.