by JASON WHALLEY

WHAT is it with football that it keeps sneaking up on you and proving you wrong just when you think you've got it sussed?

I'd scoffed at all the optimists I'd talked to during the last week who said we'd get something against Liverpool.

Such was my opinion on Rovers latest performances, I'd even gone to the game just hoping that the result wasn't too severe, just a couple of goals defeat please!

Now after taking the events in from a vibrant (yes vibrant) Ewood on Saturday I find myself asking 'What went right?'

Compared to the recent excuses for football we've had to endure, more or less everything!

The way this Rovers team scrapped and grafted made the displays of the past two weeks seem light years away.

It was as if the penny has finally dropped and the enormity of the situation has hit the players. They all played as if their very futures depended on the result on Saturday as they denied Liverpool any time and played with no little skill and purpose when they had the ball themselves.

The determination and will to win was exceptional and we played at a tempo not seen in a long time. That's not to say that mistakes weren't made, the two goals against were testimony to that, but if mistakes are made honestly and there is a real purpose to make amends, supporters will forgive them.

All the players in Rovers shirts deserve great credit but some in particular deserve special praise.

Bothroyd added the new dimension up front that we have been looking for. His pace and movement gave the Liverpool defenders no shortage of problems and his height gave us an 'out ball' when the pressure was on.

McEveley was composed on the ball and strong in the tackle. Aside from an error that led to the equaliser, he didn't put a foot wrong and the problematic left back position may be solved once and for all.

Finally, Brett Emerton. It's fair to say I've not been his biggest fan over the last 12 months.

He's been ponderous in possession, showed no willingness to run at players, looked unfit and his quality of final ball has generally been shocking.

Well, over the last couple of games it looks like the 'real' Emerton has finally stood up and that was typified in his performance on Saturday.

He looked a constant threat with the ball at his feet and the Liverpool defenders couldn't cope with his strong direct play. It really was a joy to watch after spending the best part of last season wondering why he was rated so highly. More of the same is now needed on a consistent basis.

Having mentioned all of this it's important to retain a sense of perspective. At the end of the day it's only a point to our total, regardless of how well we played. It's a start though, and I'm convinced that if we play like that for the remainder of the season there's not a chance we'll go down. The players have set the standard, it's imperative they don't let it slip.