Liverpool fans can't help but be encouraged by Alberto Aquilani's debut for the Reds in the Carling Cup tie against Arsenal on Wednesday.

By Eugene YS Han

The visiting Liverpool fans also did their part by unfurling a banner that showed Aquilani in a Roman 'gladiator uniform' complete with the slogan: ‘A hero will rise'.

This was perhaps the perfect game to introduce the 25-year-old Italian to English football as Arsenal never resort to 'anti-football'. And although Liverpool lost 2-1 to the Gunners, there was plenty to be positive about regarding Aquilani.

After he came on in the 77th minute as a substitute for Damien Plessis, he had a half-chance that was well-saved by the Arsenal goalkeeper. In the final minutes, Aquilani had another chance on goal - this time an overhead kick that was well-saved well blocked by Philippe Senderos. But at least Aquilani came through unscathed (although he has now contracted a virus), and gave Liverpool fans a glimmer of expectation.

Of course it's too early to tell whether Aquilani will be a monster hit like, Fernando Torres (long-haired world-class striker who oftens get Nemanja Vidic sent off) or a modest hit like Patrick Berger (long-haired flair player who often gets injured) or a mis-hit like Mark Gonzalez - (a YouTube sensation who often gets fans frustrated), at least there's something to look forward to.

Aquilani looks like an international class midfielder and he should fit flawlessly into the English game. The major challenge for Liverpool is they will need to keep him fit.

* In other Liverpool news, Glen Johnson has declared he has set himself a target of scoring eight times for the club this season. I have to say he really should concentrate on defending first as he still lacks total concentration on the pitch and he doesn't read the game particularly well. Well, it's probably time for Steve Nicol to return from Stateside to Anfield to coach Johnson. Not only was Nicol a dependable full-back, he is also one of the few defenders to have scored a hat-trick for the Reds. Learn to walk before you learn to run Glen!

* Enough of saying Liverpool lost to a young Arsenal team. Arsenal's average age in their Carling Cup win was 21.571 years old while Liverpool's were 24.357 - a difference of just three years. And how can you call Arsenal a 'young team' when the oldest player on the pitch was 32-year-old Mikael Silvestre?

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