As far as comebacks go, someone hadn't read the script and Luis Suarez's much-hyped return to Liverpool ended in defeat, and a Cup exit, at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
If we're talking positives - it was a much improved performance by Liverpool to that which lost at home to Southampton at the weekend. But we can't talk about how good Liverpool's performances are forever, without the results matching up.
Some would say it was Liverpool's full-strength team playing a second-string Manchester United side, with eight hanges from the weekend's Premier League schedule. I'd argue that with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Kagawa and Javier Hernandez that is was a stronger United side than that which lined up against Manchester City on Sunday. But I'm not here to talk about Manchester United either.
Suarez was back for Liverpool and he looked hungry.
The night started with Suarez reciprocating the Liverpool fans' applause when his name was announced in the starting line-up over the stadium tannoy.
At times the 26-year-old's touch on the ball was rusty. On better days he'd have brought it under control better and had the edge of any oncoming defenders.
He showed glimpses that his partnership with Daniel Sturridge could flourish once again, the pair playing a neat one-two within the game's opening 15 minutes.
The movement of Liverpool's attack looked more open and fluid than it has of late - Suarez's involvement giving defenders that unpredictability factor of 'where will he run next?'.
Victor Moses also, on a couple of occasions, linked up well with the Uruguayan.
Suarez's involvement allowed the Reds to open up more and use the full width of the pitch - something they have struggled to do with no naturally wide players available this season.
His lack of match sharpness physically stopped him from taking the ball past Alexander Buttner halfway through the first half with one of his renowned cuts inside from a wide position.
Shortly after, he took a poor first touch to control a teasing Jose Enrique cross - allowing United goalkeeper David De Gea to clear the danger.
In the second half, Suarez saw a shot hit the side netting, before winning a free kick under the challenge of Phil Jones and seeing his free-kick tipped onto the crossbar by De Gea.
For a player who hasn't played in this team for five months, Suarez showed all the signs he will emerge back to his world-class self.
Despite all the drama, despite all delights of Victor Moses, Philippe Coutinho and co., Luis Suarez is Liverpool's best player. He gives us options no-one else does.
And he's already almost back to his very best.
Source: Metro
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