Michael Owen says a top-four finish in the Premiership is a "bare minimum" for Liverpool this season and no one can accuse him of not doing his bit. Two goals yesterday - one from a penalty - took his tally to five this season, more than 70 per cent of his team's total. Quite where that would put Gérard Houllier's team without the England striker is anyone's guess, but for the moment that is not a problem Liverpool have to face.
Guy Hodgson, Independent on Sunday
Liverpool ultimately broke down Blackburn's 10-men resistance to reinforce their belief that they can win the Premiership this time after a shaky start to the season.
Derick Allsop, Sunday Telegraph
This match had a serious injury, a sensational goal, a disputed penalty and a dismissal for violent conduct, and that was just the first 12 minutes..... Harry Kewell's last-minute goal was no more than Liverpool deserved - bringing Blackburn their ,second home defeat of the season - considering Owen managed to miss out on another two one-on-one situations with Friedel. Another day, another goal keeper, and Owen alone could have had five.
Paul Wilson, The Observer
One player carried off, another sent off, one penalty and two goals. Certainly an eventful opening 13 minutes at Ewood Park yesterday. If Barry Ferguson thought the SPL was frenetic, the Scotland captain’s English baptism may have given him pause for thought. Michael Owen’s typically efficient strike and Harry Kewell’s late third goal settled matters, but this rip-roaring derby was a tsunami of entertainment. Crisis? What crisis? Liverpool have now scored three times in successive away games, and Anfield’s August clouds have long dispersed.
John Aizlewood, Sunday Times