There are plenty of positives to take from the Liverpool game. Despite the defeat, I feel more confident that we’ll be ok in the Premier League.

We more than matched our illustrious visitors in the first half, creating the better chances. In fact, we made their star-studded line-up look rather ordinary.

As was always likely, Liverpool found a different gear in the second half, playing at a level we would never have encountered before. It proved decisive, but not many Premier League will be able to do that.

Individually, there were some really encouraging performances. Jacob Greaves was absolutely immense on his debut, starting with a thunderous challenge and continuing in that brave heart mode. He reminds me of a certain Terry Butcher.

Omari Hutchinson impressed TerryOmari Hutchinson impressed Terry (Image: Ross Halls)
Our record signing, Omari Hutchinson, looks like he belongs at this exalted level. He caused the Liverpool defence loads of problems with his pace, trickery and aggression. He’ll be a star this season, for sure.

Christian Walton, a surprise starter in goal with Aro Muric injured, also did really well. He reminded us what a good shot-stopper he is, and also dealt confidently with a succession of Liverpool corners.

I guess Muric will come in once he’s fit - maybe as soon as next Saturday at Manchester City - but it’s reassuring to know that we have two good keepers on our books.

Christian Walton played well on short noticeChristian Walton played well on short notice (Image: Ross Halls)
Liam Delap did well leading the line, showing some lovely touches. If only his through ball to Hutchinson had been better, the youngster would have been clean through. Small margins at this level.

Of course, there were some negatives. It was so disappointing, and significant, to see Wes Burns forced off with another hamstring injury. It’s no exaggeration to say it changed the game. We never looked the same after that.

Burns does seem to pick up a lot of injuries, we really miss him when he’s out, and it looks as though he’ll be on the sidelines for a while. Added to the long-term absences of George Hirst and Nathan Broadhead, it’s really the last thing we need as we try to acclimatise to this level.

Losing Wes Burns to injury was a real blowLosing Wes Burns to injury was a real blow (Image: Ross Halls)
There’s been a lot of chit-chat about Leif Davis’ performance. Our incredibly promising left-back absolutely stormed his way through our promotion seasons, acting more as a left-winger because we were regularly dominating games.

We all knew he would have to become a different player this season, a more traditional defender. He was confronted with the toughest of all challenges in the very first game, trying to keep the brilliant Mo Salah quiet.

Salah’s speed of thought and clever movement caught Davis out a few times, but he will learn quickly from that. Plenty more experienced left-backs than Leif have been taken to the cleaners by the Egyptian.

As plenty of people are saying, it’s not games against a Liverpool or Man City which will define our season. Of course, it will be great if we can produce a shock or two but, in reality, the gap in quality will usually be telling.

Leif Davis had his hands full with Mo Salah - but coped wellLeif Davis had his hands full with Mo Salah - but coped well (Image: Ross Halls)
It’s the games against lesser teams - those who don’t have the extra gear Liverpool found in the second half - which will determine where we finish come May.

Our “cup finals” will be against fellow promoted sides Leicester and Southampton, as well as the likes of Forest, Brentford, Bournemouth, and Wolves. That’s where we need to pick up points.

We are still in team-building mode. Kalvin Phillips and Jens Cajuste will bring crucial top-flight and international experience into our midfield. It will be fascinating to see how we line up when both of those are deemed match fit. Will there be a place for our skipper, Sam Morsy?

I compare Phillips to Ross Barkley at Luton last year. His career had lost its way, so he joined the newly promoted Hatters, had a superb season despite them being relegated, and earned himself a move to Aston Villa, and Champions League football. Let’s hope similar can happen for Phillips. He’s certainly got a top mentor in Kieran McKenna.

Our team will continue to develop and strengthen - more cause for confidence - but for now, it was fascinating to see seven of our League One winning team turn out in the Premier League. Shades of Alf Ramsey’s miracle in 1962.

So, an encouraging start. Lots of reasons to be cheerful. Next, the small matter of perennial champions Man City. Bring it on!