Aldo's tribute to 'tigerish' Reds

John Aldridge today paid tribute to the fighting spirit that played a key role in helping Liverpool to one of their finest displays of the season so far against Manchester City on Monday.

A commanding performance saw Andy Carroll's first goals in red and a Dirk Kuyt strike secure a 3-0 victory for Kenny Dalglish's men and bolster their hopes of European qualification.

"It was a really uplifting performance against Manchester City, one that was up there with the best we have produced all season," said Aldridge.

"Yes, the Manchester United and Chelsea results, and performances, were excellent, but this was a different level. Liverpool were superb.

"What struck me most, and will stick in the mind, is the fantastic desire and fighting spirit throughout the side.

"Right through the team, they were tigerish.

"They were in Manchester City's faces from the first whistle to the last, and they didn't give them a minute's peace all night."

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Aldridge believes the manner of Liverpool's performance was epitomised by Carroll and strike partner Luis Suarez.

He added: "People will rightly point out how poor Manchester City were, but the truth is that Liverpool made them look poor with their attitude and their desire.

"And nobody encapsulated that mentality better than the strike force of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

"When you have two lads up front who are fighters, and will do anything for the team, rather than just themselves, it does so much to help the team, and those two were absolutely superb."

While Carroll may have grabbed the headlines with his two-goal haul, there were several other strong candidates for the man of the match award.

18-year-old John Flanagan caught the eye by turning in an assured display on his senior debut, but Aldridge believes it was very much a top-class team showing by Liverpool.

He said: "I thought Jamie Carragher was absolutely outstanding at the back, he played like a player-manager with the way he led the defence and organised people, and he was like a father figure to young John Flanagan at full-back.

"Flanagan himself had an outstanding game, using the ball well and defending well - I think he was weighed down at the end after having James Milner in his back pocket all night! And Martin Skrtel had one of his best games for a long time, he was really solid and secure.

"In midfield both Jay Spearing and Lucas were excellent, as was Dirk Kuyt, whilst the front two did exactly what we needed them to. It was a great all-round performance, with not one weak link."

The victory over City extended Liverpool's unbeaten home record under Dalglish to eight matches.

Aldridge believes the boss has instilled a sense of togetherness amongst the squad, which is transmitting into results on the pitch.

He said: "Liverpool under Kenny have a real team spirit, and a togetherness that had been missing. And that is so important.

"Kenny is keeping the lads happy in the dressing room and at training, and it is reflected when they go out on the pitch.

"Kenny has brought in a real top coach in Steve Clarke, and they are doing really well with those two running things. Kenny has done a fantastic job, and the place is so much happier from top to bottom. Long may it continue."