EPL: Mario Balotelli Misfires but Liverpool F.C. Cruise to 3-0 Win
All eyes were on Mario Balotelli - making his Liverpool debut - but the limelight was taken away from him by Raheem Sterling, Steven Gerrard and Alberto Morenzo who scored one each against Tottenham.
Liverpool's speedy attacking unit produced a 3-0 victory at Tottenham on Sunday though Mario Balotelli failed to score on his return to the Premier League. (Complete EPL coverage)
While the Italy striker's finishing was wayward, dazzling winger Raheem Sterling netted the opener inside eight minutes, captain Steven Gerrard scored from a penalty at the start of the second half and defender Alberto Moreno opened his account for Liverpool.
The dismantling of Tottenham was the perfect response by last season's runners-up to a loss at Manchester City in the previous game.
For Mauricio Pochettino, who had opened his Tottenham reign with a pair of victories in both the Premier League and Europa League, the collapse showed the size of the gulf that still exists between the London club and its elite rivals.