Russell Martin emerged from the wreckage with a degree of credit. But it perhaps says a lot that the full-back's most eye-catching work came in an attacking sense during the periods of this one-sided contest when Liverpool were knocked out of their smooth passing rhythm.

Martin survived an intriguing battle with England hopeful Raheem Sterling, during the first half in particular. Glen Johnson's propensity to bomb forward down the same flank added a further degree of difficulty, but the full-back's experience helped him subdue the threat from the teenage wide player.

Martin's defensive discipline was needed to prevent Liverpool doubling their advantage inside the opening five minutes when he anticipated the trajectory of Nuri Sahin's inswinging free kick to provide enough nuisance value to force Daniel Agger to head into the Lower Barclay.

Martin's willingness to counter-balance his defensive duties with attacking endeavour could have brought him a fortuitous assist when his swinging half-volley back across goal dropped kindly for the sliding Simeon Jackson to test Pepe Reina.

Martin was rewarded just past the hour mark when he drove into the Liverpool box before forcing Reina to spill at the feet of Steve Morison who slapped home from 12 yards out.