Just 90 seconds, what would Brendan Rodgers give for a long spell of possession now?

Coutinho draws a foul from Kyle Naughton, Swansea are eager but coming up short.

We said before kick-off they find themselves in mid-table, with nor threat of pushing for Europe or falling into relegation trouble. This game may sum up why. A good side but not quite there.

Four added minutes.

Image source, Reuters

Brendan Rodgers could also be about to share a record with Bill Shankly. Six straight away clean sheets are just four minutes away.

What is the saying at this stage of the season? 'It doesn't matter how you play, it's all about results.'

This performance embodies that mantra. Glen Johnson on for Adam Lallana who has not had a great night but neither have any of the other players on show.

This has been much more controlled by Liverpool in the second period. Without perhaps the Roy of the Rovers impact, Steven Gerrard's presence has calmed the Reds down and they are six minutes from breathing down the necks of Manchester United who sit fourth.

Nathan Dyer is on for Ki Sung-yueng but he has not yet touched the ball as Daniel Sturridge almost doubles the Liverpool lead. Raheem Sterling fires a cross at him like an arrow in the area. Sturridge needs the reflexes of an action hero to meet it and he cannot get enough purchase on it to add a finishing touch.

Superman, Flash Gordon, Action Man and others would have buried it.

Image source, Opta

Jordan Henderson played down talk of inheriting the Liverpool captaincy from Steven Gerrard on a full-time basis next season. He has done his case no harm with the key moment here.

Sterling and Sturridge rotate. The latter is out on the flank and clips a delicious ball into the area as Sterling runs from deep... he's in on goal... over.

A good run, a better pass, a great chance and a shot that clears the cross bar. I think Sterling knew Fabianski was coming out and tried to lift his volley. It was a difficult take.

Montero's first action is to receive the ball in the final third and he will run at players but back comes Raheem Sterling to do nudge him off it. Diligent stuff from the Liverpool youngster and his endeavour is almost polished off by Coutinho who whips an effort over the bar from 30 yards.

Former Wales striker John Hartson
BBC Radio 5 live at the Liberty Stadium

"Liverpool have got that all important goal, and Swansea will have to go at them now. It's a positive move by Garry Monk to bring on Jefferson Montero. But this is where Liverpool could be really dangerous now on the counter-attack, with the pace they have."

Swansea turn to Ecuador, specifically Jefferson Montero from the bench for Wayne Routledge. Montero has gloves on, I suppose he is a winger.

The nature of Liverpool's opener will infuriate Garry Monk. He will curse his luck and the fact his side were so good in the first half will only serve to make the blow all the more sour.

Former Wales striker John Hartson
BBC Radio 5 live sports extra at the Liberty Stadium

Image source, EPA

"It's a great ball from Skrtel, there's a little touch on and it's Henderson going through, But it's a total freak goal. Jordi Amat gets across, Henderson closes him down and it flies in.

"Swansea had chance after chance in the first half, and deserved to go in at half-time in front. But when you don't take your chances, there is always the danger you will get caught."

Image source, EPA

How is your luck? Bang in.

Jordan Henderson is celebrating with Liverpool fans and he may well be wise to play the Euro Millions on Friday because while his run is well judged, his finish is all about fortune.

The former Sunderland man races on to a through ball which is flicked into his path by Daniel Sturridge but as a defender hacks it clear, the ball rebounds off Henderson's shins and over Lukasz Fabianski into the net. A priceless goal. A goal of luck rather than judgement.

He's in, he's in... not quite. Daniel Sturridge looked like he was released by Philippe Coutinho but the keeper is too quick and Sturridge gives up his chase early.

The action is now more focused in the Swansea half though as Liverpool press more effectively and look more purposeful in their business.

Adam Lallana crosses... ALLEN...saved. It was a prod by Joe Allen but is well held by Lukasz Fabianski.

The sight of Steven Gerrard coming off the bench prods these Liverpool players like a caged animal eyeing the feed bucket. They attack down the left through Alberto Moreno but his cross cannot be converted despite ricocheting around the box like a pinball.

That's it for Moreno, he's off for Steven Gerrard. A tactical reshuffle coming up.

Image source, Getty Images

Swansea is able to mix modern beauty with an industrially rugged past.

The Gower Peninsula was the first area in Great Britain to be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while during the city's 19th-century industrial heyday, Swansea was a key centre of the copper industry, earning the nickname 'Copperopolis'.

Go there these days and you could bump into Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, who still owns a home in the city, or spend your day on one of several beaches.

Swansea fans are hopeful as Gylfi Sigurdsson eyes a free-kick but his dipping effort bounces kindly in front of Simon Mignolet. The goalkeeper is in confident mood and engages in some daredevil passing across the back line but when Mamadou Sakho is the recipient, home fans begin the jeers and though Sakho finds a red shirt, Mignolet makes a botch up moments later.

Liverpool trying to cause their own downfall. Steven Gerrard is getting a tactical briefing.

Definite improvement for the visiting side. South Wales suddenly feels welcoming for them as Raheem Sterling tricks his way into the box and his pull back is met by Philippe Coutinhoooooo... saved.

A very good low save at his near post by Lukasz Fabianski. Coutinho needed no invitation from 10 yards and side footed low at the near post.

Suddenly Liverpool have legs and energy and Road Runner - Jordan Henderson - is the man offering the injection. He chases a loose pass but cannot quite get a shot off.

Elsewhere tonight Reading are heading into the last four of the FA Cup, David Moyes is currently overseeing a win for Real Sociedad in Spain, AC Milan have lost and Roma are being held 0-0. You can get all the finer detail by choosing either our FA Cup live or European live on the BBC Sport homepage.

A feisty start to the second period with a few heavy tackles but it's timid in terms of attacking intent. Coutinho, Sturridge and Lallana combine nicely on halfway and Sterling can run Neil Taylor to the dead ball line to clip an inviting cross...bravely headed away by Jordi Amat.