Liverpool were comfortable 5-0 winners over Burton Albion in the EFL Cup second round tie.
Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge celebrates scoring their fifth goal
Liverpool managed to put their disappointing display from the weekend against Burnley behind them by thrashing Burton Albion 5-0 in the EFL Cup to make it through to third round of the competition.
Goals from Divock Origi, Roberto Firmino, an own goal from Tom Naylor and two strikes from Daniel Sturridge ensured Liverpool’s safe passage to the next round in what could have been a tricky assignment at the Pirelli Stadium.
Jurgen Klopp named a strong team indicating seriously he’s taking the competition seriously as his side will look to go one better after losing the final on penalties to Manchester City last season.
Sadio Mane returned to the side following a shoulder injury, Emre Can and Divock Origi got their first starts of the season, while Joel Matip made his competitive debut for the Reds.
There was plenty of encouragement for Liverpool, and a couple interesting traits to their performance. Here are five things we may have learned about the Reds in last night’s display:
One Mane team?
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane in action
Sadio Mane’s influence on the team was breathtaking and highlighted his absence from the side at the weekend. Mane was involved in all but one of the five goals in some capacity. He found pockets of space and used the ball intelligently and wasn’t afraid to beat a man while others around him seemed to raise their game.
The pace of the side kicks up a bit with his inclusion and Liverpool looked much more of an all-round threat. After many scoffed at the size of the fee along with buying another player from Southampton, Mane already looks an important part of the side. Whenever he is absent, however, they are going to have to raise their game otherwise that tag could well stick.
Confirmation that Henderson shouldn’t be holding midfielder
Looking at Jordan Henderson last night was looking at a player who was somewhat relieved not to be playing as the holding midfielder. If the Burnley game was anything to go by then it’s something he shouldn’t be really playing again.
Henderson looked far more content to be part of the support act in keeping things ticking over and making runs into the area, and at times getting beyond the defensive line. His performance wasn’t eye-catching by any stretch of the imagination but the role he played both suited the side and the player a lot more.
Joel Matip likely to be a regular starter
Burton Albion’s Calum Butcher in action with Liverpool’s Joel Matip
It was as trouble free an introduction to competitive English football as the Cameroon international could have wished for, but already he looks like the best centre-back Liverpool have when he has the ball at his feet. He’s an imposing figure and you can tell that both he and Dejan Lovren have had some game time under their belts during pre-season as a centre-back partnership.
He recovered the ball well, and managed to clear one header off the line that preserved Liverpool’s clean sheet. Tougher tests are to come, but it’s good for Liverpool to have an imposing centre-back in their ranks, something which they haven’t had for quite some time.
Forward players have plenty of freedom
There didn’t seem to be a fixed position for many, if any, of Liverpool’s forward players. Mane may have started off the right but you often saw him pick up the ball further infield, Roberto Firmino was dropping deeper and picking up the ball both centrally and in wide areas. Divock Origi at times had three men more advanced than him, and given Daniel Sturridge likes to drop deeper it triggered that bit more movement. If all of these players are constantly on the move then it will be harder for opposing defences to pick them up.
Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino scores their second goal
A good response to a setback
Liverpool will be hoping there are few setbacks like the defeat to Burnley but here they got a good response. Some will point out they are only newly promoted Championship opposition but the Reds meant business and kept their focus. Responses like this to any further setbacks are going to be welcome.
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