Liverpool were in scintillating form as they demolished Watford 6-1 at Anfield. Here is how Jurgen Klopp’s players performed as Liverpool surged to the top of the Premier League.
Loris Karius (7/10) – Despite conceding a Daryl Janmaat goal in the 75th minute, a comfortable 90 minutes for Liverpool’s goalkeeper, including three impressive stops in the second half to deny Etienne Capoue (twice) and Miguel Britos.
Nathaniel Clyne (7/10) – As with the entire Liverpool back-line, Clyne will not have had too many easier games from a defensive stance. Liverpool’s right-back was afforded the liberty of attacking his flank at every opportunity.
Lucas Leiva (6/10) – Selected in central defence, Lucas should have scored in the first half but his weak close range finish was saved by Watford goalkeeper, and Brazillian compatriot, Heurelho Gomes. Poor positioning for Watford’s consolation goal.
Joel Matip (7/10) – Lucas and Matip were paired together in Liverpool’s defence and were largely untroubled. Matip subdued Watford’s Troy Deeney, who is still in search of his 100th goal for the Hornets.
James Milner (7/10) – Defensively disciplined despite Watford’s almost anonymous threat going forward. Milner supported Liverpool’s attack well and looked his usual dangerous self from set-pieces.
Emre Can (8/10) – An outstanding box-to-box performance from Can, capped by an excellent headed goal for Liverpool’s third after 42 minutes. The Germany international is evolving into an indispensable member of Klopp’s Liverpool engine room.
Jordan Henderson (8/10) – The energetic Henderson’s work-rate was at its industrial best throughout the game. Alongside Can, Liverpool’s captain dominated the midfield battle against Capoue, Valon Behrami and Roberto Pereyra.
Adam Lallana (9/10) – Instrumental in Liverpool’s impressive performance and played a key role in the build up to the second goal. Lallana assisted the third Liverpool strike with a pinpoint cross for Can’s headed goal and provided the low cross for Roberto Firmino to score the fourth. Left the field to a standing ovation when replaced by Daniel Sturridge (7/10) on the 70th minute.
Philippe Coutinho (9/10) – Had an excellent opportunity to open the scoring after 19 minutes and was at his scheming best throughout the encounter. The diminutive Brazilian scored his fifth Premier League goal of the season to give Liverpool a 2-0 advantage on the 30th minute mark. Replaced by Ovie Ejaria in the closing stages.
Sadio Mane (9/10) – Converted a wonderfully placed headed goal after 26 minutes, following a short corner routine involving Milner and Coutinho. Mane’s pace and movement caused Watford’s back line no end of problems. Mane scored his second, and Liverpool’s fifth, by getting on the end of Firmino’s cross. Replaced by the scorer of the sixth goal, Georginio Wijnaldum (7/10) on the hour mark.
Roberto Firmino (8/10) – Roberto Firmino was another Liverpool player guilty of spurning a clear goal scoring chance in the first half. Aside from that, Firmino continued to be one of Liverpool’s key men – as Watford’s defence were incapable of preventing many a Liverpool onslaught. Firmino converted Lallana’s 57th minute cross for Liverpool’s fourth before assisting Mane for the fifth.
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