Jürgen Klopp’s men returned to winning ways, hammering a hapless Watford side to climb up to third in the league table. It was the Mohamed Salah once again who made the headlines with his four goals. Roberto Firmino added the other for the Reds.
The Liverpool attack was too hot to handle for the Watford defence as they looked rampant on a snowy night at Anfield.
Here are the player ratings for the hosts.
Loris Karius: 6/10
Had very little work to do as Liverpool controlled the game from start to finish.
Joe Gomez: 7/10
Returned to the starting line-up in place of Alexander-Arnold. He provided width for the Liverpool attack on the right. Defensively, he looked solid as well although he was guilty of shirt pulling that earned him a yellow card.
Joel Matip: 7/10
Partnered Van Dijk in place of Lovren and put in a solid performance. Made some good tackles and blocks. Had a nervy moment with his goalkeeper due to a miscommunication.
Virgil van Dijk: 8/10
Cool as ice on the ball (quite literally last night) as he hardly put a foot wrong. Magnificent display by the Dutchman. His injection is making this Liverpool defence a lot stronger.
Andrew Robertson: 8/10
Another fantastic performance from the fullback and has almost cemented his place in the team. His brilliant cross put it on a plate for Salah’s second. Top notch game.
Jordan Henderson: 6/10
Possibly Liverpool’s worst player today. Had a decent start but soon became sloppy as the game progressed. Gave away far too many balls cheaply and his passing was aimless.
Emre Can: 6/10
Started the game well but his participation was short lived as he was forced off the field due to a back injury.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 7/10
A good return for the centre midfielder to the starting line-up. Showed good energy and presence in the middle of the park. Much of his work was springing passes to his attackers and did it to good effect.
Sadio Mane: 7.5/10
Did his best to aid Liverpool’s attack with his pace and movement. Provided 2 assists. A good night for the winger.
Roberto Firmino: 8.5/10
As the engine of the team, his pressing upfront caused lots of problems for the Watford defence. His deft finish from a Salah cross put Liverpool 3 goals to the good. His good run of form continues as well.
Mohamed Salah: 10/10
The Egyptian can hardly put a foot wrong at the moment. Showed great quick feet and finish to register his first. His second was a tap-in from Robertson’s pin-point cross. The hat-trick goal was brilliantly manoeuvred after some great work from Mane. Tried to assist Ings but ended up hammering his 4th. A night to remember for Salah.
Substitutes
James Milner: 7/10
Was brought on for the injured Emre Can around the half-hour mark. Injected steel and solidity to the midfield whilst also being a good passer.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 6/10
Introduced in the 71st minute for Wijnaldum and showed good energy and pace.
Danny Ings: 6/10
His long wait for a senior goal could’ve ended but was unlucky on a couple of occasions. Showing good signs as he was sharp and quick during the time he played.
