Although Liverpool are one of the prime title contenders this term in the Premier League, the ruthless run of Manchester City has made it look like an uphill task for Jurgen’s juggernaut. They had a tricky away test this afternoon against an impressive Watford at Vicarage Road and were far from their best in the first half. But a turnaround in the second half saw the Reds grabbing the desired outcome as they clinched a 3-0 win despite being down to ten-men following skipper Jordan Henderson’s sending off in closing minutes of the game.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their comprehensive win against Watford.
Alisson Becker: 7
The custodian almost invited trouble in early minutes with a poor pass but made a spectacular save to deny Roberto Pereyra inside the first half. Managed to keep another clean sheet, his eighth in 13 league games since completing a high-profile summer switch from AS Roma.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 8.5
Netted his first England goal at the senior level last week in an international friendly against the USA and impressed once again for his boyhood side with a dominant defensive display as well as timely forward runs. Proved to be pivotal this afternoon as his majestic free-kick helped the Reds to double the lead and ensure three more points on the road.
Dejan Lovren: 7.5
Started at the back due to a knock suffered by Joe Gomez during training. The Croatian was intense throughout and dealt well against the physicality of Troy Deeney, Isaac Success and also Andre Gray in closing minutes.
Virgil van Dijk: 8
The Dutchman led the backline once again, helped them to maintain the shape and discipline, and did not allow the hosts to cause any harm with their crosses and link-up football.
Andrew Robertson: 8
Was thoroughly consistent and never let the Hornets trouble his side despite the presence of Gerard Deulofeu and Isaac Success in the second half. His energetic run in the final minutes opened up Watford defensively, and the Reds stretched the lead to 3-0 via Firmino.
Jordan Henderson: 6
Returned to action but was far from convincing as he offered little going forward and mostly kept on passing back and sideways. Lost his cool late on and received a marching order putting his side in trouble away from home.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 7
Should have done better to convert Shaqiri’s delivery but exhibited great control with the ball and often used his physicality to hold possession and create space for his teammates to make runs in the middle of the park.
Xherdan Shaqiri: 7
Worked tirelessly, carried the ball forward from the deep and often caused trouble inside the Hornets’ box with his crossing and passing attributes. Was replaced by James Milner with 20 minutes remaining in the match.
Roberto Firmino: 8
Was once again deployed in midfield which did not allow him to create much impact inside the box. But the Brazilian was much better this afternoon compared to his previous games as he played his part in the build-up when Salah found the net, won a free-kick which was converted exquisitely by Alexander-Arnold and made it 3-0 with a simple header in closing seconds of the game.
Sadio Mane: 7.5
The Senegalese international had a better outing than the previous ones as he set it up for Salah who opened the scoring midway through the second half. Was denied by Ben Foster in culminating minutes but the rebound was converted by Firmino to make it 3-0. Helped out the backline after being down to ten men with more than 10 minutes remaining.
Mohamed Salah: 8
Back in business as the Egyptian found the net yet again when it mattered the most. Salah broke the deadlock at around 67th-minute mark picking up Mane’s pass and received applauds while making way for Fabinho in closing minutes.
Substitutes
James Milner: 7
Calmed things down in midfield and led his side to protect the lead and ensure a win.
Fabinho: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Joel Matip: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
