Liverpool 5–0 Watford: The defence put in a solid performance as Mo Salah flies high

Liverpool

Loris Karius – 6

Had very little to do – a Pereyra shot that cannoned back off the woodwork woke him up in the second-half but apart from collecting a few routine crosses, he was unemployed.

Joe Gomez – 7

Got called-up to the England squad this week and was back in the team for this match – he aided Salah on the right wing and was neat and tidy in possession but was barely tested defensively.

Joel Matip – 7

Was an easy afternoon for him – he wasn’t tested at all by Watford’s attack and was afforded time to bring the ball out from the back, was a threat from set-pieces as usual.

Virgil van Dijk – 7

Commanded the backline well even against a weak attack – was comfortable with the ball at his feet and linked-up well with the midfield.

Andrew Robertson – 8

Certainly enjoyed his attacking forays on the left-side – he provided a superb cross to assist Salah for his second and it was his mix of energy, application and quality that was appreciated by the Anfield crowd.

Jordan Henderson – 7

Was possibly a bigger miss for Liverpool last weekend than many recognise – back in the team and he anchored the midfield well, although some of his passes didn’t come off, he takes risks to instigate Liverpool attacks.

Emre Can – 7

Started the match well but was forced off before the half-hour mark – he was replaced by Milner who yet again played his assured part in the thrashing.

Georginio Wijnaldum – 6

Was probably Liverpool’s quietest player – despite Liverpool being in such control and having so much possession, he failed to make much of an impact, he did shun a shot on the edge of the area that could have taken his Liverpool goal count to 8.

Mohamed Salah – 9

Scored 4, assisted 1 … what more can be said? A joy to watch.

Roberto Firmino – 7

A good performance that featured a goal but should have featured two – his movement is integral to Liverpool’s attacking dynamism, although his pressing was more restrained than normal it was still a good display.

Sadio Mane – 7

Wasn’t on the scoresheet but provided a lot in the final third – assisted Salah twice and although he wasn’t at his sharpest he still showed quality in and around the Watford area.

Watford

Orestis Karnezis 5

Despite conceding 5 goals, he did make a couple of really good saves – one to deny a Firmino shot and another to stop substitute Ings from scoring.

Miguel Britos – 5

Was run ragged on his return to the side – he tried to chase and harry Salah but simply was not able to deal with the quality.

Sebastian Prodl – 5

Looked more assured after the early goal but in the second-half, he and his team-mates could not stop the onslaught.

Adrian Mariappa – 5

Didn’t offer much resistance in the second-half – he didn’t make any individual errors but it was a game he will want to move on from quickly.

Kiko Femenia – 4

Was a bystander for much of the match – he simply watched on as his defensive team-mates tried to quell the Liverpool attack.

Jose Holebas – 5

Although he tucked in quite tight to Britos, he was unable to limit the influence of Salah – his control also let him down on a few occasions which gifted Liverpool yet more possession.

Etienne Capoue – 5

Was not able to dictate play in the midfield area – he was dominated by his Liverpool counterparts and was more focused on trying to cut out the quick counter-attacks that were heading towards his defence.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 5

Showed some neat touches at times and had good energy but was outclassed, like his other team-mates, by Liverpool.

Roberto Pereyra – 7

Made some promising early runs on the right and even nutmegged Mane before striking the crossbar from a free-kick in the second-half – he was definitely Watford’s best player.

Richarlison – 5

Was nowhere near his best level – offered some neat touches and headed on-target but otherwise offered very little.

Troy Deeney – 4

There was barely any reason or need for him to be on the pitch – he was isolated and offered no threat, it was a tough afternoon for him on his own.

Oliver Miller

FoL's Matchday Correspondent @oliver_miller

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