After weekend results went in their favour, Liverpool relied on their midfield machine Emre Can to come up with the goods in a rather drab meeting with Watford. Jurgen Klopp, however, will not care how the three points arrive as long as they continue arriving, and it was his fellow German Can who ensured The Reds left Vicarage Road with a much-needed victory.
Can’s wonder-goal was the only real moment of magic in the tense affair, where his 45th-minute acrobatic effort stunned the entire stadium. The 23-year-old’s contender for goal of the season made him stand out from any other player on the pitch; however, he was also at the centre of many important moments in the game as Liverpool held on for the win.
His sublime acrobatic effort came on the brink of half-time, stunning both sets of fans, players, and management in the process. The audacious effort was followed by a passionate celebration with his manager and teammates, proving just how important the solo goal was for his club.
The German also provided much-needed composure in the middle of the park as he came up against an impressive display from Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucouré, yet it was Can who won the feisty battle in the end. His running with the ball has also dramatically improved throughout the season, and this positive aspect to his game was on show once more as he jerked through a stern Watford defence time and time again.
The midfielder’s calming effect in the middle of the park was also evident, where previously his temper has often got the better of him. He guided his side to an important three points, demonstrating that he has unquestionably come on leaps and bounds since his arrival at the club.
Can’s spirited performance did not go unnoticed by his grateful manager Klopp, who will be expecting his central midfielder to continue his key role in the important fixtures in the near future.
Another major positive for Liverpool is the return of Adam Lallana, who did, however, replace an injured Coutinho, although the Brazilian’s leg injury may not be as serious as first feared. Lallana was lively from the minute he entered the field, and could easily have found the net in similar audacious fashion, although his effort cannoned back off the bar.
The Reds now sit in the driving seat for a Champions League place courtesy of Can’s extraordinary goal. Home ties with Southampton and Middlesbrough remain, either side of a trip to West Ham, and the Merseyside club know that this victory at Watford may just prove to be vital in the countdown towards the end of the season.