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.