Liverpool smashed their way to the top of the Premier League with a brilliant 6-1 win over Watford. The Reds didn’t keep a clean sheet but the goal scoring started with Sadio Mane knocking in a Philippe Coutinho cross.
It was Coutinho who scored the second goal and the halftime score read 3-0 after a headed goal from Emre Can. The second half was just as brilliant with goals from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane before Daryl Janmaat scored the one for Watford.
Daniel Sturridge was brought in to hopefully break his duck in the league but his rebound was slotted in calmly by Georginio Wijnaldum in second half stoppage time to ensure a memorable night for the Reds.
Here are the player ratings for the Liverpool squad.
Loris Karius – 8/10
The German goalkeeper didn’t have to do much in the first half but had three great saves in the second half. Karius though could not keep a clean sheet yet again, and that will irk him.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7/10
Clyne didn’t have much to do in terms of defending but had a great time in attacking Watford.
Lucas Leiva – 7/10
Leiva was placed in the starting XI in place of Lovren and surprisingly he did have a good chance to start the scoring but he did do well in the heart of the defence.
Joel Matip – 7/10
Matip was a rock for the Reds and kept Troy Deeney in his pocket. There were a few nervous moments at the start but he grew into the game.
James Miler – 7/10
The Englishman had a decent game though he might have done better to avoid the first goal scored by Watford.
Emre Can – 8/10
The German has been criticised by many for not doing enough for he scored yet another goal for the Reds, this time with his head. He did have a tough start to the game but gradually got better.
Jordan Henderson – 8/10
The English midfielder was like a metronome for the side as his passes were crisp and his movement was great. He didn’t do much wrong for the side.
Adam Lallana – 8/10
Adam Lallana was silky smooth in the heart of the team. His runs were excellent and he even set up Roberto Firmino for the Brazilian’s goal. He was substituted for Daniel Sturridge in the second half.
Sadio Mane – 9/10
The Senegalese was the first player to be substituted but he did score the first goal for the Reds. The former Southampton man will be upset he was not given time to complete his hat-trick as he was replaced by Georginio Wijnaldum.
Philippe Coutinho – 9/10
The former inter Milan man was incredible for the Reds. His cross helped Mane break the deadlock and he too scored a goal to make it 2-0 for the home side. Coutinho could have scored more and even assisted a few more goals but it was a great performance before the international break.
Roberto Firmino – 8/10
The third attacker also got on the scoresheet and was incredible as well. Firmino was hard working throughout the game and got his rewards thanks to a pass from Adam Lallana.
Substitutes
Georginio Wijnaldum – 7/10
The Dutch midfielder has lost his place in the starting XI to Can but he got his goal in stoppage time in the second half to wrap up an impressive performance.
Daniel Sturridge – 7/10
The former Chelsea man just cannot score in the Premier League. He hit the bar after he came on and even had a couple of good chances but it was not to be for the Englishman.
Ovie Ejaria – NA
The youngster was brought on for his first Premier League appearance in place of Coutinho.