Liverpool 5-0 Watford: 3 takeaways from Liverpool's performance | Premier League 2018/19

Liverpool dismantled Watford and Van Dijk scored two goals
Liverpool dismantled Watford and Van Dijk scored two goals

Liverpool beat Watford by a margin of five goals at Anfield today. From the last time around, there were a lot of positives for the Reds. This win ensured that Liverpool hold on to the top spot in the Premier League by a margin of a single point over Manchester City, who won 1-0 against West Ham.

Therefore, here's a look at three important takeaways from Liverpool's point of view:


#3 Change in shape

Mane scored the first two goals of the night
Mane scored the first two goals of the night

Most of the Liverpool fans had predicted that Mohamed Salah was going to start as a striker. But contrary to the common prediction, It was Sadio Mane who started as the main man in the central role and Salah was deployed on the right.

Jurgen Klopp's change in the tactics ensured that the central defenders of Watford were always on the run and never settled by the constant movement and interchanging between Salah and Mane.

Also, Fabinho was the most important for Liverpool when it came to neutralising the Watford's attack being the deepest of the three midfielders and virtually forming a back three when Liverpool defended on the counter-attack. This gave Gini Wijnaldum and James Milner freedom to get forward.


#2 Trent Alexander-Arnold Stakes his claim

Liverpool's right back is a solid player
Liverpool's right back is a solid player

Trent Alexander-Arnold has staked his claim as the best right back of the current squad of players in that position. At the start of the season, he was too inconsistent with his crosses which he massively improved upon during the season.

This improvement was certainly visible during the game at Anfield. Also, defensively he was on point tracking back the counter attacks with smart interceptions. It'll be difficult for Klopp to drop him from the side after this run of performances.

#1 Opportunity to create something special

Ten games stand between Liverpool and their dream
Ten games stand between Liverpool and their dream

Before the match, Klopp urged the Liverpool players and fans alike to see at every game as an opportunity till the end of the season instead of pressure.

The team certainly took to this philosophy after they scored the first goal. Confidence grew and the players increased their efforts to completely dominate the Watford side. Moreover, every Liverpool player seemed to carry a sense of calm and aggression at the same time. They showed their game management ability which has been the driving factor behind their title charge.

Only 10 games remain in the season with the title fight now being a two-horse race after Tottenham loss to Chelsea. It's going to be a tempting end to the season.

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Edited by Victor R. Lopez M.