Roberto Firmino celebrates scoring his side's fourth goal of the game with Philippe Coutinho (right) against Watford. Nov 6 2016. (Picture by Dave Howarth PA Wire/PA Images)

Liverpool 6–1 Watford: Player Ratings

Liverpool capitalised on results elsewhere this weekend going their way by producing another electric attacking display to thrash Watford 6-1 at Anfield.

Liverpool 6-1 Watford

Premier League, Anfield
November 6, 2016

Goals: Mane 28′, 60′, Coutinho 31′, Can 43′, Firmino 57′, Wijnaldum 90′; Janmaat 75′


Loris Karius – 8 (out of 10)

The German has had a well-documented tricky start to life at Anfield, but produced his best performance in a Reds shirt at Anfield.

Karius distribution improved after a sloppy start and he made three good saves in the second period, denying Etienne Capoue twice and Miguel Britos at his near post.

Undoubtedly helped by the solidity in front of him but looks to be growing into the No. 1 role at Anfield.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 24, 2016: Liverpool's goalkeeper Loris Karius warms-up before the FA Premier League match against Hull City at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Nathaniel Clyne – 7

A typically reliable performance from Liverpool’s Mr. Consistent at right-back once again.

Had little defensive work to do up against Hornets left wing-back Jose Holebas, but dealt with all he had to with minimum of fuss, and supported attacks well when required.

Joel Matip – 8

Another hugely impressive day at the office for the imposing Cameroonian, who was excellent in a physical battle up against Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo.

Won countless headers, with a number of classy knockdowns to team-mates, and used the ball with typical composure.

Lucas Leiva – 7

The Brazilian was handed a big show of faith from Jurgen Klopp, picked ahead of Ragnar Klavan to replace the absent Dejan Lovren at the heart of the defence.

Lucas didn’t let his manager down, turning in a solid performance defensively competing well against Watford’s strike duo when needed, and his use of the ball was reliable—though he should have scored at the back post in the first half.

James Milner – 7.5

Returning to the team in place of Alberto Moreno at left-back, Milner picked up from where he left off with another impressive showing in what is becoming a natural role.

He was busy from the off, looking to cause problems breaking up the left flank, and linked well with Philippe Coutinho and Emre Can at times.

Had his hands full against Watford’s direct right wing-back Nordin Amrabat, but after an early battle came out well on top in the one-on-one contest, though perhaps was turned too easily after getting too tight for their consolation strike.

Jordan Henderson – 7.5

Though not the most eye-catching performance from the captain, it was another impressively efficient display from Henderson in midfield.

Pressed well countless times to recover the ball, which regained possession leading to the second and fifth goals, and his use of the ball was quick and crisp, setting the Reds on their way throughout.

Emre Can – 8

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 6, 2016: Liverpool's Emre Can celebrates scoring the third goal against Watford during the FA Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The German retained his place alongside Henderson ahead of Gini Wijnaldum, and he proved Klopp’s decision right with a commanding goalscoring display.

Was industrious as always and a dominating figure in the battle but it was his driving force from the middle of the park that impressed most.

Was involved in a lot of the Reds’ intricate exchanges as they sliced through the Hornets, and of course netted a fine header for his second goal in as many games, showing the attacking dimension he’s added this season so far.

Adam Lallana – 8.5

The England international is a key player in Klopp’s team, and this influential display showed why as he played an important role in the Reds’ blistering attacking play.

Made endless intelligent forward runs and linked forward play superbly, and grabbed two excellent assists with perfect balls delivered into the box to pick out Can and Roberto Firmino.

Sadio Mane – 9

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 6, 2016: Liverpool's Sadio Mane celebrates scoring the first goal against Watford during the FA Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

After arguably his quietest display last weekend at Crystal Palace, the Senegalese was back to his best at Anfield—producing a fine goalscoring performance.

Played a key role in the Reds opening the visitors up with his forward runs on and off the ball and took his two goals expertly—steering a great header in and finishing well from close range.

Philippe Coutinho – 9 (Man of the Match)

Well, what can you say?

Here was, yet again, another magnificent display from the Brazilian, who was at his magical best with a man-of-the-match performance.

Put Walter Mazzarri’s side to the sword from the off, coming inside expertly from his left-sided role, and was central to another electric offensive performance from the Reds.

Posted a brilliant assist for Mane’s first goal with a delightful cross, before finishing off a slick move by firing home into the bottom corner from outside the box for his sixth goal of the season.

Roberto Firmino – 9

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 6, 2016: Liverpool's Roberto Firmino scores the fourth goal against Watford during the FA Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic b2y David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Both Brazilians were in top form at Anfield, with Firmino also shining with an excellent performance leading the line, in which he grabbed himself a goal and two assists.

His intelligence on and off the ball proved too clever for the Watford defence all afternoon, and equally impressive was his hold-up play and aerial dominance.

Made a simple finish for his goal, making up for a sloppy first-half finish, and supplied two perfect passes for Coutinho and Mane’s second.

 

Substitutes

Gini Wijnaldum (on for Mane, 63’) – 7.5

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 6, 2016: Liverpool's Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates scoring the sixth goal against Watford during the FA Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Couldn’t have been a better game to come on into with the Reds in cruise control, and made the perfect impact by netting his first goal for the club.

Showed impressive endeavour to get straight into action, playing some nice passes to keep possession and, crucially, opened his account by finishing from close-range—a reward for his strong start to life at Anfield.

Daniel Sturridge (on for Lallana, 70’) – 7.5

Replaced Lallana to lead the line and was typically tidy on the ball and carried a threat despite his relatively late introduction.

Had five shots, hit the bar twice, and an assist in just 20 minutes.

Ovie Ejaria – (on for Coutinho, 90′) – N/A

A comfortable Premier League debut, coming on with Anfield in party mode.

 

Manager

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 6, 2016: Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp before the FA Premier League match against Watford at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Jurgen Klopp – 9

Another great afternoon for the German boss, who couldn’t have asked for a better performance from his side.

Restored Milner for Moreno and made an interesting call to pick Lucas over Klavan, but it paid off with the Brazilian reliable in his defensive work.

Set the team up perfectly to expose Watford before managing the game well with logical substitutions.


Player ratings definitions: 10 = Faultless | 9 = Excellent | 8 = Very Good | 7 = Good | 6 = Average | 5 = Below Par | 4 = Bad | 3 = Very Bad | 2 Awful | 1 = Surely Not

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