“All players excellent,” “Brilliant attacking performance” – Liverpool fans react to emphatic 5-0 win over Watford

February 27, 2019
Joanna Durkan

Liverpool returned to winning ways with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Watford on Wednesday, a performance which had fans

Liverpool 5-0 Watford

Premier League, Anfield
February 27, 2019

Goals: Mane 9′, 20′, Origi 66′, Van Dijk 79′, 82′

Liverpool welcomed Watford at Anfield in search of not only three much needed points, but an improved level of performance from that seen at Old Trafford over the weekend.

And Jurgen Klopp and the Reds faithful needn’t wait long to see an immediate response as sustained pressure piled on Watford‘s doorstep reaped its rewards early on.

Sadio Mane guided the ball in the back of the net twice in the space of 11 minutes after finding himself on the end of a pair of stunning deliveries from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

A goal to Divock Origi and a brace from Virgil van Dijk in the second half sealed victory in what was a ruthless display from the Reds, with the result maintaining Liverpool’s place atop of the table with 10 games to go.

Here’s how supporters reacted to the victory on social media and our forums.

Mane was a surprise selection through the middle, but he didn’t take long to make his mark…

Origi left, Mané central, Salah right is not what I would have guessed

— nate (@natefc) February 27, 2019

https://twitter.com/FalseFirmino/status/1100856666344620032

“Fucking hell Sadio, that’s not fair.” – Mascot88 on the forums.

Mane's movement and linkup play playing as a no.9 has been superb. Rarely ever plays that role for Liverpool, but makes it look so natural.

— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) February 27, 2019

“Inspired move playing Sadio through the middle, it has to be said.” – Libero on the forums.

Sadio Mane's doing a fantastic job in Firmino's role. Dropping off, picking up possession and running straight at the heart of the Watford defence. Two sublime finishes as well.

— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) February 27, 2019

Fans were quick to praise Alexander-Arnold after a stunning performance…

jesus, that cross from Trent

— nate (@natefc) February 27, 2019

Watching that back, what a belter of a cross from Trent. We’ve missed him.

— Ben Webb (@BenWebbLFC) February 27, 2019

Trent has just produced one of the best 45 minutes I've seen by a Liverpool full-back. Really outstanding.

— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) February 27, 2019

Trent Alexander-Arnold, aside from setting Mane's goal up with a pinpoint cross, has started like an express train. It was plain to see at Old Trafford but it's even more apparent how much he was missed.

— Dominic King (@DominicKing_DM) February 27, 2019

“Absolutely beautiful cross, how much did we miss this at Old Tafford. Wonderful Trent!”- Incognito on the forums.

Since Coutinho left, Trent has been our best conventional playmaker. And I don't even think it's close.

— DanKennett.bsky.social (@DanKennett) February 27, 2019

Trent, again, sensational! A hat-trick of assists to his name. Easily the best game he’s had in a Liverpool shirt.

— Joanna Durkan (@JoannaDurkan_) February 27, 2019

“Trent is so so important to how our attack functions, Fucking pearls x3”
– lluvatar on the forums.

Trent has just had one of the best halves of football I’ve ever seen in my life. From anyone. Incredible.

— Phil Blundell (@PhilBlundell) February 27, 2019

As good as I’ve seen TAA play. Real confidence to his forward movements. Use of the ball has been excellent and delivery on goals was of highest quality

— keith costigan (@KeithCostigan) February 27, 2019

But it was plaudits all round as Liverpool dominated proceedings…-

He’s not scored but Salah back on it tonight.

— Jimmy (@EntireDesign_) February 27, 2019

“Fabinho is bossing this.

I’ve been waiting for a midfielder to do this for some time.” – Noo Noo on the forums.

Mo Salah has been involved in so much of our good play. Don't see many shouts for him but he's been a constant menace. Mane has the goals but Mo has been involved in so much.

Trent the MVP of the half with Fab close behind. VVD a colossus again until a lapse at the end there.

— GaGs (@GagsTandon) February 27, 2019

Is Milner playing in EVERY position?

— Paul (Maych) Machin (@ThePaulMachin) February 27, 2019

He fucking deserves that. What a strike. What a goal. What a performance. Divock. Origi. ???

— Adam Rowe (@adamrowecomedy) February 27, 2019

“Anyone less than an 8/10, I don’t think so. Fab, Virgil, Mane, Salah, Robbo were superb tonight, all 9s.” – MrRinsin on the forums.

Great stop from Alisson. Had a very good night so far.

— Jack Sear (@JackSear) February 27, 2019

https://twitter.com/SRussell1998/status/1100876919036350467

A dominant demolition job. Mané again proving the trigger. Milner everywhere, freed up by a ridiculously disciplined Fabinho. TAA & Robertson the best full-backs in the division by some way. Van Dijk a colossus. Some statement. Calmness personified. Top of the league. #LFCdigest

— Danny Gallagher (@Danny7Gallagher) February 27, 2019

https://twitter.com/stehoare/status/1100877875438325762

Many praised a Liverpool side who were back to their fluent best…

Lots of questions asked about #LFC's forwards after their recent dry patch, so that result represents a perfectly timed response. Braces from Mane and Van Dijk, but I thought Fabinho was the best player on the pitch – starting to show his quality consistently now.

— David Lynch (@davidlynchlfc) February 27, 2019

A big scoreline, but more importantly, a massive, much-needed performance from #LFC. Speed, movement, invention, chance creation, cohesion and offensive protection all stellar. Plenty of ace individual displays too, but special mention to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fabinho.

— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) February 27, 2019

Big credit to Jürgen for playing Sadio central and Divock wide left allowing Mo to stay right. Worked well for all three of them tonight.

— Red (@TaintlessRed) February 27, 2019

“That’s 4 clean sheets in a row now and the attacking play was sensational tonight.

We played like a team that had been given a bollocking after Sunday. Great response and a massive statement to everyone.”- Billy Biskix on the forums.

Trent 'n' Andy ??? #LFC

— Brian Irvine (@btirvine) February 27, 2019

5-0
Brilliant attacking performance
Fabinho MotM

?

— Karl Matchett (@karlmatchett) February 27, 2019

Worried about the midfield’s creativity before the game. Who needs midfield creativity when your right back is a baller?!

— John O'Sullivan (@NotoriousJOS) February 27, 2019

And fans were left to question ‘what nerves?’ as the Reds remain top of the league…

Convincing win for #LFC. Some exceptional individual performances. Watford offered little but there were no signs of nerves.

— Matt Addison (@MattAddison97) February 27, 2019