Liverpool weren’t at their best at home to Watford on Saturday, but they still scrapped their way to a 2-0 victory to keep the pace at the top.
Top faced bottom in the Premier League at Anfield, but the match didn’t pan out in the manner many predicted.
Watford caused Jurgen Klopp‘s men problems, but in the end, the quality of Alisson in goal and Mohamed Salah at the other end proved to be the difference.
Andy Roberson had a rare stint on the substitutes’ bench, as Klopp rested the Scot and used James Milner at left-back.
After a tight opening half-hour, Salah gave Liverpool the lead with a stunning effort, producing a clever turn before lofting an effort past Ben Foster.
Celebrations ensued…
Roberto Firmino may have played an important role in the goal, but he again performed like a player well short of his best.
Anfield grew tense as the minutes drifted by, but Salah flicked a nonchalant finish into the Kop net with stoppage time approaching.
Klopp and Jordan Henderson embraced after the final whistle, with relief more the order of the day than anything.
Up next for Liverpool is Tuesday’s League Cup quarter-final clash with Aston Villa, with a young Reds side making the trip to Villa Park as the seniors head to Qatar.
