11 games into the new season, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are at the top of the table in England’s top division for the first time since May 2014 under Brendan Rodgers. In a week when Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City dropped points, the Reds managed to put in a superb performance against Watford at Anfield this weekend as they took all three points with a comfortable 6-1 victory. A brace from Sadio Mane along with goals from Emre Can, Philippe Coutinho, Georginio Wijnaldum and Roberto Firmino were enough for the Reds to go to top of the table going into the international break. Here are the player ratings for the Reds for this game:
Loris Karius (7):
Arguably, his toughest game in front of goal, Karius, put in a superb performance, making a number of top class saves to keep Watford down to just a goal on the night.
Nathaniel Clyne (6):
The English full back was full of running on the night as he provided width in the attack and also helped the side with some stern defending.
Joel Matip (7):
Turning into a top class center half for Liverpool, Matip, had yet another commanding game as he won almost everything in the air against a physical Watford side.
Lucas Leiva (6):
Though put in a decent performance, Lucas showed his short comings as a center back and was caught out of position on more than one occasion in the second half.
James Milner (6):
Just coming back from injury, the Liverpool left-back put in an energetic performance helping his side to a victory on the night.
Jordan Henderson (7):
His usual self in the middle of the park as he dominated the possession and also picked up an assist for Coutinho’s goal in the first half.
Emre Can (6):
The German was a bit slow in possession but put in a strong performance in the midfield to add to his second goal in as many games for Liverpool.
Adam Lallana (8):
Th powerhouse in the midfield for Liverpool that linked them to the forward line, Lallana, had one of the best games this season as he also picked up the assist for Can’s goal.
Sadio Mane (7):
Showing some quick feet and smart thinking, Mane, was a constant menace at the back for Watford as he helped himself with a couple of goals.
Roberto Firmino (7):
The Brazilian was once again at it for Liverpool in the attack as he hurried Watford in defense and also picked up the assist for Mane’s goal.
Philippe Coutinho (9):
The man of the match on the night for Liverpool, Coutinho, picked up a goal and a couple of assists as he ran the Watford defense ragged in a comfortable victory for Liverpool.
Subs:
Daniel Sturridge (7):
Coming in with just more than 20 minutes to play, Sturridge, created more than a couple of chances for himself and will be disappointed to not get his first league goal this season for the Reds.
Georginio Wijnaldum (7):
Put in a decent shift in the midfield in the dying minutes of the game and acted quickly in the final third to get himself on the score sheet right at the end.
Ovie Ejaria (6):
Did not have too much of time to have an effect on the game on his debut but the youngster showed great skills and that’ll surely give him loads of confidence.