27th February, 2019
Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk both scored twice as Liverpool returned to winning ways with a dominant 5-0 victory performance against Watford to stay top of the Premier League.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were 2-0 up in 20 minutes at Anfield as Senegal forward Mane headed the first before doubling the lead with an outrageous backheel, Trent Alexander-Arnold providing both assists.
Mohamed Salah hit the post before Divock Origi beat Ben Foster at his near post to make it 3-0.
Van Dijk scored two late headers as Liverpool eased to their biggest win of the season and stayed one point clear of Manchester City, who beat West Ham 1-0.
BBC reports that Jurgen Klopp went on the pitch at the full-time whistle to applaud Liverpool’s fans and headed back to the dressing room with his arm draped around Alexander-Arnold’s shoulder.
The 20-year-old England defender marked his return to the side, after being left out of Sunday’s draw at Manchester United, with an outstanding performance which included three assists as poor Watford were put to the sword.
Alexander-Arnold’s pace caused the Hornets’ defence all sorts of problems while Adam Masina had a torrid evening at the hands of Salah.
This was a timely return to winning ways for Liverpool after one win in their previous five league and cup games.
Mane’s header set them on their way but it was his second which showed Liverpool had their swagger back – a spectacular backheel past Foster.
Origi has been a spectator for most of the season, but with Roberto Firmino missing because of an ankle injury, the Belgium forward marked his rare appearance with a right-foot finish.
Van Dijk had scored one goal for his club before this game but found the net twice in the space of three minutes as Watford caved in.
Liverpool will face tougher opponents during the run-in, but with 10 league games remaining, there is fresh optimism at Anfield after a resounding win.