Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah scored a brace to help Liverpool overcome the bottom of the table side Watford 2-0 at Anfield on Sunday and extend their lead at the summit of the Premier League table.
Alisson – 9
Arguably the Man of the Match, making one good first-half save from a low cross-shot and terrific block-save soon after the break, followed up by a really good one-on-one stop against Gerard Deulofeu. Most of the saves came during key moments in the game and it was the first clean sheet of the season at Anfield for the Brazilian and the third inside the past eight days.
Alexander Arnold – 6
Put in some nice crosses from wide, as you’d expect, and always an outlet in space down the right-hand side of the pitch. Although his work rate was never questionable, the young defender didn’t always do too well against Deulofeu, fouling him and allowing the Spaniard to cross easily once or twice.
Joe Gomez – 8
The center back made a terrific and forceful block tackle midway through the first half to prevent a certain goal for the visitors. Started the second period with a good piece of one-vs.-one defending against a counter-attack and his passing was not faulty on most occasions, while he also made a brilliant recovery tackle inside his penalty box to help Liverpool earn all three points.
Virgil Van Dijk- 7
Solid as ever from the start apart from one moment when the Dutchman nearly made a howler. Overall, Van Dijk dealt with all the Watford attackers along with grace and strength.
Milner- 7
The experienced Englishman started in the left-back role and seemed solid in defense. Wasn’t too involved in the attacking play but a reliable outlet for Klopp to have at his disposal.
Henderson -7
Not one of the best days for the skipper, but neither was he among the worst few players in the team. A few misplaced passes early on in the game and the midfielder picked up a yellow card for a pull-back. Had a number of wild efforts on Watford’s goal without any threat.
Wijnaldum- 7
The Dutchman made some very good, bustling, energetic drives and his defensive cover work was also spot on, especially in the right channel. Kept it neat and tidy in deeper areas, and hard to knock out of possession, but in a two-man pivot he was infrequently able to surge forward and help out the attackers
Xherdan Shaqiri- 6
The Swiss star was not really involved in the first half and the opposition was quick to close him down he had to pick up possession in deeper areas. Worked hard and produced a wonderful cross for Mane only for VAR to rule out the goal for offside.
Roberto Firmino – 5
The Brazilian has not been at his sharpest off late and missed his touch once or twice in a key area, failing to link consistently with his strike partners up top. He missed a good chance to kill off the game but still worked hard as usual.
Sadio Mane- 8
A constant threat for the Reds, as usual, perhaps the team’s most imperative player while building up attacks. Didn’t always quite have the right end pass in the first half, but linked nicely with Milner and eventually freed Salah for the opening goal. Had a goal disallowed but set up another late on in the game for Salah.
Mohamed Salah- 8
The Egyptian superstar bursts into life, in short, electric spells in the game and playing as a striker seems to suit him more. Two superb finishes with his right foot in either half of the game to help Liverpool stretch their lead at the top.
