Liverpool 6-1 Watford
LIV: Mane 27, 60’; Coutinho 30’; Can 43’; Firmino 57’, Wijnaldum 90+1’
WAT: Janmaat 75’
Man of the Match: Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
"Who wants to be top in October?" Jurgen Klopp had joked 15 days earlier after the chance eluded Liverpool. It transpired their players and fans wanted to lead the league in November.
They took the opportunity afforded them with relish. Watford arrived at Anfield as recent paragons of frugality and were duly hit for six. Only the architect of a demolition was nonplussed.
“We stay calm,” said Klopp, though an excitable character is rarely known for his calmness. “We didn’t speak one word about the possibility of being top of the table. If someone thinks being one point ahead after 11 matchdays is a big sign for the rest of the season, I can’t help this person.”
Indeed, the Watford manager Walter Mazzarri was more effusive, branding Liverpool title favourites. “If they continue like this, they are No 1 in my list for winning the Premier League,” said the Italian, having received proof Liverpool can acquire an irresistible momentum that has swept them past Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.
Also see
• In pictures: Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Liverpool run riot
• Premier League results & round-up: Liverpool go top; Hull have life
“Liverpool are top of the league,” pronounced George Sephton, the “Voice of Anfield”, to a huge cheer, moments after Georginio Wijnaldum had completed the scoring.
It took Liverpool’s tally to 30 in 11 league games, putting them on course to get 103 in the season.
They are remarkable numbers but these are heady days at Anfield. The sense of wonder comes less from a league table that Liverpool top for the first time under Klopp, and indeed since May 2014, but from performances where individual excellence is married with collective commitment, all conducted at blistering speed.
They were thrillingly good, playing with an intoxicating blend of pace and panache. Watford were wretched, Liverpool’s three points in effect secured in three minutes when first Sadio Mane and then Philippe Coutinho scored. Yet they were also relentless.
The game ended with Daniel Sturridge on a desperate quest to score his first league goal of the season which, indirectly, allowed Wijnaldum to open his Liverpool account. What preceded it provided a perfect illustration of why he does not figure in Klopp’s strongest side.
Each of the four most attacking starters contributed directly to two goals. After Coutinho got a goal and an assist in three first-half minutes, Roberto Firmino repeated that feat in three minutes after the break. Mane scored a double to take his tally at Anfield to five goals in as many games. Adam Lallana got two assists and a standing ovation that Kenny Dalglish joined in.
It was a tribute to savour.
But Coutinho, the man who illuminates Anfield more often than anyone else, was the catalytic figure. His cross was headed in by Mane for the opener. His blend of elusive running and direct shooting enabled Liverpool to double their lead.
The third was Emre Can’s second in as many games. The German has admitted he needs to add more goals to his game, not least for the Steven Gerrard comparisons to acquire more credibility. He headed in Lallana’s cross to complete a move that, inevitably, was instigated by Coutinho.
Then Lallana supplied Firmino with a tap-in and the Brazilian teed up Mane to put Liverpool five ahead. Daryl Janmaat reduced the deficit, even if its only meaning seemed to lie in the proof Liverpool find clean sheets elusive, before Sturridge, who struck the woodwork twice, began his bombardment.
“I am really happy we didn’t score more,” said Klopp, rather oddly, after pronouncing himself “really happy” but not “thrilled.”
He left the triumphalism to others.
At half-time, Starship’s “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” blared out over the PA. Watford certainly couldn’t halt Klopp’s stars on a day when Liverpool looked unstoppable.
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