Liverpool marched to the top of the Premier League as they crushed Manchester United at Anfield.
A Mo Salah double and goals from Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz did the damage in a scintillating Reds performance against their bitter rivals.
Now Jurgen Klopp’s side sit two points ahead of Manchester City ahead of their clash against Brighton tomorrow.
Liverpool took just five minutes to find the breakthrough.
A sweeping move from the front three of Salah, Sadio Mane and Diaz was rounded off by the latter’s composed finish.
The Reds continued on the front foot and had their second in the 22nd minute.
It was another world-class goal, with Mane’s magnificent pass finding Salah, who ended his six-game drought.
Klopp’s side took their foot off the gas after the interval before Mane netted a timely thrid in the 68th minute with a deft left-footed effort.
Then Salah put the gloss on the win with his second of the game in the 85th minute.
The heroes
- Sadio Mane: a goal, an assist and a second assist for the Senegal international. The decision to deploy him as a striker rather than a left-winger is paying off emphatically.
- Thiago Alcantara: a performance which exuded pizzazz and panache. The midfielder was a joy to watch as he ran the show in the middle of the park.
- Mo Salah: bounced back to his very best having hit a rough patch. Two goals and an assist for Salah - it points towards he’s over his dip at the exact right time.
The villains
- Ralf Rangnick: decided to go with a five-man defence which backfired. United lacked any organisation or intensity, with Liverpool allowed to persistently barrage the visitors with pressure.
- Harry Maguire: dragged out of defence far too easily and left a gaping hole for Liverpool’s opener. Any hope of making the game tight and looking to nick a goal on the counter went up in the air.
- Diogo Dalot: left United far too exposed down the left flank. In fairness, he wasn’t the only one.
Now Jurgen Klopp’s side sit two points ahead of Manchester City ahead of their clash against Brighton tomorrow.
5. Andy Robertson - 9
Did what he needed to do defensively with aplomb. Won the ball high up the pitch which launched the counter-attack for Liverpool’s third goal. Also gave van Dijk a reminder to not be so lax just after half-time. The desire he displayed exactly what the Reds need. Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
6. Fabinho - 8
Shielded the Liverpool defence immaculately but it was his forward play that was most impressive. Given time on the ball and showed real thrust. Subbed in the 8th minute. Photo: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
7. Jordan Henderson - 7
Gave Liverpool plenty of energy, particularly in the first half. Combined with Alexander-Arnold and Salah effortlessly. Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
8. Thiago Alcantara - 9
A performance of the highest quality from the Spaniard. His passing was on another level. There might not be a midfielder in better form in the Premier League. Subbed off in the 80th minute to a standing ovation. Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images