Liverpool moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League table as they delivered a 4-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Doubles from Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota yielded the three points in what was a stellar second-half showing from the Reds after their winter break against a Cherries side who had won seven of their previous nine games.
The opening 45 minutes was a cagey affair as both sides struggled in the swirling south-coast wind. Liverpool were limited to long-range efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz but they were easily kept out by Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto.
The Reds improved markedly after the interval, however, and broke the deadlock through one fell swoop just four minutes into the second half. A slick move saw Jota slip in Nunez, who kept his composure to slot into the far corner.
The visitors started to assert their authority and Conor Bradley - on his Premier League debut - had two opportunities with as many minutes to double the lead. In the 52nd minute, he failed to direct a header on target before having a well-struck effort from the edge of the box well saved by Neto.
But with 20 minutes remaining, Liverpool doubled their advantage when substitute Cody Gakpo fed Jota to crash home into the near post. It was that man Jota who put the game to bed for the Reds in the 79th minute as Bradley's cutback was first scuffed by the Portuguese but the ball bounced kindly for him to fire an angled effort beyond Neto.
The only concern for Jurgen Klopp's side was that Curtis Jones was forced off in the closing stages while David Brooks spurned a big opportunity to notch a consolation goal for Bournemouth in the dying embers.
And with eight minutes of stoppage-time signalled, there'd be another goal in the game as Nunez timed his run perfectly to meet Joe Gomez's cross and slide into the far corner.
Overall, it job well done by Liverpool, especially considering their lengthy injury list along with Mo Salah currently at the African Cup of Nations. Here's how we rated the Liverpool players.
5. Joe Gomez - 7
Wasted a decent opportunity in the first half when pondering on the ball and caused some problems by Marcus Tavernier. Sound enough after the break and switched to right-back and he'd whip in a stunning cross for Nunez's second goal. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
6. Alexis Mac Allister - 8
Liverpool's best player in the first half as he was positive on the ball but should have done better with a long-range shot. Continued to dictate in the middle of the park after the break and broke up play. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Curtis Jones - 7
Showed endeavour in the first half but not everything came off. Much more tidy in the second half and played his part in the opening goal but did come off with an issue in the closing stages. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Harvey Elliott - 6
Could have used the ball better in the early stages but improved as the first half went on. Skewed a cross well out of play in the second half which was his last involvement as he was subbed in the 64th minute. | Getty Images