The Premier League was painted Red this weekend as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool made it to the summit, 11 games into the new season, for the first time since May 2014. A brace from Sadio Mane and goals from Emre Can, Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum gave the Reds all three points and took them to the top of the table after Manchester City and Arsenal dropped points earlier in the week.
Though Janmaat pulled one back with 15 minutes to spare, it was just a consolation as Klopp’s men went all the way to the top going into the international break. There were a number of superb performance on the night and here are the player ratings for the Liverpool side:
Loris Karius (7):
The German put in arguably his best performance this season, making some brilliant saves at the back at a time when Liverpool loosened the grip on a dominating night.
Nathaniel Clyne (6):
The right back for Liverpool was his usual self for the side as he made a number of darting runs in the final third while keeping up with his defensive duties.
Joel Matip (7):
Arguably one of the best summer buys this season, Matip, put in yet another commanding performance at the back and will not be happy to have missed out on a clean sheet.
Lucas Leiva (6):
The make-shift center back on the night, Lucas, put in a decent shift as he kept the Watford attackers at bay for the whole game.
James Milner (6):
Though could not add to the goals on the night, Milner, was his usual self on the flank.
Jordan Henderson (7):
The Liverpool skipper is in sublime form this season and was once again a stand out player in the midfield. He created a number of chances and also picked up an assist for Coutinho’s goal on the night.
Emre Can (6):
Scoring his second goal in as many league games for Liverpool, Can, has added some balance to the midfield for the side but will have to be sharper for the rest of the season.
Adam Lallana (8):
The English international was all over the field for Liverpool on the night as he troubled the Watford defence before picking up a couple of assist for Can and Firmino’s goals.
Sadio Mane (8):
The Senegalese winger opened the scoring for the Reds with an intelligent header and went on to pick another goal in the second half to cap off a brilliant performance from the home side.
Roberto Firmino (7):
The Brazilian was at times lethargic in possession but was superb in the final third. Created plenty of half chances before picking up the assist for Mane’s second goal.
Philippe Coutinho (9):
The man of the match for the third consecutive league game for the Reds, Coutinho, was once again at his best as he dazzled the Watford defenders on his way to a goal.
Subs:
Georginio Wijnaldum (6):
Scoring his first goal in Liverpool colors, Wijnaldum, put in a decent shift coming off the bench to replace Mane with less than half-an-hour to play.
Daniel Sturridge (7):
Came in with around 20 minutes to play and could have easily got a couple of goals if not for Pantilimon in goal for Watford. Played a huge role in Wijnaldum’s goal right at the end.
Ovie Ejaria (6):
Coming on for his Premier League debut, Ejaria, showed some superb confidence with some exciting touches to keep the faith of the manager.