Chelsea's was the performance of the weekend, but Liverpool's facile swatting aside of Watford ranks not far behind. Liverpool thrummed with energy all afternoon, with the speed and variation of their attacks overwhelming a befuddled Watford defence. It finished 6-1, and here's how the Liverpool players rated as they shot to the top of the league.
Loris Karius - 7
Still not entirely sure whether he is coming for crosses or not, but he dealt well wth the shots he had to face: a long-range denial of Etienne Capoue preceded a point-blank stop from Troy Deeney. Saved brilliantly on a one-on-one with Capoue but could not protect his clean sheet from Daryl Janmaat. His best Liverpool performance to date.
Nathaniel Clyne - 7
Didn't make an impact going forward other than a square pass that Coutinho should have renamed an assist. Defensively, he wasn't tested whatsoever by a Watford winger whose singular ambition was to ensconce Clyne away from the match raters gaze. We'll give him a 7.
Joel Matip - 6
Matip has yet to lose a game since his introduction in September. A couple of worrying lapses in concentration in this game, however, getting caught ball-watching to allow Capoue be slipped through for a one-on-one before turning his back on the shot that ended up in Liverpool's net.
Lucas Leiva - 7
Lucas played at centre-back in the absence of the unwell Dejan Lovren. He has never scored in his 191 Premier League appearances, and he should have done so here: he saw a header graze the outside of the post and he saw a tame effort blocked by Gomes at point-blank range. Defensively, he stood up well to the considerable physical threat of Troy Deeney.
James Milner - 7
Defensively solid, and a fine attacking outlet on the left, even if he is lacking the pace of Alberto Moreno. That said, he does have a level of intellect his rival is bereft of, and Liverpool always look more solid with Milner in the team. In this game, very nearly caught out Gomes with a clever free-kick.
Jordan Henderson - 8
Henderson was poor on the Watford goal, leaving Janmaat totally free in the box to slot home. That moment aside, Henderson was outstanding. He us developing into a holding midfielder of great merit, and is one of the main reasons Liverpool rarely get done on the counter-attack, despite committing so many men forward. His work-rate this afternoon was once again absurd.
Adam Lallana - 8
Lallana ended this game with two assists, one from each wing, testament to just how fluid this Liverpool team are. His new role in midfield is suiting him ideally: his close control is mesmeric at times, and a slightly withdrawn role is compensating for the lack of goals in his game. One of the first men on the team sheet, and he was very good again this afternoon.
Emre Can - 7
Can often gives the crowd palpitations, what with his proclivity for dawdling on the ball with opponents lurking. That said, he has now scored in back-to-back games and, for all his lumbering, his link-up play was deft at times. One gorgeous flick for James Milner in the first half a highlight.
Sadio Mane - 8
Mane is effective even when he is not involved: his pace on Liverpool's right is a constant threat; he preys on defender's nerves as he does their inadequacies. After an off day against Palace, he returned to form here: his header for the first goal deft, his second goal diligent.
Roberto Firmino - 8
Firmino must be a defender's nightmare, mainly because they have no idea where he will end up. His movement is terrific and his work-rate immense, with his hold-up play and strength another bonus. Liverpool are a much better team with Firmino leading the line: his movement allows those around him exploit gaps with devastating alacrity.
Firmino has quickly become Liverpool's main man; less their pivot than their centre of gravity, at the heart of all they do.
Philippe Coutinho - 9
Quite possibly the most in-form player in the Premier League at the moment. A goal and an assist in the first half of this game, along with a supporting role in the third. His five goals and five assists in his past ten games are one of the main reasons Liverpool head for the international break looking down upon the rest of England.
Subs
Gini Wijnaldum - 6
Came on for Mane on the hour mark and buzzed around diligently, and scored his first Liverpool goal on a rebound from Sturridge's shot.
Daniel Sturridge - 7
Sturridge is distinctly second-choice these days, and he replaced Adam Lallana with the game won. He had five efforts on goal: the first hit the post, the second the goalkeeper, the third a combination of both. Pantilimon aved the next two, although the second ended up falling to the feet of Wijnaldum, who made no mistake.
Ovie Ejaria - N/A
Replaced Coutinho to make his Premier League debut with three minutes left.
