Diogo Jota and Thiago Alcantara stood out, but Mohamed Salah had an off-day as Liverpool eked a narrow 2-0 win over Watford on Saturday.
Liverpool dominated the proceedings from the get-go but lacked the killer instinct and the cutting edge to trouble Ben Foster in the Watford goal. The Hornets were happy to sit back and fend for counter-attacking opportunities. In doing so, the visitors harnessed the game’s first major opening, only for Alisson Becker to stop Juraj Kucka in his tracks.
Moments after Alisson saved Kucka’s effort, Liverpool went ahead, with Diogo Jota nodding in a poacher’s goal by meeting Joe Gomez’s pinpoint cross from the right flank. The Reds continued to keep a stranglehold on the proceedings, but they could not double their advantage heading into half-time.
The second half was more of the same, as the Liverpool attacks did not look sharp enough, while Watford looked dangerous on quick tearaways. The chances came few and far between, but the hosts got the opportunity to put the game to bed in the 88th minute when Kucka brought Jota down to concede a penalty.
With Mohamed Salah subbed off, Fabinho stepped up to take the spot-kick and made no error in converting from the spot. That goal earned Liverpool all three points, with the Reds returning to the top of the Premier League table for the first time since December 4 as a result, albeit possibly temporarily so, with Manchester City slated to play Burnley later on Saturday. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Alisson Becker: 7/10
With Liverpool firmly controlling the proceedings, Alisson did not have much to do in his box. But the Brazilian goalkeeper made one big save to deny Juraj Kucka in the first half, with Liverpool scoring the opener at the other end moments later.
Joe Gomez: 7/10
With Trent Alexander-Arnold not fit enough to start, Gomez got a rare Premier League start. And the Englishman made the most of his opportunity by producing an enterprising performance. He was also solid at the back, keeping Cucho Hernandez quiet. The cherry on top is the pinpoint cross that Diogo Jota converted for the opener.
"I told him before the game he was going to get an assist."
"He spoke it into existence!"
Joe Gomez and Diogo Jota felt their link up for the opening goal coming before kick-off!
They spoke to @TheDesKelly as Liverpool claimed three important points vs Watford… pic.twitter.com/bloRKSjKqS
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 2, 2022
Joel Matip: 6.5/10
Matip is usually one of the most reliable performers for Liverpool. But on Saturday, the experienced defender faced some nervy moments against Joao Pedro, whose movement troubled him to some extent. But Matip was precise with the ball at his feet and won nine duels to ensure Liverpool’s clean sheet.
Virgil van Dijk: 7/10
With Matip not quite at his best, van Dijk took on the mantle of keeping things tight at the back. The Dutchman did so effortlessly, winning all the duels he contested while looking particularly imperious in the air. Liverpool’s defensive leader also played out from the back efficiently, helping the Reds build up play smartly.
Andrew Robertson: 6.5/10
Robertson was not at his creative best, even though he was a constant outlet down the left flank. It seemed as if the lingering effects of his recent COVID-19 bout were still on show, but the Scot soldiered on and kept a lid on Ismaila Sarr and Emmanuel Dennis.
Curtis Jones: 7/10
Jones was given a chance to impress in midfield, and the youngster grabbed his opportunity with both hands. The Liverpool academy product was the most creative player on Saturday, playing a game-high three key passes while constantly looking to circulate possession efficiently. He also put in the hard yards off the ball, winning four duels. But he looked leggy before being taken off for Fabinho.
Jordan Henderson: 7/10
Henderson sat at the base of the Liverpool midfield and reprised the anchor role to perfection. While the Liverpool captain did not relay the ball as precisely as he usually does and lost possession a staggering 18 times, he never let Watford threaten on the break. He did his job in the end.
Thiago Alcantara: 8/10
Thiago Alcântara vs. Watford
85% Pass accuracy
8/11 Accurate long passes
3 Chances created
1/1 Dribble completed
7/10 Duels won
5/6 Tackles won
2 Interceptions
10 RecoveriesAs per usual, Thiago runs the show. pic.twitter.com/XvICasWAsC
— The Tactical Times (@Tactical_Times) April 2, 2022
Thiago was, by far, the standout performer on Saturday, as he circulated possession brilliantly and opened up play nicely with several long passes. The Spanish international held the ball well when Liverpool charged forward and played several key passes. Thiago also put in the hard yards off the ball, completing five tackles while winning seven duels. Klopp needs Thiago at his best.
Mohamed Salah: 4/10
Coming on the back of a disappointing end to Egypt’s FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign, Salah looked tired and demotivated. The Player to Watch in our preview lacked the sharpness to trouble Hassane Kamara, who negated his threat superbly. Salah was rightly taken off midway through the second half after failing to muster a shot on target and losing possession 17 times.
Roberto Firmino: 6.5/10
Firmino did not have many opportunities to score, but his trademark movement often confused the Watford defenders. The Brazilian international’s absence from the box enabled Jota to pounce and net the opening goal on one such occasion. He also completed most of his attempted passes, helping Liverpool to retain control over the game.
Diogo Jota: 8/10
Jota was preferred over Luis Diaz on Saturday, and the Portuguese international repaid Klopp’s faith by producing another meaningful performance. His poaching abilities were on full display, and the run off Christian Kabasele’s shoulder to net the opener was marvellous. Jota also won the penalty that Fabinho converted to round off the win.
7 – Diogo Jota has scored seven of his 23 @Premier League goals for Liverpool with his head, with no player netting more headers in the competition since his debut for the Reds in September 2020. Noggin. pic.twitter.com/2xuOLEXk4d
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 2, 2022
SUBSTITUTES
Fabinho: 7/10
Fabinho replaced Curtis Jones just after the hour mark and retained Liverpool’s control over the proceedings. The Brazilian international sealed the three points late in regulation time, converting a penalty to make it 2-0.
Sadio Mane: 6/10
Mane came on for Salah but did not look sharp enough, which was understandable following his excursions with Senegal during the international break.
James Milner: N/A
A late introduction, Milner helped see the game out.
