Thiago reaches new heights
The very best players rise to the biggest occasions. And the last four days have demonstrated why Thiago Alcantara is the master of all he surveys at present.
Having helped pass Manchester City into oblivion at Wembley, the Spaniard took aim at their neighbours United.
And he reached an even greater level. It wasn’t just the accuracy of his distribution – 92% at the weekend, 96% here as he completed 105 of his 110 passes – that propelled Liverpool to an outstanding triumph. Nor the fact no player made more key passes.
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What similarly roused the Anfield crowd was his work off the ball and his willingness to win it back during the rare occasions United were in possession, one audacious challenge while prone on the turf prompting huge cheers.
When Thiago first arrived at Liverpool, he too often accrued bookings due to his inability to tackle. Not now, the Spaniard long steeled to the hurly-burly of English football and happily nicking the ball off United’s mesmerised midfielders with constant ease. Only a ripped pair of shorts could stop him.
The reason Liverpool signed Thiago in the first place was due to his outrageous talent. But, if anything, working under Jurgen Klopp in this Reds team is making him an even better all-round footballer. Remarkable.
Mane highlights Klopp conundrum
Sadio Mane may be the man of the moment. But when it comes to Manchester United, the Liverpool winger has often been missing of late.
Well, on the bench to be accurate, restricted to a substitute role in the three most recent meetings, all at Old Trafford.
There was little chance of the Senegalese being overlooked here given the rich vein of form he has found since returning an Africa Cup of Nations champion and being utilised in a central role.
And if Mane was too much for Manchester City at the weekend, there was never any hope for United, the forward playing a part in Liverpool’s quickfire opening duo and then confidently stroking home his 19th goal of the campaign just as United showed signs of flickering into life second half.
The strike was fashioned by Luis Diaz, who had sparked the night into life with the fifth-minute opener that again underlined a contribution that has unlocked a wealth of attacking possibilities for Jurgen Klopp.
Indeed, Diogo Jota was restricted to a late cameo while Roberto Firmino was injured. Both had started the 5-0 win over United in October.
Such a selection headache is one any manager would welcome. But no matter what front three Liverpool field, it is proving too much for opponents to handle. That could make the difference over the next decisive six weeks.
Henderson takes steps
This was an important night for Jordan Henderson. And not just because he was making a landmark 400th career league outing.
The Liverpool captain has seen his regular starting role come under scrutiny in recent weeks, not helped by some indifferent showings and the form of Naby Keita.
This, then, was at least a step in the right direction, Henderson starting strongly and winning second balls, even if he lost his way for a period in the second half when he was guilty of trying too hard. That he was still on the field at the end, though, will be a boost of confidence for a player whose experience will be needed during the run-in.
Henderson can also point to now being unbeaten in his last 12 appearances against United in all competitions.
It's 11 home league wins in a row for Liverpool, the first time they have scored at least four in three consecutive league meetings with United, with Champions League qualification assured for next season. Next up, Everton on Sunday. Anfield can barely wait.
