Liverpool stop a two-match skid by comfortably beating Huddersfield Town 3-0 with goals from Emre Can, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.
Just what the doctor ordered for Liverpool after a difficult week. Huddersfield tried to emulate the ultra-defensive approach that had served Swansea so well in their 1-0 win over the Reds last week, but David Wagner's side did not get the breaks that Swansea did and Liverpool were able to win 3-0 without ever needing to hit top gear.
Positives
First and foremost, the three points. Liverpool badly needed this result following back-to-back defeats against the Premier League's bottom two clubs, and although they were nowhere near their best it was a good professional showing that helps to cement their grip on a top-four place.
Negatives
Sadio Mane just does not look like himself at the moment. Liverpool need him back to his best sooner rather than later because the squad is so thin now that they have no real alternative they can bring in to replace him.
Manager rating out of 10
7 -- Jurgen Klopp elected to bring both Jordan Henderson and James Milner back into the starting lineup and that sparked a much improved display from the midfield. It was the decision to keep faith with Emre Can that paid off most handsomely, though. Can had been desperately poor at the weekend but responded to his manager's belief in him with a man-of-the-match performance, capped by the all-important opening goal.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Loris Karius, 7 -- Made a relatively straightforward save early on to deny Laurent Depoitre and although not required to do much else after, he was alert to potential danger and quick off his line when he needed to be.
DF Joe Gomez, 7 -- A very comfortable evening for the youngster. Not really needed to get forward too much, and rarely asked any questions defensively, although he did make a good block to deny Tom Ince late on.
DF Joel Matip, 6 -- Passed the ball around comfortably enough and was hardly ever tested until the final 10 minutes, when he was beaten too easily on one occasion and needed his central defensive partner to bail him out with a timely clearance.
DF Dejan Lovren, 7 -- Recalled to the side in place of the rested Virgil van Dijk, but on current form he looks to be the best choice to partner the Dutchman. The Croatian played on the front foot throughout, beating Depoitre to most of the balls knocked up to him, and it will be interesting to see if he retains his place against Tottenham this weekend, as the last time he faced the North Londoners he endured a torrid afternoon that he has done well to bounce back from.
DF Andrew Robertson, 7 -- Lively performance from the Scot, who was back in the side after being rested last weekend. Showed great energy and was given license to go forward at will while Gomez provided stability on the opposite flank. Got himself into several good positions but his crossing was not always what it could have been.
Emre Can's man-of-the-match performance led Liverpool to a 3-0 win over Huddersfield on Tuesday.
MF Jordan Henderson, 7 -- Good display from the skipper, who kept the ball moving quickly and did a great job pressuring the opposition, winning back possession and ensuring that Huddersfield could hardly get out of their own half.
MF Emre Can, 8 -- Terrible at the weekend but bounced back in some style with an inspirational display. Given more freedom thanks to the presence of Henderson behind him, the German played with a real drive and purpose. He opened the scoring with a well-struck shot that flew in with the aid of a deflection, and he won the penalty that led to the third goal. In between he played two brilliant passes in behind the defence that Mane should have done better with.
MF James Milner, 7 -- Did a lot of the grunt work that helped make this such a comfortable evening for the Reds. He won second balls, he closed people down and he used the ball sensibly. A good night's work on his return to Yorkshire.
FW Mohamed Salah, 6 -- Fairly quiet for the most part, but showed some nice touches and good strength on the ball, particularly in the first half. Missed a glorious chance after the break when he hit the side netting with the goal gaping, but quickly made amends by converting a penalty soon after.
FW Roberto Firmino, 7 -- The Brazilian got through a commendable amount of work yet again, while also scoring a fabulous goal just before half-time when he squeezed a shot in at the near post when everybody -- not least the Huddersfield keeper -- was expecting a cross. That's 19 goals so far this season across all competitions. Impressive.
FW Sadio Mane, 5 -- Virtually nothing went right for the out-of-form winger. It had been hoped that his terrific goal in the win over Manchester City would kick-start his season, but he's struggling badly at the moment.
Substitutes
FW Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, NR -- Brought on for Salah to help see the game out.
MF Georginio Wijnaldum, NR -- Replaced Henderson and helped shore up the midfield in the closing stages.
FW Dominic Solanke, NR -- Given a couple of minutes at the end. Won a good defensive header to clear a corner and ran around a bit.
Dave Usher is one of ESPN FC's Liverpool bloggers. Follow him on Twitter: @theliverpoolway.
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Source: espn.co.uk