Liverpool scored five goals for the third time this season as they blast hapless Swansea City at Anfield. Liverpool scored five goals for the third time this season as they blast hapless Swansea City at Anfield.
Liverpool moved back into the top four with a comprehensive thrashing of bottom club Swansea at Anfield. Only Philippe Coutinho's brilliant opener separated the sides at half-time but the Reds stepped things up after the break and a brace by Roberto Firmino and impressive strikes by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain saw the Reds put the game out of sight and ensure the crowd went home happy.
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Positives
Dazzling in attack and professional in defence, it was a good all-around performance from the Reds, but the most pleasing aspect was the continued good form in front of goal by Roberto Firmino, who is making a mockery of the notion that he isn't prolific enough to lead the line. That's 16 goals now for the Brazilian over all competitions. Impressive.
Negatives
The first-half performance was a little sluggish at times as it all seemed a bit too easy. When Liverpool let the tempo of a game drop they aren't the same side. They stepped it up after the break and Swansea were blown away.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Jurgen Klopp shuffled his pack a little, making four changes to the side that drew at Arsenal. Two of those drafted in got on the scoresheet so kudos to the manager for that. His use of substitutes was sensible as Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson were all given an opportunity to put their feet up early with the game in hand.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Simon Mignolet, 7 -- The Belgian had only been called upon to make one routine stop until he suddenly needed to make a smart save in stoppage time to preserve his clean sheet. Credit to him for maintaining his concentration considering he had been a spectator for most of the game.
DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 8 -- Defensively solid against the experienced Jordan Ayew and provided a dangerous attacking outlet throughout. What was shaping up to be a good night for the youngster suddenly became one he will remember for the rest of his life when he found the net at the Kop end for his first Premier League goal.
DF Joel Matip, 7 -- An easy return to action for the Cameroon defender following a four-week layoff. Rarely tested but did what he had to do with the minimum of fuss.
DF Ragnar Klavan, 7 -- As with Matip, not overly tested but the veteran Estonian looked assured, confident and caught the eye with some excellent cross-field passes. He's rarely spoken about but he's been quietly impressive all season.
DF Andrew Robertson, 7 -- Good at both ends once more. It needed an injury to Alberto Moreno to open the door for the him, but he's taken his opportunity well and the unfortunate Spaniard might find it difficult to regain his place.
MF Emre Can, 7 -- Strong and commanding in the holding role and kept things ticking over nicely. At one stage, it looked like he may be forced off through injury but he battled through it and can be well pleased with his night's work.
MF Georginio Wijnaldum, 8 -- This was the Dutchman's best performance in some time. He was full of energy and desire and Swansea's midfield struggled to stay with him. Much improved from the quiet, cautious performances we've seen from him of late.
MF Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 8 -- Recalled to the side having been left on the bench against Arsenal and he responded with another strong performance, capped by a fine goal late on. Like most of his teammates he was a little pedestrian at times in the first half but came on strong after the break.
Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring with a trademark stunner against Swansea.
FW Philippe Coutinho, 9 -- The Brazilian opened the scoring with a brilliant curling effort and then created the second for Firmino with a well-flighted free kick. He was involved in everything, created numerous other chances for his team and some of his footwork was breathtaking. Brilliant.
FW Roberto Firmino, 9 -- Missed a great opportunity just before half-time but made amends with two goals after the break. Few strikers can match the things Firmino brings to his team, but now he's also scoring regularly too.
FW Mohamed Salah, 8 -- Involved in the opener and could have had a couple of goals himself with a little more luck. Showed what a great team player he is by electing to square the ball for an unmarked Firmino when few would have blamed him for trying to score himself. Replaced soon after to keep him fresh for the games to come.
Substitutes
MF Adam Lallana, 7 -- Lively cameo but perhaps a little bit too keen to make up for lost time as he twice elected to shoot when he had teammates better placed. He looked sharp though and having him back will be a big boost to Liverpool during this busy period.
FW Dominic Solanke, 7 -- Typically impressive appearance off the bench where he will have come off the field wondering just what he has to do to finally get off the mark. Went close with two efforts, one of which was a stunning volley that flew inches wide.
DF James Milner, NR -- A late replacement for Robertson at left-back, he made several runs in behind the defence but couldn't quite find the killer cross.
Dave Usher is one of ESPN's Liverpool bloggers and the founder of LFC fanzine and website The Liverpool Way. Follow him on Twitter: @theliverpoolway.
Source: espn.co.uk