Here are five things we learned as Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 7-0. The Reds gave another timely reminded of why they are still the team to beat in England’s top-flight.
Rotation
In the midst of the club’s greatest injury crisis in decades, rotation is key. It was the third time Liverpool were in action in the space of six days and unsurprisingly changes were expected.
What perhaps wasn’t as forthcoming was Klopp’s decision to rest Mohamed Salah, who has started in Liverpool’s three previous outings.
Naby Keita and Takumi Minamino came into the side and it proved to be a stroke of genius from the manager.
Minamino rewarded the manager’s faith by breaking the deadlock inside three minutes – it was the Japanese international’s first Premier League goal.
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Mane back amongst the goals
If there was anyone who Liverpool desperatley needed back on the goalscoring trail it was Sadio Mane.
He hasn’t actually scored a Premier League goal since Virgil van Dijk’s injury, in fact. His record in all competitions isn’t much better – 1 goal and two assists in 14 games.
The look of relief on Mane’s face after hammering home Liverpool’s second of the afternoon told a thousand stories – he is certainly back!
Depth
It’s telling just how many player’s Liverpool can call upon to step up their game in the absence of key personel.
Liverpool were without the likes of Van Dijk, Thiago, Salah and Diogo Jota – it certainly didn’t show.
Now, with players such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also to come back too, Liverpool are finally beginning to get their consistency back.
More importantly, it showcased that Klopp cannot be questioned in terms of his selections.
Away hoodoo lifted
Remarkably, in their previous 32 league home matches, Liverpool have clocked up a whopping 31 victories – collecting 93 points along the way.
With the English champions so relentless at Anfield, it was part-time that Liverpool addressed their away form.
While the Reds have dropped just two points at Anfield in 24 months, their fortunes on the road this season had been less formidable.
In their six away matches in 2020/21, Liverpool have won on just one occasion and have surrendered 11 points from a possible 18.
In matches against Chelsea, Aston Villa, Everton, Manchester City, Brighton and Fulham, Liverpool have only recorded a victory at Stamford Bridge.
It was imperative that Liverpool rediscovered their ruthless edge on the road.
The team to beat
Even in the midst of arguably the club’s greatest injury crisis in living memory, Liverpool continue to set the standard.
Liverpool’s ninth league victory of the season sees Klopp and his team six points clear of all their Premier League rivals.
It was about time that Liverpool delivered a performance of total control and authority – it was the Reds’ biggest win since we last faced Crystal Palace back in June.
This was a resounding message to everyone that even when wounded, Liverpool can still pack a heavy punch.
With players such as Thiago and Jota still to return, Liverpool are only going to get better.
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