RED IN RHAPSODY

Klopp hails record-breaking performance as fine start to vintage season continues

BY any measure other than the Premier League table, this vintage in red would be celebrated as something special.

Liverpool are mean in front of their own goal, ruthless in front of the opposition’s and the streetwise nature of their performances is impressive.

As a result, club records are tumbling by the week.

They have 33 points, the most the club have clocked up at this stage of a Premier League season, and have shipped five goals, the fewest conceded. Just like a fine wine, Jurgen Klopp’s men are maturing nicely.

A trip to this corner of Hertfordshire has probably replaced that famed visit to north Staffordshire, now Stoke have been relegated.

The Hornets are big, tough and rugged – and they stick to what they are good at.

And while the Reds didn’t race into a three-goal lead after 30 minutes – like champions Manchester City did in east London – this was a performance that could be marked down under the category of “professional”. Klopp said: “This is a fantastic, big club with outstanding teams of the past. For this group of players to get this record is nice.

“But the season isn’t finished and it doesn’t bring us anything.

“However, if someone has to break this record in the future, they have to beat this team.

“It’s a nice moment, the three points are brilliant. I liked this game a lot because it was so difficult.”

Watford keeper Ben Foster had been the standout performer in the first half and his hard work appeared to have paid off 10 minutes after the restart. A lunge by Andy Robertson on Will Hughes should have been punished with a penalty, but referee Jon Moss missed it. A goal would have thrown the contest wide open. But you don’t get second chances against Liverpool these days and Mo Salah found the net after 67 minutes following a pullback by Sadio Mane. Trent