Salah makes a statement

LIVERPOOL BACK ON SONG

THIS was a statement victory that showed Liverpool are still title contenders, the momentum has returned and the Premier League’s most feared front three are back to their best.

Mo Salah’s wonder goal should make everyone sit up and take notice. On this form, it is hard to think of a player in world football in better form.

Roberto Firmino, below, scored a hat-trick of tap-ins which underlined his brilliant movement and Liverpool’s slick passing.

Sadio Mane was also on target and, while Watford were woeful, Liverpool will be a match for anyone when they play like this.

Salah’s goal two weeks ago against Manchester

City was magnificent but his Vicarage Road effort was better, as he went past three defenders, put Craig Cathcart on his backside and found the far corner with precision and composure. It deserves to be talked about for years to come.

Mane said: “You guys are surprised but not me because we know his quality. It was a wonderful goal.We know how he can move the ball, he showed it against City, another great goal. For him to score goals like that is normal.”

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says Salah is better than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and should be seen as the best in the world. Mane believes Firmino is alongside him and playing with them is a dream.

The Senegal striker said: “It’s easy to play up front with these two.They are the best players in the world.”

Mane has scored six goals this season already, Firmino’s hat-trick took him to six too and Salah is in double figures in mid-October. When these three click, they are the best in the Premier League.

Liverpool have conceded six goals – double that of Chelsea or City – but the strike force more than make up the difference.

Mane is confident last season’s problems with form and injuries are behind them and they will be challenging for the title again.

He said: “I said from the beginning it can be a different season for us and you can see.”

Watford were a mess and looked lost. If new boss Claudio Ranieri can turn this around, it might just be his biggest achievement.

But the Tinkerman will take comfort from not having to play Liverpool every week.