REDS’ MANE OF THE HOUR

SADIO MANE answered the growing questions about Liverpool’s title bottle in emphatic style.

In a bold move from manager Jurgen Klopp, the Senegal star was used in a central role to replace the injured Roberto Firmino and he responded with two fine finishes – one a sublime goal of the season contender.

Mane destroyed Watford, first with a brilliant header any striker would be proud of.

DAVID MADDOCK AT ANFIELD

It was his second that stole the show, a back-heel he seemed to deliberately hit into the ground to bounce the ball over the keeper.

Those two poetic first half strikes calmed the nerves which have surrounded Liverpool after two frustrating – and stilted draws in the past week, and allowed them to open the floodgates against opponents they relish playing at home.

They stung the Hornets 5-0 here a year ago with four goals from Mo Salah. This time around the Egyptian didn’t score, but he did twist the visiting defenders this way and that, allowing the space for a second half rampage.

First Divock Origi cut in from the left to score a valuable goal on his first league start in almost three months, and then Virgil van Dijk capped a majestic display with two soaring headers from corners to again humble Watford.

Klopp said: “It was an important sign for us.

“You know what was written and said about us. It is of course not right. These boys are outstanding and today they showed so much passion.

“We drew against Manchester United and Bayern Munich. I think most teams would wish they had these problems.

“Tonight we were sensational.