Marriott on song as Rams hit high notes
They 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.
This is now the most points a Liverpool side has clocked up at this stage of a Premier League season.
It is also the fewest goals they have conceded at this stage since the top flight was rebranded. Just like a fine wine, Jurgen Klopp’s men are maturing nicely.
A trip to this corner of Hertfordshire on a dank November afternoon has possibly replaced that famed trip to North Staffordshire now that Stoke City have been relegated to the Championship. The Hornets are big, tough, rugged and stick to what they are good at.
And while Liverpool did not race into a three-goal lead inside 35 minutes like champions Manchester City did at West Ham, this was a performance that could be marked down under the category of “professional”.
Boss Klopp’s post-match briefing was peppered with words such as “stubborn” and “mature”. He 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. That’s good, not bad.
“Of course we just carry on. It’s a nice moment, a clean sheet. The three points are brilliant. We did a really good job.
“I liked this game a lot because it was so difficult.”
Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster had been the stand-out performer in the first half and his hard work appeared to have paid off 10 minutes after the restart.
A lunge in the area by Andy Robertson on Will Hughes should have been punished with a penalty but referee Jon Moss missed it. A goal then would have thrown this contest wide open.
But this is the thing: You do not get second chances against Liverpool these days.
Within minutes of that awful decision by the official Mo Salah found the back of the net following a pull-back by Sadio Mane after he had raced clear down the left.
Young full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold confirmed his growing potential by curling home a delicious free-kick.
And even after Jordan Henderson was sent off for his second bookable offence when he tripped Etienne Capoue, Roberto Firmino scrambled home the third after a lightning-quick break by the Reds.
Klopp added: “We never used to contro games in the manner we do now. I like that
“In similar games last season we were not convincing. It wasn’t clear we controlled the game. It’s difficult.
“This is new for us and I like it. It’s 3-0 and it was exactly how it had to be in our situation as we have to win week in, week out.”
The scoreline was tough on Watford but even when the game was goalless Liverpoo had threatened. Kop keeper Alisson Becker was an interested onlooker for much of this game.
Hornets boss Javi Gracia said