Can’s stunner boosts Reds

PREMIER LEAGUE: Acrobatic volley earns Liverpool three precious points

WATFORD 0 LIVERPOOL 1

Liverpool took a significant step to sealing Champions League qualification as Emre Can scored a goal-of-the-season contender to down Watford last night.

Jurgen Klopp had seen Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal drop points in the battle for the Premier League top four before his side travelled to Vicarage Road – and they took full advantage.

A largely forgettable 90 minutes was settled when Can lit up a cold evening with a superb volley in first-half stoppage time to clinch a 1-0 win.

The victory moved Liverpool four points clear of United in fifth, although they have played a game more than their bitter rivals.

Watford, on 40 points and all but safe from the drop, were not at the races as they failed to react to captain Troy Deeney’s criticism following the recent defeat at Hull.

Liverpool lost Philippe Coutinho with less than 10 minutes gone before Miguel Britos hobbled off for the hosts soon after.

Both sides were denied by the woodwork.

Adam Lallana, Coutinho’s replacement, hit the Watford bar with a looping volley just before the winning goal.

And, as Watford poured forward as the game moved into stoppage time at the end, Liverpool’s goal lived a charmed life as Austrian defender Sebastian Prodl’s volley crashed back off the crossbar.

Picture: Getty. Emre Can’s spectacular effort was enough to give Liverpool victory at Vicarage Road.