From Liverpool’s standpoint, the standout feature of the match was their ability to effectively secure the victory by halftime, a rarity they have not often experienced this season.
While they did complicate matters for themselves by carelessly conceding possession on several occasions, there are few complaints when you net five goals in a single match.
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Though Liverpool didn’t showcase their best form, Arne Slot’s team was highly efficient, and for the first time this season, they managed to score three goals in the first half of a league match.
Prior to this game, you’d have to look back to December 13 to find the last time Liverpool scored before the 41st minute in a league fixture at Anfield.
However, they found themselves 2-0 up within 24 minutes on Saturday, ultimately achieving a five-goal haul in a Premier League match for the first time since defeating Tottenham to secure the title last season.
While four of the five goals came off deflections, they all count in the end.
In terms of set-piece goals (excluding penalties), Liverpool was sitting joint-bottom in that department from the beginning of the season through December 31.
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Yet as of 2026, they are leading the league with eight set-piece goals for the year.
Slot will be pleased to see Joe Gomez starting at right-back and the return of Jeremie Frimpong from injury, but Mohamed Salah has yet to score in the league in his last 10 outings.