Watford were unable to make it back-to-back wins on home turf, as second half goals from Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino handed Liverpool a 3-0 win at Vicarage Road.

The Hornets battled well throughout the game and limited the Reds to limited opportunities in the first hour.

But just minutes after Watford had a penalty appeal turned away for a foul on Will Hughes, Jurgen Klopp’s side took the lead thanks to Salah’s deflected strike which wrongfooted Ben Foster and the visitors doubled their advantage with 15 minutes remaining thanks to a stunning free-kick from Alexander-Arnold.

The Hornets were handed a brief glimmer of hope when Jordan Henderson was dismissed for a second bookable offence with eight minutes remaining, but Klopp’s side sealed the victory late on through Firmino, who was on hand to tap home from close range following a fine double save from Foster.

Here’s how we rated the Golden Boys:

Ben Foster – 9

Alert to come off his line in the early stages to prevent Firmino from having a simple finish from close range and to prevent Salah from latching onto Xherdan Shaqiri’s searching ball. Pulled off two great saves at the end of the first half to deny Sadio Mane’s bicycle kick and Salah’s free header at the far post. Nothing he could do about the first and second goals but pulled off a stunning double save at the death from both Mane and Firmino, only for the latter to tap home the rebound at the second time of asking.

Kiko Femenia – 6

Looked to get forward whenever possible but the Spaniard was caught out defensively at times, with Liverpool’s first and third goals coming from players breaking free down his side. The Spaniard’s spot at right-back could soon be under threat, with Daryl Janmaat closing in on a return to full fitness.

Craig Cathcart – 7

A solid display from the Northern Ireland international. Did particularly well in the first half to stay on his feet to deny Mane from having a free run at goal. Made some vital tackles and interceptions and was equally impressive in the air. Unfortunate that Liverpool’s first goal took a deflection off Cathcart to wrong foot Foster in the Watford goal.

Adrian Mariappa – 6.5

Marshalled Salah well early on and like Cathcart, did well to keep Liverpool’s formidable front three relatively quiet in the first half. Good with the ball at his feet and was largely solid for the Hornets throughout. It was his foul on Firmino which led to Liverpool’s second goal, though.

Adam Masina – 7

A solid display from Masina, who certainly did his chances of usurping Jose Holebas as Watford’s first choice left-back no harm. Didn’t have much of an opportunity to get forward, but did the defensive side of his game well and was always available to receive the ball. Pulled off a great piece of skill early in the second half to move away from his marker.

Will Hughes – 6

Worked hard down the right and did the defensive side of his game well. Struggled to get into the match at the other end of the pitch though. Was, however, unfortunate not to win Watford a penalty when he appeared to be brought down by Robertson inside the area.

Etienne Capoue – 7

Another strong showing from the Frenchman, who continued his excellent start to the season in Watford’s midfield. Broke up play well and made some important interceptions in the middle of the park. His partnership with Abdoulaye Doucoure goes from strength to strength each week.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6.5

Overshadowed by Capoue once again in the middle of the park but another decent showing from the Frenchman. Not his usual self in possession during the game, with the 25-year-old giving the ball away on a few occasions early on. But he was disciplined in midfield and broke up play well like Capoue. Showed just what he is capable of late on with a surging run forward as he looked to try and help the Hornets get back into the game.

Roberto Pereyra – 6

Some lovely touches but struggled to get into the game down the left, in a match where Watford failed to create many clear-cut chances. Tracked back well though and worked hard out of possession.

Gerard Deulofeu – 5

Not the Spaniard’s best performance in a Watford shirt by any means. Started brightly and thought he had given the Golden Boys an early lead when he finished smartly following Deeney’s flick-on but was flagged for offside. Struggled to get into the game after that early chance and his link-up play left a lot to be desired, with the former Barcelona man losing possession on countless occasions. Was unsurprisingly replaced by Success on the hour mark.

Troy Deeney – 6

A difficult game for Deeney up front, with the Hornets’ captain not enjoying much success against the likes of Virgil Van Dijk and Dejan Lovren. Lovely piece of skill down the left to kick start a move early on and the Hornets looked to find Deeney at every opportunity on the breakaway. However, the striker lacked support and service from his team-mates, making it difficult for him to get into the game.

Subs:

Isaac Success – 6

Unfortunate not to start the game after some strong displays in recent weeks. Some nice touches after coming on and came close to getting the Hornets back into the game when his cross cum shot whistled wide of Alisson’s far post.

Andre Gray – N/A

On as a late substitute for Will Hughes but didn’t have enough time to get into the game.