Liverpool vs. Watford – Premier League – March 17, 2018

On March 17, 2018, Liverpool faced Watford in a Premier League match at Anfield. Liverpool dominated the game, winning 5-0, with Mohamed Salah delivering a sensational performance by scoring four goals and assisting another.

Key Statistics and Analysis

1. Scoreline and Goal Timings:
   • Liverpool: 5 (Mohamed Salah 4′, 43′, 77′, 85′, Roberto Firmino 49′)
   • Watford: 0
2. Possession:
   • Liverpool controlled the game with 61% possession, while Watford had 39%. Liverpool’s dominance in possession allowed them to dictate the tempo and continuously put pressure on Watford’s defense.
3. Shots:
   • Liverpool registered 13 shots, with 8 on target, reflecting their clinical attacking play. Watford managed only 5 shots, with 1 on target, struggling to create meaningful opportunities against a well-organized Liverpool defense.
4. Passing Accuracy:
   • Liverpool had a passing accuracy of 82%, completing 493 passes out of 603 attempts. Watford had a passing accuracy of 72%, completing 288 passes out of 399 attempts. Liverpool’s superior passing and control in midfield allowed them to dominate proceedings and create numerous chances.
5. Defensive Statistics:
   • Liverpool made 15 tackles compared to Watford’s 21, as Watford tried to disrupt Liverpool’s attacking flow. However, Liverpool’s defense, led by Virgil van Dijk and Dejan Lovren, comfortably dealt with Watford’s limited offensive threats, keeping a clean sheet.
6. Set Pieces:
   • Liverpool’s goals came predominantly from open play. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 4th minute after cutting inside and finishing with his left foot. Salah added his second goal in the 43rd minute with a well-placed shot. Roberto Firmino scored Liverpool’s third goal in the 49th minute with a clever flick from a Salah cross. Salah completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute and added a fourth in the 85th minute, capitalizing on defensive mistakes from Watford.
7. Individual Performances:
   • Mohamed Salah was the standout performer, scoring four goals and providing an assist. His pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing were too much for Watford’s defense to handle. Roberto Firmino also had an excellent game, scoring a goal and linking up well with Salah in attack. For Watford, goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis made several important saves but was ultimately overwhelmed by Liverpool’s relentless attack.
8. Tactical Overview:
   • Liverpool, under Jürgen Klopp, deployed their usual 4-3-3 formation, focusing on high pressing and quick transitions. Watford, managed by Javi Gracia, set up in a defensive 4-2-3-1 formation but struggled to cope with Liverpool’s pace and intensity, particularly on the wings. Liverpool’s attacking trio of Salah, Firmino, and Sadio Mané caused constant problems for Watford’s defense.
9. Disciplinary:
   • The match saw one yellow card, issued to Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucouré in the 71st minute for a tactical foul aimed at breaking up Liverpool’s attack.
10. Corners and Offsides:
    • Liverpool won 6 corners compared to Watford’s 2, reflecting their sustained pressure in the attacking third. Both teams were caught offside twice, indicating their attempts to push forward and create scoring opportunities.

Summary

Liverpool’s 5-0 victory over Watford was a commanding performance, with Mohamed Salah stealing the show by scoring four goals and assisting another. From the very beginning, Liverpool dominated the match, with Salah’s early goal setting the tone for what would become a memorable performance. Roberto Firmino also contributed with a goal, and Liverpool’s defense kept a clean sheet as they comfortably controlled the game.

Watford struggled to contain Liverpool’s pace and attacking quality, particularly in dealing with Salah’s movement and finishing. Despite a few decent saves from Orestis Karnezis, Watford was unable to mount any meaningful response, and their attack was largely neutralized by Liverpool’s organized defense.

This victory highlighted Liverpool’s attacking firepower, with Salah’s four-goal performance propelling him to the top of the Premier League goalscoring charts. It also underscored Liverpool’s growing confidence as they continued their push for a top-four finish in the Premier League.