Historically an exciting fixture, today was a frustrating game from a Hornets point of view as chances went begging throughout the 90 minutes.
Out of the blocks thick and fast, Watford characteristically started well, Gerard Deulofeu scoring an offside goal in the second minute.
The disallowed opener was a huge wake up call for Liverpool, a decision that sparked a series of attacks for the visitors.
Ben Foster proved pivotal in insuring that Klopp’s team didn’t score in the opening period, the Englishman looking confident in amongst some shaky looking colleagues.
Possession and counter attacks took up most of the first half as Liverpool looked in control.
Chances from some clever Xherdan Shaqiri and Mohamed Salah link-up play, as well as a brilliantly saved Salah header, saw Javi Gracia’s side look vulnerable at the half way mark, table positions clearly telling.
Goalless at the break, it stayed that way for some time after it, as a game of offsides resulted in Sadio Mané hitting the post whilst in an illegal playing position.
With no goals and looking as though it might stay that way, a penalty shout from the Watford fans was more important than ever in the 54th minute.
Home fans could hardly believe that an Andrew Robertson challenge on Will Hughes was met with a shake of the head from referee Jonathan Moss, who himself had a questionable game.
A Red’s win was crucial in order to keep the gap tight at the top, something that Mohamed Salah was well aware of. Ensuring that the three points would be joining his team for their long journey home, a Mané cross was met by the ‘Egyptian King’, who slotted into the back of the net in the 67th minute.
Liverpool’s second followed suit as Roberto Firmino was fouled and Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a beauty from his dipping free kick.
Two down but the Watford fans were given something to cheer about as Moss sent off Henderson in the 82nd minute, the Liverpool captain receiving his second yellow card of the day for fouling Etienne Capoue in a naïve challenge.
The ten-man advantage was too little too late for Gracia’s team, who again conceded in the 89th minute.
A Watford corner played a helping hand in the third goal, allowing Robertson to counter with his speed, before finding the cross that first reached Mané who was prevented by Foster, before finding Firmino who tapped in from close range.
Whilst Liverpool went unbeaten in their opening 13 matches of a Premier League season for the first time since 2007-08, Watford have a lot to take away from today’s loss.
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