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Liverpool still flying high after cruising past Watford

Cape Town - Liverpool showed their pedigree as they produced a strong second half showing to defeat a courageous Watford 3-0 on Saturday in the Premier League.

It was a tight opening 20 minutes though Watford did have the ball in the back of the net early but it was ruled out for offside.

Xherdan Shaqiri was looking threatening on the flank for the Reds and his cross into the area had to be deflected away from Mo Salah by goalkeeper Ben Foster.

The contest was strangely devoid of chances though the visitors had the chance to take the advantage in the 39th minute.

Salah latched on to a loose ball which he fed into the path of Roberto Firmino - who saw his strike well saved low down by Foster.

The keeper then made a number of fine stops in the closing stages as the Hornets managed to go into the interval at 0-0.

After the break Liverpool came out strongly and when Firmino latched on to Shaqiri's pass, he picked out Mane. The Senegal star chipped it over Foster who was glad to see it hit the post as the danger was averted.

Watford had a decent penalty appeal in the 56th minute when Andrew Robertson appeared to bring down Will Hughes, though on replay it seemed the officials got the decision right.

In the 67th minute the Reds took the lead after some superb attacking play from the front three. Firmino found Mane on the left before his cross picked out Salah, who swept home beyond Foster.

It was 2-0 in the 76th minute as Trent Alexander-Arnold curled home a stunning free kick from around 20 yards out.

Jordan Henderson saw red in the closing stages for a second yellow card though it was still comfortable for the Reds as they collected all three points.

In the final stages good work from Robertson and Mane saw Firmino get on the score-sheet as it ended 3-0 to the Merseyside based outfit.

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