Mane says movement was key to

Sadio Mane celebrates scoring a goal against Watford at Anfield. PHOTO: Anthony Devlin

Mane says movement was key to Liverpool’s 5-0 demolition of Watford

Sadio Mane scored a sublime backheeled goal in Liverpool’s 5-0 win over Watford.

Mane says movement was key to

Sadio Mane celebrates scoring a goal against Watford at Anfield. PHOTO: Anthony Devlin

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane took up a central position in the frontline for the first time since joining the club, he scored two goals but credited a brilliant team performance for bagging three points.

After pundits laid into what they perceived to be a lethargic performance by the Reds in the goalless draw at Old Trafford on Sunday, Liverpool made an energetic start to the game and their movement on and off the ball set up a slew of chances.

Watford struggled to get hold of the ball and as a result Liverpool’s fullbacks were allowed to get forward in wide areas. A Trent Alexander-Arnold cross put Mane’s first goal on a platter though the Senegalese striker got excellent contact on his header giving Ben Foster no chance.

Mane’s second was a superb backheel that he lofted just enough to clear the onrushing Foster after he seemed to have left the ball behind him with his first touch.

Speaking after the win Mane said:

“Trent made a very good cross and I was in the box, I was a lucky boy and I scored. It’s one of [the most adventurous goals I’ve scored], yes!

“But the most important thing is the three points and we got it, so I’m happy.

“It was my first time since I came to Liverpool I played centrally. I always said I’m here for the team, so I try to play any position the coach asks me to play to help the team.

“We started fast in the game, we moved quickly with and without the ball and created many chances. We scored five goals and we deserved the win.

“The team was fantastic, everybody played well. It was the key.”

Virgil van Dijk was also able to get on the end of two good crosses to score a brace after Divock Origi scored his second Premier League goal of the season. Watford weren’t especially poor but like many who have come to Anfield in the last two seasons they met with an unstoppable force.

For Liverpool the focus now shifts to a Merseyside derby over the weekend. Mane expects a real fight from Everton.

“The win gives us more confidence,” Mane added.

“We know playing against Everton is never easy. But we are a great team and we are used to playing this kind of game. We’re going to go there and try to do everything to win there.”