Three second-half goals against Huddersfield earned Liverpool only their second Premier League victory in seven matches.
Frustration among the home fans was evident during a turgid first half notable only for Jonas Lossl’s save from Mohamed Salah’s penalty.
But Daniel Sturridge made the breakthrough in the 50th minute – his 100th goal in club competition – and further goals from Roberto Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum ensured Jurgen Klopp had the last laugh over best friend David Wagner.
What they said
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp: “Of course we had not the best week. We take the situation really seriously. It is really important. Tottenham was the worst game we played in the season and you can’t ignore it. It can happen. But three goals, three points, clean sheet.” Huddersfield manager David Wagner: “I would say at the end it was a fair result. Until the first goal we played defensively very well, we neutralised them. I haven’t seen Anfield so quiet until the first goal. After we conceded the first goal we conceded the second from a set-play and Liverpool showed their offensive power.”
Tweet of the match
Star man – Daniel Sturridge
On an afternoon where no one really stood out, the most important moment of the match was undoubtedly Sturridge’s breakthrough goal. Although he was in a lot of space, the ball fell for him at an awkward height and the striker showed real coolness of thought to dink it over Lossl.
Stat of the match
Salah’s penalty miss was the 34th time in Premier League history that Liverpool have failed to convert a spot-kick, drawing them level with Arsenal as the most profligate team.
In with the crowd
Liverpool fans
It has been a tough run for Liverpool in the league and that was apparent during a turgid first half. Huddersfield fans sang “where’s your famous atmosphere” and the only real noise from the Liverpool fans showed their frustration. A penalty offered a golden chance but there were more grumblings when Salah stepped up rather than James Milner or Firmino and hit it straight at Lossl. A few boos could be heard at half-time but the second half proved to be a much more enjoyable experience for the home faithful.
Player ratings
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool: Simon Mignolet 6 (out of 10), Joe Gomez 6, Joel Matip 6, Ragnar Klavan 6, Alberto Moreno 6, James Milner 6, Jordan Henderson 6, Georginio Wijnaldum 7, Mohamed Salah 6, Daniel Sturridge 7, Roberto Firmino 7. Subs: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (for Firmino, 66) 6, Emre Can (for Sturridge, 74) 6, Dominic Solanke (for Salah, 81) 5. Huddersfield: Jonas Lossl 6, Tommy Smith 6, Mathias Jorgensen 6, Christopher Schindler 6, Chris Lowe 6, Rajiv van La Parra 5, Danny Williams 6, Jonathan Hogg 6, Aaron Mooy 6, Tom Ince 5, Laurent Depoitre 5. Subs: Elias Kachunga (for Van La Parra, 34) 5, Florent Hadergjonaj (for Smith, 69) 5, Steve Mounie (for Williams, 69) 5.
Who’s up next?
Liverpool v Maribor (Champions League, November 1)
Huddersfield v West Brom (Premier League, November 4)
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