Liverpool's title chase got back on track at Teeside with a 3-0 win over Middlesbrough which takes them above Arsenal on goal difference and six points behind leaders Chelsea. After dropping points against Bournemouth and West Ham, a defining performance was needed by Klopp's men and they delivered on it as the Reds won with a healthy score against one of the league's best defence.
Adam Lallana opened the scoring yet again after a superb cross from Nathaniel Clyne. Divock Origi doubled the visitors lead, scoring his fifth goal in as many appearances as the young Belgian is making his mark at the club. Adam Lallana scored the third and final goal of the game to assure Liverpool of all three points as Jurgen Klopp beamed with joy with every goal that his side scored. Let us take a look at the five talking points from the match that happened between Middlesbrough and Liverpool:
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#1 Jurgen Klopp makes a decision on the goalkeeping situation at the club
A big decision was rumoured before the game that Loris Karius was set to be dropped for the game against Boro after coming under fire for his recent performances and the drama that has followed that. Simon Mignolet started for the Reds and did a commendable job on his return as Liverpool's number one custodian, making three decisive saves and also looked assured in getting out of his line when needed.
Jurgen Klopp publicly defended Karius throughout the week when the pundits were having a go at the young keeper but made a wise decision to take Karius out of the spotlight and give him a few weeks rest. He must have been affected by the scrutiny and minute attention of the English media and deserves some time off the field to clear his head as there are no doubts that the former Mainz goalkeeper is Jurgen Klopp's long term choice at Liverpool.
#2 Middlesbrough need to find form on home turf
Aitor Karanka has done a tremendous job at Riverside to make his side a strong defensive unit which will help them to stay in the league for this season. Boro had conceded the second least goals this season before a 3-0 loss to Liverpool, being behind table toppers Chelsea which is a huge compliment to Karanka and his players. But along with that, Middlesbrough have scored the least goals this season which is a question yet to solve despite having enough attacking arsenal at Karanka's disposal.
Having picked up points against the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and champions Leicester away from home, Middlesbrough have looked comfortable when on the road rather than in front of their own supporters which is evident with their dismal home record. Every time they have hosted a decent side, Boro have struggled to find even a result which must be addressed if they want to stay away from the relegation battle.
#3 Liverpool look short of options from the bench
Jurgen Klopp has always gone on to field youngsters from the academy when they have performed but now that has become a necessity as the Reds are struggling with injuries to first team players. Against Boro, Liverpool had three academy graduates which might be a good thing to cherish but when a substitution is needed, Klopp cannot go to these teenagers for answers.
There are no doubts about the abilities of the likes of Trent Alexander Arnold and Ben Woodburn but they must be slowly brought into the first team rather than rush them to the lineup and expose the youngsters in front of the world.
Injuries to Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and Emre Can have made Liverpool weaker as the Reds do not have many options to look from the bench and now a new injury scare to Joel Matip who has done exceptionally well this season, the Reds might have to be active in the January transfer window.
#4 Adama Traore can do wonders for his side
Barcelona's academy graduate, Traore did not get opportunities to shine during his time with Aston Villa but the Premier League is finally getting to witness his might during his spell with Middlesbrough. He looked the only player who could have inflicted some damage to Liverpool as his blistering pace posed many questions to the likes of James Milner and Jordan Henderson.
He looked ever so confident with the ball at his feet as he beat three to four players on a number of occasions. The 20-year-old created chances throughout the game but his teammates failed to grab the opportunity from the created chances.
Setting the good part aside, Traore still has a lot to learn as his end product is disappointing at times and also he tries to overdo his bit at times. But there is no doubt about the fact that Middlesbrough have a rough diamond in their ranks in the form of Adama Traore.
#5 It was a Lallana - Mane show on Riverside
After returning from a calf injury which happened during the last international break, Lallana has looked sharper than ever before which is reflecting the fact that the 26-year-old has already scored his fifth league goal of the season surpassing his four-goal tally which he achieved last season. His movements, his pressing and brilliant game sense enabled the Reds to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Middlesbrough.
Sadio Mane, on the other hand, did not provide an assist or score a goal against Boro but his impact on the game was immense. He is Liverpool's top scorer with eight goals but it was his pace that troubled the hosts throughout the 90 minutes.
Klopp changed tactics at halftime which brought Mane into the game at the forefront and he delivered which was evident in the second goal where the Senegalese took a brilliant turn and did a brilliant one-two with Georginio Wijnaldum before Divock Origi scored and completed a total football move for Liverpool.
