Cody Gakpo netted twice and Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai once each as Premier League leaders Liverpool comfortably beat the Blues 4-1 at Anfield, Jacob Greaves pulling back a late header for Town. The Reds dominated throughout and went ahead through the excellent Szoboszlai on 11, Salah made it two in the 35th minute and Gakpo 3-0 a minute before the break, then added his second and his side’s fourth on 66, with Greaves nodding his first for Town from a Julio Enciso corner in the final minute.

Boss Kieran McKenna handed Jaden Philogene his full Blues debut as he made five changes to the team which lost 6-0 at home to Manchester City on Sunday.

Philogene, who signed from Aston Villa earlier in the month and featured as a sub against City, came in for Jack Clarke, who was left out of the 20-man squad, but was fit, alongside Omari Hutchinson behind central striker Liam Delap.

In central midfield, skipper Sam Morsy was joined by Kalvin Phillips with Jens Cajuste rested and out of the squad due to his recent heavy workload with the club continuing to manage his knee.

Wes Burns replaced Ben Johnson wide on the right with Leif Davis on the left, while Axel Tuanzebe made his first start since suffering a hamstring injury at Nottingham Forest at the end of November on the right of the defence with Ben Godfrey among the subs.

Dara O’Shea continued in the middle with Jacob Greaves coming in for Cameron Burgess, who was left out of the 20.

Christian Walton was on goal with Enciso on the bench having joined on loan from Brighton.

Liverpool also made five changes from the team which beat Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Ibrahima Konate, Alexis Mac Allister, Andy Robertson, Gakpo and Trent Alexander-Arnold all returned to the XI with Curtis Jones missing out having picked up a knock.

Two minutes in, with the home side unsurprisingly seeing most of the ball, Gakpo cut in from the left but shot well over. On nine, Robertson’s effort from the edge of the box was blocked.

The Reds, watched by a new Anfield record crowd of 60,420, had dominated without seriously threatening but in the 12th minute they went in front. Konate played a pass through to Szoboszlai, who had got behind Phillips, then cut into a wide gap between O’Shea and Tuanzebe before hitting a low shot from the edge of the box into the left corner of Walton’s net.

Town caused the home defence problems for the first time, Hutchinson’s ball in behind for Burns on the right winning a corner, taken by Davis, which Alisson was forced claw away from under his bar, not entirely comfortably. Referee Michael Salisbury gave a rather generous free-kick.

In the 24th minute, Burns suffered an injury after appearing to catch his studs in the turf and twist his knee as he challenged Gakpo. After treatment on the field, the Wales international eventually left the field on a stretcher to applause from both sets of fans, Johnson replacing him.

Once it had restarted, the game continued in a similar vein, the Reds dominating with the Blues preventing any more serious chances, although Greaves had been force to block Mo Salah’s shot after he had cut in past Davis.

And in the 35th minute, Salah doubled the home side’s lead. Gakpo floated a deep cross to the far post and the Egypt international stepped out away from Davis, who got drawn inside, took a touch before smashing past Walton from a tight angle. The home fans delightedly celebrated Salah’s 100th Premier League goal at Anfield and his 23rd of the season.

Liverpool continued to control the game and look for openings with the Blues occasionally breaking forward, Philogene making a burst forward on the left without finding Delap.

A minute before the scheduled end of the half, the Reds added their third. Szoboszlai’s low shot across Walton from the right of the box was saved by the Town keeper but not held and Gakpo followed up from close range.

In seven minutes of injury time, Trent Alexander-Arnold sent over a very dangerous cross from the left which flew just beyond Luis Diaz at the far post.

Moments before the whistle, Szoboszlai curled an effort from the right of the box across the face and only just beyond the post.

Liverpool had dominated from start to finish, having 72 per cent of possession, and biding their time and creating the opportunities from which they scored.

Town, however, will be disappointed with their defending with the defence and the midfield holding a lengthy discussion after the first.

Going forward, the Blues had failed to cause any concern aside from Davis’s in-swinging corner. Hutchinson, Delap and Philogene’s occasional breaks had been ended by Konate or Virgil van Dijk with little fanfare.

Ahead of the second half, the Blues switched Davis, who had been given a tough afternoon by Salah, for Conor Townsend. Davis was previously the only Town player to have played every minute of the Premier League season, while Townsend’s only league action was a single minute off the bench at Brentford.

The second half began as the first had ended, Salah moving the ball on to Szoboszlai on the right of the box in the 47th minute and the Hungarian international flashing a cross past everyone in the six-yard area.

Seven minutes after the restart, Delap got beyond Konate in the box but never looked in control and went to ground as the pair challenge, referee Salisbury waving away Town protests.

Hutchinson struck Town’s first shot of the game in the 60th minute, the former Chelsea man’s effort following a half-cleared corner causing Alisson little difficulty, the Brazilian saving comfortably down to his right.

The Blues’ first effort on goal woke the home fans up, the Anfield faithful having been unusually quiet with their team already having had the game won, with the Town fans responding in kind.

But Liverpool had continued to dominate and look for holes in the Blues’ defence. And in the 66th minute, they added their fourth. Alexander-Arnold crossed from the right and Gakpo got behind the Town backline and headed into the roof of the net. VAR checked for offside but upheld the decision.

Having gone four goals in front, the Reds swapped Gakpo, Gravenberch and Szboszlai, who had been Liverpool’s most dangerous player for Harvey Elliott, Darwin Nunez and Wataru Endo.

Elliott was quickly into the action, screwing a volley wide having been found by a cross at the far post on the right.

On 74, after a corner had been cleared, Alexander-Arnold unleashed a powerful strike from more than 30 yards which just arced away from the angle of post and bar.

Delap, who had had a frustrating afternoon, was booked in the 75th minute for what the referee indicated was the latest in a succession of fouls.

Three minutes later, Salah cut the ball back from the byline on the right, the ball reaching Alexander-Arnold, who hit a first-time right-foot effort which hit the top of the bar.

Town made a triple change in the 89th minute with Enciso handed his debut and Nathan Broadhead and George Hirst also sent on with Hutchinson, Philogene and Delap making way. The Reds switched Mac Allister for Jayden Danns.

Enciso’s first action for Town was clattering into Endo having beaten the Japanese international to a bouncing ball. Endo required treatment and Enciso was booked by referee Salisbury.

With five minutes left on the clock, the Blues went close to pulling a goal back. Enciso sent Broadhead away on the left, the Welshman moved it on to Townsend, who sent over a superb cross, which Hirst headed goalwards but too close to Alisson, who was able to save sharply down to his right. Liverpool subsequently swapped Diaz for Federico Chiesa.

In the final scheduled minute, prior to five additional minutes, the Blues pulled a goal back. Enciso whipped over a corner from the left and Greaves out-battled Elliott to power home his first goal for the club, giving the Town support, who had had a tough week, something to cheer about, which they continued to do for the remaining minutes.

Town won a couple of corners in the closing moments from Broadhead and Enciso crosses before referee Salisbury ended the afternoon.

The Blues’ support once again showed their appreciation of their players and staff following another heavy defeat.

The gulf between the teams was evident throughout with Liverpool in total control and never having to really force the game, knowing that the chances to make their superiority tell would come. And when they did, they finished most of their better opportunities clinically.

Town battled away gamely, although manager McKenna will be unhappy with the defending for a number of the goals, but once the first goal went in in the 11th minute where the points would go was never in doubt with Liverpool now unbeaten in 18 in the Premier League.

Hirst was unlucky not to score with his header after Broadhead and Townsend had again made bright contributions, while Enciso was the pick of the two debutants - albeit at a time when the game was already dead and buried and with Liverpool having made changes - having picked up his first Town assist and showing great enthusiasm to get involved throughout, as Endo discovered.

There’s little disgrace in losing at Anfield and there was no repeat either of the 5-0 which saw the Blues relegated here in 2002 or of the 6-0 loss at home to Manchester City last week.

Next up, a more important fixture from a survival point of view, Southampton at Portman Road on Saturday, the Saints having lost 3-1 at home to Newcastle United.

Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk (c), Robertson, Gravenberch (Nunez 69), Mac Allister (Danns 80), Szoboszlai (Endo 69), Salah, Gakpo (Elliott 69), Diaz (Chiesa
86). Unused: Kelleher, Tsimikas, Quansah, Bradley.

Town: Walton, Tuanzebe, O’Shea, Greaves, Davis (Townsend 46), Morsy (c), Phillips, Burns (Johnson 29), Hutchinson (Enciso 79), Philogene (Broadhead 79), Delap (Hirst 79). Unused: Muric, Godfrey, Taylor, Luongo. Referee: Michael Salisbury (Preston). VAR: Paul Tierney. Att: 60,420.

Photo: Reuters

oioihardy added 17:13 - Jan 25 The one moan I do have with team selections are why do we bench broadhead so often. He's the only player who can do what he does in the team . He takes players on runs at them finds space when other can't and is a major threat . So frustrating seeing him on the bench again today . He improved the team display again today when came on
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ronnyd added 17:19 - Jan 25 I was hoping for a 3-0 so 4-1 is about right. No humiliation there.
11

Broadbent23 added 17:19 - Jan 25 Unfortunately the result was forgone., but I am proud of our team and supporters sticking to our principles. Next week is more important.. We learn week by week. Great that Greavsey got a goal at the end and that Enciso gets a debuted. We move on. ,
24

Bluebacker added 17:19 - Jan 25 Not unexpected, though a little disappointing it was so dominating for them. Pleased for Greaves to get his goal. I thought all of our substitutions did themselves proud today. Think they deserve the chance to start some more games.
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RobsonWark added 17:21 - Jan 25 Leif Davis is the most overrated Ipswich player. People saying he should be playing for England...really??? Yes, he controls the ball very well when he collects a long ball while he is sprinting down the wing but his crossing is very, very poor (reminds me of that so called speed merchant "I'm a professional footballer" Jackson with no end product). The majority of his corners never gets past the first man at the near post and don't even mention his defending. We have scored two goals from great corners - from Jack Clarke and today from Enisco. Omari is definitely not a number 10. We so miss Chaplin playing there. Broadhead should also be a starter. I don't know what all the fuss what about Philogene in the summer and this transfer window. He looks so out of itand puts np effort in. It's like we are just spending money for the sake of it. £15 million for this player, £20 million for that player, etc, etc. Spending money just for the sake of it does not make a team. I feel bad for Delap. We have this great striker and he never gets any service in the penalty box. He has to come deep into our own half just to get the ball. I'm hoping that Enisco can link up with him and help him out.

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Karlosfandangal added 17:22 - Jan 25 Don’t care if Town do lose to Southampton please just use the last games to work out your best side,we can even catch Everton now only Wolves. Would rather be in the Championship and be in a game at 80 minutes than be out of a game after 20 or 30 minutes
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mehrad added 17:24 - Jan 25 @oioihardy - ur so right. Broadhead is playing well, running at the opposition and is in the current setup, a difference maker. The only logic for him not starting is he is possibly better when the opposition is a bit tired. Amari looks tired and perhaps lacks for confidence. Hoping we start Broadhead, Enciso, Jaden and Delap against Southampton.
18

poet added 17:25 - Jan 25 I always believed we’d lose this one. Liverpool were the better side, however in my opinion, Walton made two pieces of suspect goalkeeping. He should have saved the first goal, and didn’t stand up to defend his post for another. I also believe Delap had a decent shout for a penalty. Good goal by Greaves. Hirst unlucky not to score, their keeper a wee bit fortunate that a Town player wasn’t on hand to knock in his rebound. All in all, I thought we did well.

6

martin587 added 17:28 - Jan 25 The gulf between the side was massive and we struggled to get in the game but always showed how dangerous we are on the break but day it was never going to be.We are learning fast and we will improve I’m sure.Having said that my main concern is the defense.There seems to be very little understanding and the holding midfield are not performing to there ability.I was impressed with Townsend Hurst and Enciso. Let’s not forget this is the league to play in and we are in it and doing ok.We the supporters we once again fantastic so well done lads. Next week three points and we’re up and running once again.

13

TimmyH added 17:28 - Jan 25 No surprises against a world class side in which was largely a training ground exercise for them...glad to see we scored at the end though but little mercies! Most disappointing thing for me first half was how little we tried to take the game to them even when 2-0 down. Thought Conor Townsend did okay when he came on but on the other side thought Philogene did little but then you could say that for a number particularly the central midfield. Will be interesting if these last few results will be psychologically damaging...

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midastouch added 17:29 - Jan 25 Broadhead looks far better than most of the multi-million £££ players we've brought in. I’d be gutted if we let him go.
42

Leejames99 added 17:31 - Jan 25 10 goals conceded and 10 shots on and off target combined in 2 games. Everton win again, thank goodness everyone else lost. I dont know what we are doing, Morsy was at fault for first goal he couldn't keep up with Sabazolski, he is not a Pr player. Godfery should of came on for Burns, in fact should of been starting. We need a new midfielder in to play with Ensico and Phillips or Cajuste. I think we need a new keeper also Walton is no better than Muric, I rate Muric better for shot stopping but fans shattered his confidence harping on about the old guard, that's what they are old guard. Of course we expect to get beat fair enough against Man City and Liverpool but if we don't beat Southampton with the signings we have made then hope and confidence will fade. I agree re Davis he has gone from an outstanding LB to now thinking he is a left winger, needs a rest, Davis of course is good as WB but if he going to play there we need someone behind him, the obvious LB to go and get is Ben Chillwell. What was Luongo doing on bench, shows need to get another midfielder. Subs did well. 6 pointer next week, have to attack and have Portman Road roaring. Everton 7 points clear now! I'd bench Hutchinson for Broadhead also at mo. My team for next week would be - Muric Tunazabe O Shea C Greaves Godfrey Davis Phillips Enciso Broadhead Phillogene Delap 4-4-3 Just opinion, next week is a huge 6 pointer COYB

0

Leejames99 added 17:31 - Jan 25 10 goals conceded and 10 shots on and off target combined in 2 games. Everton win again, thank goodness everyone else lost. I dont know what we are doing, Morsy was at fault for first goal he couldn't keep up with Sabazolski, he is not a Pr player. Godfery should of came on for Burns, in fact should of been starting. We need a new midfielder in to play with Ensico and Phillips or Cajuste. I think we need a new keeper also Walton is no better than Muric, I rate Muric better for shot stopping but fans shattered his confidence harping on about the old guard, that's what they are old guard. Of course we expect to get beat fair enough against Man City and Liverpool but if we don't beat Southampton with the signings we have made then hope and confidence will fade. I agree re Davis he has gone from an outstanding LB to now thinking he is a left winger, needs a rest, Davis of course is good as WB but if he going to play there we need someone behind him, the obvious LB to go and get is Ben Chillwell. What was Luongo doing on bench, shows need to get another midfielder. Subs did well. 6 pointer next week, have to attack and have Portman Road roaring. Everton 7 points clear now! I'd bench Hutchinson for Broadhead also at mo. My team for next week would be - Muric Tunazabe O Shea C Greaves Godfrey Davis Phillips Enciso Broadhead Phillogene Delap 4-4-3 Just opinion, next week is a huge 6 pointer COYB

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Leejames99 added 17:31 - Jan 25 10 goals conceded and 10 shots on and off target combined in 2 games. Everton win again, thank goodness everyone else lost. I dont know what we are doing, Morsy was at fault for first goal he couldn't keep up with Sabazolski, he is not a Pr player. Godfery should of came on for Burns, in fact should of been starting. We need a new midfielder in to play with Ensico and Phillips or Cajuste. I think we need a new keeper also Walton is no better than Muric, I rate Muric better for shot stopping but fans shattered his confidence harping on about the old guard, that's what they are old guard. Of course we expect to get beat fair enough against Man City and Liverpool but if we don't beat Southampton with the signings we have made then hope and confidence will fade. I agree re Davis he has gone from an outstanding LB to now thinking he is a left winger, needs a rest, Davis of course is good as WB but if he going to play there we need someone behind him, the obvious LB to go and get is Ben Chillwell. What was Luongo doing on bench, shows need to get another midfielder. Subs did well. 6 pointer next week, have to attack and have Portman Road roaring. Everton 7 points clear now! I'd bench Hutchinson for Broadhead also at mo. My team for next week would be - Muric Tunazabe O Shea C Greaves Godfrey Davis Phillips Enciso Broadhead Phillogene Delap 4-4-3 Just opinion, next week is a huge 6 pointer COYB

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Leejames99 added 17:31 - Jan 25 10 goals conceded and 10 shots on and off target combined in 2 games. Everton win again, thank goodness everyone else lost. I dont know what we are doing, Morsy was at fault for first goal he couldn't keep up with Sabazolski, he is not a Pr player. Godfery should of came on for Burns, in fact should of been starting. We need a new midfielder in to play with Ensico and Phillips or Cajuste. I think we need a new keeper also Walton is no better than Muric, I rate Muric better for shot stopping but fans shattered his confidence harping on about the old guard, that's what they are old guard. Of course we expect to get beat fair enough against Man City and Liverpool but if we don't beat Southampton with the signings we have made then hope and confidence will fade. I agree re Davis he has gone from an outstanding LB to now thinking he is a left winger, needs a rest, Davis of course is good as WB but if he going to play there we need someone behind him, the obvious LB to go and get is Ben Chillwell. What was Luongo doing on bench, shows need to get another midfielder. Subs did well. 6 pointer next week, have to attack and have Portman Road roaring. Everton 7 points clear now! I'd bench Hutchinson for Broadhead also at mo. My team for next week would be - Muric Tunazabe O Shea C Greaves Godfrey Davis Phillips Enciso Broadhead Phillogene Delap 4-4-3 Just opinion, next week is a huge 6 pointer COYB

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Leejames99 added 17:31 - Jan 25 10 goals conceded and 10 shots on and off target combined in 2 games. Everton win again, thank goodness everyone else lost. I dont know what we are doing, Morsy was at fault for first goal he couldn't keep up with Sabazolski, he is not a Pr player. Godfery should of came on for Burns, in fact should of been starting. We need a new midfielder in to play with Ensico and Phillips or Cajuste. I think we need a new keeper also Walton is no better than Muric, I rate Muric better for shot stopping but fans shattered his confidence harping on about the old guard, that's what they are old guard. Of course we expect to get beat fair enough against Man City and Liverpool but if we don't beat Southampton with the signings we have made then hope and confidence will fade. I agree re Davis he has gone from an outstanding LB to now thinking he is a left winger, needs a rest, Davis of course is good as WB but if he going to play there we need someone behind him, the obvious LB to go and get is Ben Chillwell. What was Luongo doing on bench, shows need to get another midfielder. Subs did well. 6 pointer next week, have to attack and have Portman Road roaring. Everton 7 points clear now! I'd bench Hutchinson for Broadhead also at mo. My team for next week would be - Muric Tunazabe O Shea C Greaves Godfrey Davis Phillips Enciso Broadhead Phillogene Delap 4-4-3 Just opinion, next week is a huge 6 pointer COYB

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Leejames99 added 17:31 - Jan 25 10 goals conceded and 10 shots on and off target combined in 2 games. Everton win again, thank goodness everyone else lost. I dont know what we are doing, Morsy was at fault for first goal he couldn't keep up with Sabazolski, he is not a Pr player. Godfery should of came on for Burns, in fact should of been starting. We need a new midfielder in to play with Ensico and Phillips or Cajuste. I think we need a new keeper also Walton is no better than Muric, I rate Muric better for shot stopping but fans shattered his confidence harping on about the old guard, that's what they are old guard. Of course we expect to get beat fair enough against Man City and Liverpool but if we don't beat Southampton with the signings we have made then hope and confidence will fade. I agree re Davis he has gone from an outstanding LB to now thinking he is a left winger, needs a rest, Davis of course is good as WB but if he going to play there we need someone behind him, the obvious LB to go and get is Ben Chillwell. What was Luongo doing on bench, shows need to get another midfielder. Subs did well. 6 pointer next week, have to attack and have Portman Road roaring. Everton 7 points clear now! I'd bench Hutchinson for Broadhead also at mo. My team for next week would be - Muric Tunazabe O Shea C Greaves Godfrey Davis Phillips Enciso Broadhead Phillogene Delap 4-4-3 Just opinion, next week is a huge 6 pointer COYB

-10

Leejames99 added 17:31 - Jan 25 10 goals conceded and 10 shots on and off target combined in 2 games. Everton win again, thank goodness everyone else lost. I dont know what we are doing, Morsy was at fault for first goal he couldn't keep up with Sabazolski, he is not a Pr player. Godfery should of came on for Burns, in fact should of been starting. We need a new midfielder in to play with Ensico and Phillips or Cajuste. I think we need a new keeper also Walton is no better than Muric, I rate Muric better for shot stopping but fans shattered his confidence harping on about the old guard, that's what they are old guard. Of course we expect to get beat fair enough against Man City and Liverpool but if we don't beat Southampton with the signings we have made then hope and confidence will fade. I agree re Davis he has gone from an outstanding LB to now thinking he is a left winger, needs a rest, Davis of course is good as WB but if he going to play there we need someone behind him, the obvious LB to go and get is Ben Chillwell. What was Luongo doing on bench, shows need to get another midfielder. Subs did well. 6 pointer next week, have to attack and have Portman Road roaring. Everton 7 points clear now! I'd bench Hutchinson for Broadhead also at mo. My team for next week would be - Muric Tunazabe O Shea C Greaves Godfrey Davis Phillips Enciso Broadhead Phillogene Delap 4-4-3 Just opinion, next week is a huge 6 pointer COYB

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therein61 added 17:32 - Jan 25 Well that's City and Liverpool out of the way over to you boys now to get some much needed points! C.O.Y.B
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Leejames99 added 17:32 - Jan 25 Sorry for dupes
0

TimmyH added 17:38 - Jan 25 On the subject of Davis...he's certainly a mixed player, we know he can create (certainly at a lower level as we know) but his defensive work still has a question mark against it (look at their third goal) and also corners for somebody with such a 'cultured' left foot aren't over inspiring, I'd rather have Broadhead take them, though Townsend did better today in that position.

9

delias_cheesy_flaps added 17:42 - Jan 25 That's better, Leejames on ignore list and his seven dupes have gone! As for the footy, last 10 mins we looked okay, Townsend looks capable, Philogene has some skills.
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Phil1969 added 17:44 - Jan 25 The gulf is not just Man City Liverpool it’s all Prem teams understandably from how far we have come and our budget. The model now is we were always going back down as the promoted sides do will be pretty much repeated every season. Back up the following that’s the way now!
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RobsonWark added 17:47 - Jan 25 Don't even mention Muric. That guy needs to be sent back to Burnley and we should get a refund. LeeJames you desperately want us to get relegated. We will stay up with Walton in goal for the rest of the season.
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aas1010 added 17:47 - Jan 25 Another striker to help or feed delap .
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