Liverpool analysis - Trent Alexander-Arnold expresses Klopp's new Reds as Virgil van Dijk stars again

Liverpool extended their undefeated start to the Premier League season with a remarkable win at Watford. 

Mohamed Salah scored first midway through the second half after a difficult first half that ended goalless.

The Reds had strong penalty claim against them when Andy Robertson appeared to bring down Will Hughes.

Trent Alexander-Arnold added the second with a stunning free-kick on 76 minutes.

Roberto Firmino finalized the scoring in the 89 minute from a rebound after Mane’s shot that hit the post.

Captain Jordsan Henderson was sent off after a second bookable offence in the 82^nd minute and will miss next week’s Merseyside Derby.

Van Dijk at his peak

It was perhaps one of the most convoluted respects Virgil van Dijk could have received.

When Watford were awarded a number of corners and set-pieces near the Liverpool area during the first half, the home crowd buzzed in anticipation.

But rather than pump the ball into the mixer, as has proven so successful for the Hornets against the Reds in recent years, they opted to knock possession around in some elaborate routine before the opening was slowly frittered away.

The Vicarage Road faithful were not impressed.

You couldn't blame Watford, though. From the opening minutes, when he bailed out Alisson Becker's poor pass out with a solid tackle on Gerard Deulofeu, this was Van Dijk at his peak.

To play a long ball anywhere near the Dutchman was to effectively gift possession back to Liverpool.

The Reds have had problems here in the past – witness the defensive calamities in the 3-3 draw on the opening day of last season – but, as Premier League opponents are discovering with each passing week, this is a different Liverpool.

And while ably assisted by the recalled Dejan Lovren, Van Dijk was the true star, tackling, intercepting, clearing. He's key to why Liverpool have still only conceded five top-flight goals this season.

No wonder Troy Deeney went on record earlier this season saying how much he hated playing against the big Dutchman.

Jordan Henderson didn't need a sharp new haircut to demonstrate he meant business at Watford.Back in the starting line-up for the first time in a month, the Liverpool skipper has seen Fabinho show signs of progress in midfield while Gini Wijnaldum continues to consistently impress.

Furthermore, the emergence of Xherdan Shaqiri as a potent force means three ostensibly central midfield roles have been whittled down to two.

The competition for places in the engine room has never been more fierce for Henderson.

So how would he respond here?

Even Henderson's biggest detractors would admit his energy and ability to move play on quickly are among his greatest attributes, and they were prevalent during a busy first half, a highlight of which came when he chased down a rampaging Gerard Deulofeu after a Liverpool counter-attack broke down.

And when he knocked over Watford substitute Isaac Success on the hour, it was for the greater good, picking up a booking to prevent a home attack with the game still goalless.

Henderson, though, went too far to impress. Later given a last warning by referee Jon Moss, he was about to be replaced when he stupidly bundled over Etienne Capoue and departed regardless, a red card that means another brief spell on the sidelines – albeit the rather notable matter of an Anfield Merseyside derby.

This was one step forward, one step back for the Reds skipper.

Joe Gomez's sore ankle may easily have done Jurgen Klopp a favour.

With the centre-back not risked, there was no question mark over Trent Alexander-Arnold's inclusion in the starting line-up.

It's been a difficult few months for the youngster, coping with the inevitable drop-off after a year of great progress.

His first steps here were uncertain, with Watford clearly having targeted Liverpool's right as a potential weak point.

But as the Reds grew into the match, so too did Alexander-Arnold, grasping the initiative and defending doggedly.

And, of course, then came the wonderful free-kick for Liverpool's second, curled exquisitely into the top corner. Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster didn't even move.

Alexander-Arnold's subsequent celebrations in front of an ecstatic away end far outstripped those following his debut England goal last week against the United States.

Klopp believes Liverpool have matured as a team. Alexander-Arnold is maturing as a player, too.

Credit: liverpoolecho.co.uk