Liverpool stretched their lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points after swatting aside Newcastle 4-0 at Anfield.
A sensational opener from Dejan Lovren set the tone with the defender thrashing home a sweet half-volley in the 11th minute.
Their second did not arrive until after the break, but the hosts didn’t have to wait long with Mohamed Salah scoring from the spot in the 48th minute.
An impressive Xherdan Shaqiri slotted a simple tap in for the third and substitute Fabinho glanced home a header from a Salah corner for the fourth.
With Manchester City losing 2-1 at Leicester, the Reds moved six points clear of second-placed Tottenham who handed out a beating of their own to defeat Bournemouth 5 0.
Here are our Liverpool player ratings from Anfield.
LIVERPOOL 4-2-3-1
Alisson 6 – Could have sat in with the jubilant Anfield crowd such was the ease of his day’s work. Tidy in possession and untroubled between the sticks.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7 – Both Liverpool full-backs were instrumental. The 20-year-old offered bags of energy and delightful delivery. Did miscue one or two crosses but then got the assist for Shaqiri’s goal.
Dejan Lovren 7 – The self-anointed world’s best defender provided some justice to his rather bold claim. Opened the scoring with a vicious half-volley and was typically solid throughout.
Virgil van Dijk 7 – Another clean sheet and only two goals conceded at home in the Premier League all season for Liverpool. The Dutchman deserves credit for that, once again he was brilliant, even providing a threat in attack.
Andrew Robertson 8 – Could probably copy and paste an analysis of the flying Scot’s performance each week. Incredibly consistent and his deep lungs are matched by his full heart.
Georginio Wijnaldum 7 – An unsung hero for Liverpool this season. Sat at the base of the midfield with the captain and always looked to play the ball forward.
Jordan Henderson 7 – Very tidy performance from the skipper. Ideal in fixtures like this where he won’t be particularly pressured and is afforded the time to be measured, brilliant first-time pass in the lead up to Shaqiri’s goal.
Xherdan Shaqiri 8 – The guy could power a street of Christmas lights he’s that electric. His bulldozing pace on the counter was crucial and then his pinpoint diagonal balls were a big feature of Liverpool’s play. Deserved his goal.
🔴🔴 Liverpool’s 3 - 0 goal by Xherdan #Shaqiri 79’⚽️ #LIVNEW pic.twitter.com/5b48j7Nbki
— jumana (@jumana_physio) December 26, 2018
Roberto Firmino 6 – Relatively quiet by his standards but then you must not neglect the work he does off the ball. Buzzed about the pitch constantly, dropping between the lines to link up play and then initiating the press.
Sadio Mane 7 – Must be more clinical. Mane is so dangerous with his piercing pace causing so much trouble. He was frequently found behind Newcastle’s line of defence but either took a touch when he should have shot early, or inaccurately tried to feed a team-mate.
Moahmed Salah 7 – Won the penalty, scored the penalty. Will come in for some criticism over the way he won the spot-kick, however, Paul Dummett put his hands on him and Salah gladly took that opportunity to hit the deck.
SUBSTITUTES
Fabinho 7 – Came on just past the hour mark and was extremely comfortable on the ball. Headed in his first goal for the club from a stunning Salah corner.
Daniel Sturridge 6 – Given 20 minutes and could have scored only to see a header drift wide.
Nathaniel Clyne N/A – Arrived on the scene with 10 minutes to go for more needed minutes under his belt.
