Liverpool vs Watford: Robertson struggled while Milner ‘did the dirty work’

Liverpool thrashed Watford 5-0 in the Premier League in front of the Anfield crowd, but Andrew Robertson struggled while James Milner ‘did the dirty work’.

The Reds got off to a flying start thanks to a Sadio Mane double inside 20 minutes before Divock Origi and Virgil van Dijk (x2) wrapped up the game in the second half.

Robertson provided the assists for Origi as well as van Dijk’s second, but that wasn’t enough to ensure the left-back received glowing reviews from the papers.

Robbo has been one of the most consisted players in the Liverpool side this season as Alberto Moreno has warmed the bench, but against Watford was he at his peak defensively? According to the Echo, he wasn’t.

Ian Doyle thought that the Scot was sloppy with the ball and failed to defend as well as he could, but added that Robertson improved after the break and was at his best for the final assist of the game.

The Mirror agreed with Doyle’s assessment of Robbo’s ability with the ball at his feet as they thought the left-back’s passing could have been crisper, sharper, better.

Milner was picked to start over Jordan Henderson and was tasked with doing the dirty, gritty stuff to help protect the Liverpool defence. This was something the 33-year-old was only too happy to do as he went about the match in an aggressive manner.

Milly was handed the task of doing ‘the dirty work’, said the Mirror, who commented on his joy at being asked to snap into tackles and upset the rhythm of Watford.

This was a highly pleasing result across the board, but special mention should go to Divock Origi. Origi came into the squad from the cold, was asked to perform an unfamiliar task on the left-hand side and performed it to perfection.

The Belgian capped it all off with a lovely goal, but his defensive effort also drew praise.