Klopp: Performance against Everton is our benchmark

Jurgen Klopp says that the emphatic display that Liverpool produced at Goodison Park is the level that they have to match if they want to achieve their goals this season.

Bar for a patch before half time, the Reds were in complete control against their neighbours, and at times playing some sublime football that Everton clearly could not contend with.

It is Liverpool’s biggest league win at Everton since November 1982 and in many ways was a cherry on the cake to an outstanding first half of this campaign which has also including a emphatic thumping of Man United at Old Trafford and a perfect five wins from as many games in their Champions League group.

Once again Mo Salah was imperious and unplayable, Jordan Henderson scored and set up another with a inch perfect pass for the Egyptian while Diogo Jota rounded out the scoring with a fine finish of his own.

Speaking after the match, Klopp was undeniably delighted with the performance, but certainly not content and sent a message to his players as the Official website reported.

“It was, for sure, the best performance we've shown since I'm at Liverpool at Goodison. We had some good games here, but we were never as good as tonight. We were never as calm as tonight, we were never as convinced as tonight and that's why we won the game and I am really happy about that.

“It doesn't mean anything for the future but it shows us that this is now our benchmark, that's what we have to reach now in each game when we play these kind of teams, because emotions are important in football. 

“We are a very emotional football team but, first and foremost, you need the right mood and mindset. Yes, emotion [is] good but not the only important thing."

Klopp praised the efforts of not only Salah but the other two members of the front three for their ability to pressure the Everton defence and set up goalscoring opportunities.

And he had a special word for the skipper who in his time under Klopp has transformed from someone who never really looked to take the game on to someone who has matured into a all-round player who can play multiple roles, not to mention his outstanding leadership.

“Hendo was good but with his skillset you should be good. When you can train, when you can play, when you get rhythm and then you have the quality of Hendo, then you will play good football games. Tonight, I think it was for him as well the best performance at Goodison.”