Player ratings: Mohamed Salah makes Miguel Britos suffer as Liverpool hammer Watford

The Egyptian scored twice ahead of half-time before laying on a goal for Roberto Firmino, who finished with a delightful back heel to make it 3-0 after 50 minutes.

Watford’s defence was at a loss to deal with the home side’s movement and Salah added two more late in the second period to compound their misery.

A poor defensive effort was matched by a toothless effort going forward, which saw Watford barely manage an attempt on goal throughout the match.

Here’s how the Hornets rated on a disappointing evening on Merseyside.

Orestis Karnezis – 6.5

Could have done better to hold Danny Ings’ shot in the build up to the Liverpool fifth, but was left painfully exposed throughout the game.

Made two fine stops from Firmino and Ings to prevent Watford going down to an even bigger defeat.

Kiko Femenía – 6

The best of Watford’s defensive unit and got forward when he could on the right. Did a better job of shackling Sadio Mane than Jose Holebas did with Salah on the opposite flank.

Adrian Mariappa – 4.5

Looked more assured than centre-back partner Sebastian Prodl but still put in a shaky performance at the heart of the Watford defence.

Almost gifted Salah another goal with a wayward pass which required Karnezis to be alert in order to clear the danger.

Sebastian Prödl – 4

The pace of the Liverpool front three was always likely to trouble the big Austrian and he struggled throughout.

Allowed Mane to ease past him from a throw-in in the build up to Salah’s hat-trick strike.

Miguel Britos – 3.5

Embarrassed and left flat on his back by Salah’s trickery as the Egyptian opened the scoring in the fourth minute and looked off the pace throughout.

First start since November and Salah had the beating of the defender on every occasion. A fact the Liverpool number 11 was fully aware of and repeatedly exploited.

Jose Holebas – 4

Lost track of Salah for the first goal and was often found out of position. His failure to track Liverpool’s most dangerous man was brutally exploited.

Played a number of wayward passes in the first half and failed to get into the game going forward.

Roberto Pereyra – 6.5

Watford’s best attacking outlet and looked the most likely to create throughout an uninspiring display from Javi Gracia’s men.

Lovely piece of skill to nutmeg Andrew Robertson and almost provide and opening for Troy Deeney in the first half.

Went close to grabbing a consolation when his crossed free-kick struck the top of the bar in the second period.

Abdoulaye Doucouré – 5

Didn’t influence the game in the way he can do and struggled against Liverpool’s incessant pressing.

Can do so much more than he managed against one of the sides said to be coveting his signature this summer.

Etienne Capoue – 5

Like Doucoure, looked off the pace and failed to stamp his authority on the midfield battle. Had one of Watford’s few efforts with shot which went wide in the second half.

Richarlison – 4.5

Bar a first half header which was easily saved by Loris Karius, the Brazilian failed to make any impact on the game.

Needs a rest and could benefit hugely from the two-week international break.

Troy Deeney – 4.5

Cut an isolated figure in the attacking berth and had precious little service to feed on, but also didn’t do enough to hold play up when he did get on the ball.

SUBS

Will Hughes – 5

Replaced the ineffectual Richarlison but also laboured to get into the game. The result was all but decided by the time he came on, which made it hard to influence proceedings.

Stefano Okaka – 4.5

Came on for Deeney and was equally toothless at the front of the Watford attack.

Daryl Janmaat – N/A

Came on for just nine minutes.