English Premier League relegation threatened side, Watford on Saturday, beat Liverpool by 3-0 at the Vicarage road to end the 44 games unbeaten run by the Jurgen Klopp led side.
Watford who clearly had done their homework after seeing the Atletico game at the Champions League, inflicted the first defeat on Liverpool in the league. The game saw Ismaila Sarr scoring twice while captain Troy Deeney adding a third to halt Liverpool’s run in style.
The Reds had won their past 18 Premier League games and another at Vicarage Road would have made history as the longest winning run in the English top flight.
Watford had more chances in the first half and only a superb save from Alisson, to deny Troy Deeney, prevented them from leading at the break.
However, Watford deservedly took the lead when Abdoulaye Doucoure squeezed a cross in from the left and the impressive Sarr was there to stab in.
Liverpool had fallen behind against West Ham last week but still managed to grind out a win. However, there was a feeling that this time was different, with the Reds sloppy in possession and lacking bite in attack.
It was no surprise that Watford doubled their advantage. Sarr was put through on goal by Will Hughes and the winger calmly lifted the ball over Alisson and into the net.
Captain Deeney then completed a famous victory, curling into the back of the net from the edge of the area.
The win would have meant a lot to the likes of Manchester City, but given the huge point gap which stands at 22 points, the hope of catching Liverpool and beating them to the league is nothing but impossible as it stands.
Reacting after the game, Watford coach Nigel Pearson said:”It’s such an important win for us. But it is one win. Our season has been tough so far, with losing last week and not playing well, we were keen to get a response.
“They are such an outstanding side, we had to get our performance right – as close to max as possible – and I thought we thoroughly deserved the win. We threatened with the ball and defended with discipline, energy and commitment. That’s been the message from day one.
“It’s in our own hands, and we have to deliver that performance week in, week out.”
On his part, Klopp who was looking to equal the record set by Arsenal, had this to say: “They did exactly what they wanted to do, we did not. That’s how football works.
“You have to accept it, it’s not so easy, but it’s the proof we were not good enough. It’s always very difficult.
“If you win good, if you lose, try to do it in the right manner and do it like a man.”