Diogo Jota helps see off Watford as Liverpool make it 10 in a row

The relentlessness of Liverpool will trouble Pep Guardiola more than the form of his only rivals for the Premier League title. Jürgen Klopp’s team were far from their fluid, dominant best against relegation-threatened Watford but that was an irrelevance alongside a 10th successive league win that took Liverpool top ahead of Manchester City’s visit to Burnley.

Diogo Jota struck once again and Fabinho converted late on from the penalty spot, awarded following the VAR’s intervention, as Liverpool also recorded a 10th consecutive league win at Anfield. They were strong rather than stylish against an awkward opponent, clinical more than creative with Mohamed Salah quiet on his return from an arduous international break, but they got the job done yet again.

The early kick-off could not dampen the heightened expectation inside Anfield as Liverpool looked to usurp Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League, however briefly. But Watford would make life difficult. Their three clean sheets in the league this season have all come on Roy Hodgson’s watch and, with trusted assistant Ray Lewington alongside him, the former Liverpool manager oversaw a typically well-drilled defensive display from his team. The visitors possessed a clear threat too, on the break and from set pieces, and performed with a composure that belied their lowly league position.

Ismaïla Sarr had the game’s first opportunity when played through by Christian Kabasele’s clearance out of defence. His half-volley dipped over Alisson but also over the Liverpool goalkeeper’s crossbar. Cucho Hernández had another decent chance for Watford when connecting with Imran Louza’s corner to the near post. His glancing header was straight into Alisson’s hands. Their best