An Emre Can scissor kick was enough to give Liverpool maximum points over Watford.

The German’s wonder strike just before the interval handed the Reds an upper hand in their attempt to secure a Champions League qualification place.

But Jurgen Klopp’s side suffered mixed news from the encounter as Philippe Coutinho suffered a minor injury early in the first half against the Hornets.

Here were the key talking points from Vicarage Road:

Moment of magic marks Can’s upturn

 

His form has not always been to fans’ liking but Emre Can is showing that it is better late than never in delivering consistency.

With his contract entering its final 12 months, his overall form has been markedly improved in recent weeks ahead of a crucial summer of negotiations.

Not only did he score a contender for Goal of the Season here at Vicarage Road but he once again sealed maximum points on a second occasion for the Reds.

The German’s latest match-winning heroics have done little harm to his chances of earning an extension on his terms, just as others at Anield have done of late.

Reds dodge another injury bullet

 

With both Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge back in action, Jurgen Klopp might have reason to be optimistic Liverpool will boast a strong side in their season run-in.

However seeing one of his key players in Philippe Coutinho hobbling off the pitch after less than 15 minutes played was far from an ideal scenario to contend.

Fortunately Klopp’s side managed to soldier on in the influential Brazilian’s absence, which afforded Lallana an extensive run-out on his own injury return.

Coutinho’s injury was confirmed as nothing more severe than a dead leg; it was music to the ears of the Anfield faithful heading into their final three games.

Klopp slowly converting dropped points

 

Only the purists will have taken a raft of positives from Liverpool’s latest Vicarage Road visit but with so much currently at stake, winning remains all that matters.

Hopes of a sustained title challenge had been put to bed in recent months by inferior opponents, making this result a welcome one for Klopp and his staff.

The headlines could have been so different had Sebastian Prodl’s shot deep in the final stages of added time not rattled off Simon Mignolet’s crossbar.

If they can show enough grit to eke out these kind of results on a regular basis, Liverpool could find themselves truly fighting for the top honours next season.

However doubts about their ability to defend resolutely still linger on.

Top four race is Anfield’s to lose now

 

After a week which threatened to do untold damage to Liverpool’s top four ambitions passed off with little incident, the pressure had mounted again.

Manchester City and United had cancelled each other out in a forgettable local derby before scrambling for a point apiece against far lesser opponents.

Moving four points clear of the pair, both with a game in hand, and Arsenal faltering as distant challengers has moved Anfield a step closer to its famous European nights.

Providing they can consolidate that current gulf by the end of May 21, a Champions League return will have an enormous impact on planned recruitment.

Only Liverpool themselves will determine whether another summer of spending places an emphasis on youth over marquee signings rather than vice versa.