Liverpool strolled into the Champions League’s last 16 with a 7-0 win over Spartak Moscow.

A hat-trick from Philippe Coutinho and goals from Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah helped the Reds complete a comprehensive rout.

With 22 goals, Jurgen Klopp’s side also became the competition’s highest-scoring English side in the group stages, replacing Manchester United.

Here were the key talking points from Anfield:

Coutinho steals the show

 

It seems Philippe Coutinho isn’t happy with the aforementioned Mane, Salah and Firmino grabbing the headlines.

Superb in the win over Brighton at the weekend, the Brazilian was at it again to see off Spartak at Anfield.

His hat-trick, only the third time a player has managed one for the club in the Champions League, was simply the highlight of another superb display from the centre of midfield.

Coutinho is now in full flow following his difficult summer if he continues in this vein, no doubt there will be suitors in January.

For now, though, Liverpool are reaping the rewards from standing their ground earlier this year and credit must be given to the for doing so.

Reds finally worthy of the last 16

 

It’s been a while since Liverpool’s name was in the draw for the last 16 of the Champions League but they are finally in it this year and deservedly so.

If the measure of how big a side is in how comfortably they can dispatch lesser teams then the competition’s five-time winners are among the best.

Spartak Moscow’s visit should have been one for shredded nerves and fingernails but Liverpool made it appear like a pre-season friendly.

Finishing top of Group E should now present them with a favourable tie in the draw for the next round on Monday.

Even if it doesn’t and they somehow draw one of the so-called big sides, it will make little difference – this side can score past anyone.

Klopp’s team hit Rodgers’ heights

 

Defensive problems may still continue to haunt this Liverpool team but offensively they are undoubtedly among the best.

Indeed, if they continue as they are, they will soon be hitting the kind of heights that Brendan Rodgers’ 2013/14 team ascended to.

That year the Reds, powered by the attacking trio of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling, scored 110 goals in all competitions.

Powered by the quartet of Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, have managed 69 by the first week of December.

If they keep up their current prowess in front of goal, they will be setting some records of their own.

Anfield steps up again

 

Klopp had been questioned how he intended to ensure there would be no repeat of last month’s capitulation in Sevilla.

His answer was that he could not but Anfield’s famous atmosphere would prevent a reoccurrence of that second half horror show anyway.

Those in the stands were clearly listening. Although the atmosphere was nowhere near it’s most intimidating, it was certainly enough to dazzle Spartak.

It also appeared to affect referee Pawel Sokolnicki, whose decision to award an early penalty was surely influenced by the loud cries from the stands.

Anfield is a special place on European nights and that atmosphere will be needed should the real European giants arrive in the knockout stages.