An Adam Lallana brace and a goal from Divock Origi secured three points for Liverpool at Middlesbrough.

Nathaniel Clyne’s cross found Lallana in space to break the deadlock just before the half hour mark as the Reds took control and stepped things up after the break.

A further two goal in eight minutes after an hour saw Origi turn in a Lallana cross before returning the favour for the England international to complete his brace.

Jurgen Klopp saw also his side record a first clean sheet in three Premier League games after dropping an under-fire Loris Karius in favour of Simon Mignolet.

Here were the key talking points from the Riverside Stadium…

Mignolet must seize top spot chance

 

Jurgen Klopp made the big call, and likely, the most sensible one in light of Loris Karius’ recent jitters by restoring Simon Mignolet to his starting line-up.

This is now an opportunity for the Belgian to stake a longer-term claim between the sticks.

It was also arguably the perfect opportunity to give Mignolet a chance to build up some game time and confidence ahead of the crucial Merseyside derby clash next Monday.

The ex-Sunderland stopper had little to do except for two relatively straight forward saves in the first half.

Mignolet can expect a sterner test at Goodison Park, where Everton will are likely to be boosted by their late win against Arsenal on Tuesday night.

Shut-outs key to a renewed title push

 

Dropped points against West Ham and Bournemouth tarnished their title credentials but a rare clean sheet has restored winning ways for the Reds.

Although tougher tests await against the Toffees, Stoke and Manchester City all before 2017 is seen in, a clean sheet or two thrown in might well add legitimacy to Liverpool’s title charge.

Middlesbrough did little here to exploit the weaknesses that have plagued their vistors in recent games, save for a bright opening 20 minutes.

During that time, Klopp’s side looked clunky in possession and slow to close down the home side’s threat from the flanks.

The German’s half-time talk clearly galvanised his team. In the second half they looked far more like the team that has won both admirers and points this term.

Lallana has raised the bar

 

A returning Adam Lallana has finally added goals to his game.

His six goals has now surpassed last season’s overall tally in less than half of the number of appearances.

A deeper position from midfield this term has allowed him to have a greater influence in the build-up play and to pick up loose balls in coming out of the box.

Both goals came as he arrived into the box, with Sadio Mane’s running and Roberto Firmino drawing defenders away from the ball has allowed Lallana to have a greater impact on the score sheet.

After another man-of-the-match performance, Lallana is undoubtedly showing the most progress of anyone under Klopp.

He is now looking every bit the world-class talent Reds fans thought he could be.

Origi’s renaissance continues

 

Divock Origi is starting to look increasingly like a proper striker too.

Voted by French newspaper L’Equipe as one of the 11 worst players in Ligue 1 in his final season at Lille, the Belgian is beginning to show his capabilities and game intelligence.

Much has been made of his recent goal scoring run, with five in as many games, but he did more than just weigh in with Liverpool’s second to make it a formality on the hour.

Just before half time, he picked up the ball and took both of Boro’s centre-backs out with a sublime pass that found Mane in space, whose angled shot hit the woodwork.

Eight minutes after scoring, he picked up on Mane’s run and slip to pick out the unmarked Lallana, who slotted home the Reds’ third.

His creative play was superb, his movement is improving with first-team action and he grew in influence in this game.