Liverpool secured a top four place and a return to the Champions League with a 3-0 win over Middlesbrough.

In a tense first half, Georginio Wijnaldum provided the goal Liverpool were craving with a superb finish just before the break.

Philippe Coutinho added to that with an excellent free kick before Adam Lallana made the result a certainty with the third halfway through the second half.

Here were the key talking points from Anfield’s season finale:

Still work to do for Champions League

 

A Champions League passage has been secured but a return of continental nights to Anfield are not a foregone conclusion for Liverpool just yet.

Finishing fourth in the Premier League means Jurgen Klopp’s side face another 180-minute test to guarantee their involvement on Europe’s biggest stage.

Even as top seeds in qualifying, the task is still unlikely to be a simple one.

Klopp and his players would be wise not to get ahead of themselves just yet – the disappointment of the failed title bid this season should teach them that much.

A comprehensive win over Middlesbrough was just what was needed to end the uncertainty and edge closer to a likely Champions League return.

But the fight is far from over.

Lallana remains a beating heart

 

It was no surprise to find Liverpool were back among the goals since Adam Lallana’s return to the starting lineup.

The England midfielder has made huge strides for both club and country under the guidance of Klopp and is a key member of the team when available.

His technical ability is undeniable and unlike his other midfield partners, offers a real driving force that is key on the attack, especially against teams that play deep.

Philippe Coutinho often takes the headlines, and will again after his superb free-kick doubled the advantage, but Lallana is the real heartbeat of this team.

If the worst-case scenario happens and the Brazilian does end up departing this summer, Lallana may help soften the blow that many would imagine.

Coutinho’s new role should stick

 

If Coutinho does end up staying, though, then deploying him in a central role is a must for Liverpool next season.

It always appeared to be an odd decision to limit him to a left-wing role when it is evident he is a far more dangerous player in the centre of the park.

That was on show in the win over West Ham last weekend and demonstrated on more than one occasion against Steve Agnew’s condemned side.

With time and space, Coutinho was in his element; demonstrating his passing range, getting between the lines and terrifying the visitors from start to finish.

Klopp has hinted that a central role may be where Coutinho’s future lies and on the evidence provided in the last two games, it’s easy to see why he thinks so.

Where does Henderson fit in now?

 

With Coutinho and Lallana performing so well, it raises an interesting question about Jordan Henderson.

The midfielder has been sorely missed in the more difficult times this season but the current line-up looks stronger without him.

Emre Can has settled into his holding midfield role and Coutinho, Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum fully justify their starting roles on current forms.

It is hard to see where the Reds captain fits in when everyone is available.

Klopp will doubtless have a plan but at this moment in time, Henderson faces a fight to justify replacing any of his teammates in this current line up.