A second-half onslaught helped Liverpool to a comfortable win over Huddersfield.

A disappointing first-half display had threatened to ruin things for the home side, especially when Mohammed Salah missed a penalty just before the break.

However an errant header from Terriers defender Tommy Smith set Daniel Sturridge free to bag his 100th career goal and break the deadlock for the Reds.

Roberto Firmino doubled the lead when he met James Milner’s corner before Georginio Wijnaldum added a third with an emphatic finish.

Here were the key talking points from Anfield:

Reds are forever Jekyll and Hyde

 

Liverpool had shown two faces in previous weeks, according to Jurgen Klopp.

Those sides were, as they have been for several years at Anfield now, Jekyll and Hyde. It was a theme which continued in a game as split as their personality.

Lacking energy, slack in passing and an absence of cohesion told the story of a first half where Liverpool drew the frustration of the home support.

The second half, though, was a stark contrast to what had gone before.

Passing was slick, their energy intense and a ruthlessness in front of goal returned with aplomb.

The duality of this Reds side is one that is likely to keep frustrating both its fans and Klopp. Until they shake it off, it may haunt them in their quest to be serious title challengers.

Time for Milner to drop back

 

James Milner shocked everyone with his comfortable transformation into a more than serviceable left-back.

Andy Robertson’s summer arrival, coupled with Alberto Moreno’s surprise revival, meant he hasn’t been needed in that particular role thus far this season.

The problem is, he remains Liverpool’s best player in the position by some distance.

All of his best moments against Huddersfield came when he found himself pulling away from his central role and moving out wide.

Whether he likes it or not, Milner is far better in a wide role than he is down the middle and Liverpool would be wise to use him in such positions where possible.

Front men are no dynamic duo

 

With Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho both on the treatment table, Klopp was forced to shuffle his pack for the visit of the Terriers.

Roberto Firmino found himself shifted out wide with Daniel Sturridge taking up the central role.

Although both would later find themselves on the score sheet, it was not a partnership that truly flourished.

Both players prefer to drop deep to pick up the ball which, as a result, can leave Liverpool’s front line looking very sparse indeed.

Neither Firmino nor Sturridge have impressed in a wide role in a red shirt. It must be one or the other up front moving forward.

Long balls finally pay off

 

Teams which defended deep and challenged Liverpool to break through a low block regularly haunted Klopp throughout last season.

It was a similar story for much of this game as it has been the current campaign, with David Wagner’s side employing the tactic to relatively great success.

Fortunately the home side found a way through it courtesy of long-ball tactics, notably when Tommy Smith inadvertently headed into Sturridge’s path.

Similarly, a long ball forced the corner that led to Firmino grabbing the second.

For much of the game, Liverpool’s best chances came courtesy of them playing direct football and using Mohamed Salah’s pace to worry the defence.

It appears Klopp has finally found the answer to that particular question, expect to see Liverpool go long more often in future.