Goals in either half from Joe Allen and Roberto Firmino were enough to help Liverpool see off Watford at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp fielded a much-changed on the back of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final win over Villarreal, notably restoring Christian Benteke to lead the line.

And it was Benteke whose knock-down to Allen midway through the first half handed the Reds the upper hand as the Welsh midfielder tucked the ball into Heurelho Gomes’ net.

Firmino, on in place of compatriot Philippe Coutinho, doubled the advantage 15 minutes from time with a well-taken run and strike.

Here were the main talking points from a comfortable afternoon at Anfield…

Sunday stroll as top six beckons for Reds

Liverpool’s focus has invariably gravitated towards the Europa League final in 10 days’ time but Jurgen Klopp attempted to downplay the notion.

“Our cup final is here against Watford’, was the message from the Kop boss’ programme notes, yet this was played a testimonial pace; to say it was a Sunday stroll would be an understatement.

Klopp’s assertion that it was not a game which will be recorded for posterity in the Anfield museum was correct. On and off the pitch, the Reds appeared to be preserving their strength during the visit of Quique Sanchez Flores’ side.

But there is plenty for Liverpool to still play for. Win their final two matches, against Chelsea and West Brom respectively, and a credible sixth-place finish in the Premier League will be a certainty.

Should Klopp win his 50th game in charge, in Wednesday’s visit of Chelsea, his first-half season at the helm will have been an incredibly momentous one.

‘Joe Allen football’ should be here to stay

The Liverpool manager was effusive in his praise for one player in particular against the Hornets.

‘Joe Allen football’ was how Klopp described his game plan; a performance that was energetic, hard-working and littered with technique – and the Welsh midfielder delivered in spades.

Not content with opening the scoring, Allen was typically livewire with a series of incisive passes and high intensity that would have pleased his manager – the godfather of Gegenpressing.

With little over 12 months remaining on his current contract, the former Swansea City midfielder has proved that he is worthy of both an extended first-team run and an extension to his Anfield career.

If not, there will be plenty of clubs queuing for his services this summer, following Euro 2016.

Firmino is destined for greatness

When Roberto Firmino was announced as a Liverpool signing last summer, it was hailed as a massive coup.

How true that has proved as the Brazilian continues to enjoy a flying start to his maiden season on Merseyside.

Already flying from his heroics in Thursday’s Europa League semi-final win over Villarreal, his latest Premier League goal was the 17th he has been involved in for Liverpool, with 10 strikes and seven assists.

He finds himself in esteemed company with that 10th goal – a feat repeated by Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Fernando Torres in their own maiden campaigns at Anfield. It is a sign of things to come.

‘One for the future’ Ojo comes good

‘One for the future’ remains the time-honoured mantra for Liverpool’s burgeoning crop of youngsters.

More often than not, however, tomorrow never comes; those boys become men and never scale the heights.

But Sheyi Ojo is set to be an overdue exception to the rule. It has become increasingly clear why the 18-year-old was recalled from a season-long loan with Wolves in January.

A third assist, as Firmino doubled the hosts’ advantage, was his third in four starts for Liverpool – further proof, were it needed, that potential is finally becoming living proof.