Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho, Emre Can and Roberto Firmino all scored as Liverpool underlined their title credentials
Liverpool strode confidently to the top of the Premier League with an ominous display that suggests they can stay there.
The Reds destroyed poor Watford with a stunning attacking master-class, led by the Samba style of Braziliant Brazilians Philippe Coutinho and Rpberto Firmino.
Both men scored a goal each and had a hand in two more as Jurgen Klopp's sideproduced football that was less heavy metal and more a symphony of style.
Coutinho, who is simply on fire at the moment, started it with a brilliant cross that Sadio Mane converted, then he cut inside himself to fire home a second.
Emre Can was gifted a third from Adam Lallana's superb cross just before the break, and then Firmino tapped in after Lallana repeated the trick, before Mane got a second.
Watford were stunned, and could only reply late on when full back Daryl Janmaat produced a good finish, with the Hornets relieved at that stage they weren't buried under an avalanche of goals.
But Liverpool had the last laugh as substitute Georginio Wijnaldum added a sixth late on.
Here our reporter David Maddock offers some observations:
1. Coutinho and Firmino the deadly duo
There is a contest going on between Coutinho and Firmino to decide who is the best player in the Premier League right now.
It's a close call, with Coutinho's end product in terms of assists and goals offering an obvious argument, but Firmino's ability to dictate the pace of a game possibly shades it.
2. Five-star attack unstoppable at the moment
The whole Reds front five are not just on top of their game, but on fire, which explains why they are top of the table going into the international break.
There is a consistency about them at the moment, that only perhaps Chelsea's forward line can get close to.
3. Liverpool could be clear at the top by Christmas
If they maintain that consistency for a couple of months, then there's a chance Liverpool can open up a bit of a gap over the Christmas period...and that would be an ominous position to be in, given most of their rivals at the top of the table should all still be embroiled in the Champions' League in the New Year.
4. Henderson the new conductor
While pondering Liverpool's laden attacking menace, spare a brief thought for the contribution of Jordan Henderson, who sits deeper to allow the five in front of him to inter-change at will.
He is top of the passing stats for a reason – and his is like a conductor in this Reds team.
5. Better days will come for Watford
Poor Watford never recovered from Mane's too easy opening goal from a corner. Before then, it seemed their game plan of frustration and counter pace would work. After, it seemed only a question of how many.
They will not always face attacks this good, but it does burst their recent bubble somewhat.
Player ratings
Liverpool
Loris Karius 6
Had little to, but still contributed with his smart and efficient distribution
Nathaniel Clyne 7
Got forward superbly, and showed strength at the back when required
Joel Matip 7
Powerful in the main, which was important, and used possession well
Lucas Leiva 7
Armchair game in the middle, and showed he can slot in so easily
James Milner 7
Don't under-estimate the role his experience plays in this Reds side
Adam Lallana 8
Where are his critics now? Think every PL manager would want him
Jordan Henderson 7
Captain's role in the middle. Has picked up where Steven Gerrard left off
Emre Can 7
Best game so far this season and now looks to be back to his best
Sadio Mane 8
Changed the game with first goal, pace a constant, vicious threat
Roberto Firmino 9 MOTM
Toss up between him and Coutinho over game's best player
Philippe Coutinho 9
Movement cutting inside from the left was simply stunning. A joy
Substitutes
Wijnaldum 6 (Mane 63), Sturridge 6 (Lallana 71), Ejaria 6 (Coutinho 87)
Watford
Heurelho Gomes 6
Made some fine saves early on, but off before break with injury
Daryl Janmaat 5
Poor game, and was run ragged by brilliant Lallana, but scored a well-taken goal
Younes Kaboul 6
Did best to shore up a leaking ship, but always looked exposed
Miguel Britos 5
All at sea even from set pieces against a small Liverpool team
Jose Holebas 5
Booked. Didn't have the game to get anywhere near Mane
Valon Behrami 6
Anonymous in middle, but to be fair spent game chasing ghosts
Roberto Pereyra 5
Another who simply looked out of his depth at Anfield
Nordin Amrabat 5
Danger for Watford is when things go wrong players like him go missing
Etienne Capoue 5
Never saw the ball, never got into the game, never a chance
Odion Ighalo 5
Another who may as well have had an afternoon off
Troy Deeney 6
Tried hard but was controlled by the superb Matip
Substitutes
Pantilimon 6 (Gomes 33), Watson 6 (Behrami 66)
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