Milner, Lallana pace dominant Liverpool in rout of Hull City

Hull lost 4-1 at home to Arsenal in their previous league match and Phelan has sought to take the pressure off his side ahead of another meeting with top-quality opposition.

There is a similarity between the opening goals against Leicester City and Hull City, with Milner receiving the ball wide and feeding it infield to Roberto Firmino/Philippe Coutinho.

Whereas most clubs consider the extra assignments a nuisance, Hull’s trip to Stoke enabled them to obtain a first triumph in four, while it also yielded first goals for end-of-window arrivals Ryan Mason and Marcus Henriksen, affording the play-off winners a timely jolt after sliding from third to 12th. Growing up, you watch games at places like Anfield and it’s one of the iconic stadiums in world football. You have to show this. “He took the situation [being dropped] brilliantly and is in a really good moment”. “Arsenal were like, ‘We will sit, we will let them have the ball and then we will have it for another five minutes'”.

Instead it was an easy afternoon for the German, although he insists he did not stand by and revel in some of the thrilling football being played by his outfield team-mates. That’s what we want to build on.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Loris Karius will keep his place in goal for this weekend’s Premier League trip to Swansea City.

Jurgen Klopp has created a competitive team, and that’s pushing our players to perform better. Sturridge was introduced in the second half, however, and again demonstrated his ability to instantly pick up where he leaves off by winning the second penalty of the game.

“Yeah, I’ve certainly had better ones but the day is not over yet for me”. I’m happy with the discussions I’ve had. Performance fluctuates throughout the season, and personal view on players should (IMO) change to reflect that (as opposed to remaining rigid due to blind faith and/or refusal to accept reality).

“It is really healthy competition and we don’t have anything against each other”. Klopp’s only displeasure was the second half failed to match the first. “It’s all good and only my problem”. He is Liverpool’s joint top-scorer this season – three goals so far – and is now a crucial part of the side.

“I saw a lot of them when I was still in Germany, to be honest”, the former Borussia Dortmund boss added.

“I think for the people outside it has a bigger meaning than it actually is”.

While Liverpool’s players have spoken privately that this is fostering a spirit of selflessness inside Melwood’s dressing rooms, Klopp deserves credit for spotting what others haven’t and making it work for him.