Lallana nets brace as Reds get back on track

It was the perfect response to the setbacks against Bournemouth and West Ham as the Reds triumphed at the Riverside for the first time in eight attempts dating back to 2002.

Lallana nodded Jurgen Klopp's side ahead before the break and they went on to dominate the second half.

Divock Origi slotted home to make it 2-0 and Lallana wrapped up the points as Liverpool moved back above Arsenal into second place.

Simon Mignolet produced a faultless display after being recalled at the expense of Loris Karius.

Mignolet wasn't the only Liverpool player making his first league start since September.

There was also a return to the fold for Ragnar Klavan, who got his opportunity after Joel Matip was ruled out after complaining of discomfort in his ankle.

Aitor Karanka's side were set up to contain and frustrate the Reds and for the best part of half an hour they succeeded.

Liverpool dominated both possession and territory with captain Jordan Henderson's range of passing keeping them on the front foot.

But in the final third there was little penetration. Boro soaked up the pressure and then looked to hit Liverpool on the counter. Mignolet was alert to hold on to Ben Gibson's header from Adam Forshaw's free-kick.

Liverpool were crying out for a bit of quality to unlock the door and Nathaniel Clyne provided it.

Sadio Mane laid it off to him on the right flank and the England international whipped in the most enticing of deliveries.

Lallana needed no second invitation as he arrived to power a header past Victor Valdes. It was the Reds' 50th goal of the season in all competitions.

Boro almost produced an instant response. When Fischer broke away down the right most inside the Riverside were expecting a cross but the Dane tried to catch Mignolet out at his near post. The keeper reacted brilliantly to keep it out.

Just before the break Origi's pass released Mane, whose low drive beat Victor Valdes but bounced back off the post. Origi hammered the rebound in the side-netting.

After the restart Liverpool played with a tempo and intensity Boro couldn't live with. Klopp's men hunted in packs to win back possession and some slick build up play left the hosts chasing shadows.

On the hour mark Liverpool finally made their pressure count. It was a classy move with Mane and Wijnaldum combining before Lallana's low cross was turned in by Origi from close range.

Referee Jon Moss had been playing the advantage after Mane was chopped down and eight minutes later the Reds made it 3-0 in similar fashion.

After Gibson upended Mane, Origi pounced on the loose ball and returned the compliment as he centred for Lallana to kill Boro off with his second of the night.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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